Currency & Payment

Bhutan uses the ngultrum (BTN, Nu.), which is pegged at par to the Indian rupee (INR). Indian rupees also circulate widely and are generally accepted, though some higher-value INR notes may be refused. Bhutan is largely a cash-oriented society, so carry enough local currency, especially outside the main towns.

Many visitors bring US dollars or Indian rupees and exchange them in Bhutan. You can change money at banks, at the airport in Paro, and at some hotels. Rates and fees vary, so compare where you can. Keep some smaller notes for everyday spending, and change enough before heading to remote areas where facilities are limited.

Card acceptance in Bhutan is limited. Some hotels, larger shops and travel operators in Thimphu and other towns take Visa and Mastercard, but many smaller places, rural areas and markets are cash only. Card systems can also be affected by connectivity. Treat cards as a backup and rely mainly on cash for day-to-day spending.

ATMs are found mainly in Thimphu, Paro and other towns, but support for foreign cards is limited and can be unreliable. Withdrawal limits may be low and machines can be out of service or cash. Do not rely on ATMs as your only source of money; bring enough cash to exchange and withdraw in larger towns when you can.

Mobile and QR payments are growing among residents in Bhutan, and local apps and QR codes are increasingly used in towns. However, these services generally require a Bhutanese bank account and local phone number, so they are usually not available to short-term visitors. Plan to pay in cash, and treat mobile payment as something locals use rather than a traveller option.

Tipping is not traditionally expected in Bhutan, but it has become common on guided tours, where travellers often tip their guide and driver at the end of the trip as a thank-you. In restaurants and hotels a small tip is appreciated but not required. Give tips in local currency, and let the quality of service guide the amount.

For many visitors the biggest cost is the Sustainable Development Fee, which is charged per day and shapes the overall trip budget. Once inside the country, everyday items like local meals, snacks and simple guesthouses can be modest, while imported goods and comfortable hotels cost more. Prices vary between Thimphu and rural areas, so budget with the daily fee in mind.

Bhutan does not operate a broad tourist tax-refund scheme like the VAT-refund systems found in some countries, so most visitors should not expect to reclaim sales tax on shopping. Tax arrangements can change as the country updates its system, so if a refund matters to you, confirm the current rules with official sources before you travel.