Language

Dzongkha (official); Sharchhopka; Lhotshamkha; Nepali and English widely spoken in more populated areas; 1% of population make up a variety of different ethnic groups each with own languages.

Currency

Ngultrum (Divided into chetrums)

US DOLLARS in cash is the main currency of exchange for tourists in Bhutan, with the AUD also as widely accepted, and internationally recognised credit card if you intend to shop.

For basic purchases eg drinks, snacks and small items US or AU cash will meet your needs in Bhutan.

Smaller denominations of clean, unmarked notes should be carried with you for ease of exchange. Other currencies will be very difficult to change and perhaps impossible.

There are now some ATM’s in Bhutan however, these are not reliable, and often for the use of locals only.

Ngulstrum cannot be changed back when you depart nor used outside of Bhutan, so keep this in mind in your calculations.

International Dialing Code

+975

Electricity

Electricity in Bhutan is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin type varies but is most commonly types C, D and G. We recommend taking a universal adapter.

Visas

The cost of a Bhutan visa is US$40 per person and is payable to your World Expeditions Reservations consultant or travel agent. The visa process for Bhutan requires you to provide us with a scanned colour copy of your passport as we require your full passport details (full name as it appears in your passport, nationality, date of birth, passport number, date of issue and expiry date, and occupation) at least 30 days before your arrival in Bhutan. Following the processing of your visa clearance we will provide you with a clearance number to enable you to board the plane from your respective airport; you will then receive a stamped visa upon arrival at Paro airport. You must carry the visa approval letter with you and you will be required to show this when checking in for your DRUK flight into Paro.

NOTE:- Please be aware that it is very usual that we do not receive visa clearance numbers from the Bhutanese government until the week of travel, sometimes 2 or 3 days before departure date. If you have already left on your travels prior to receiving the visa clearance number, then the visa number will be emailed to you shortly before departure date. Please ensure that we have your correct and up-to-date email and contact details.

If you are doing more than one tour in Bhutan you may be required to extend your visa, this will be done for you while you are in Bhutan.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.