Visa
Visa to Bhutan for foreigners can only be obtained through the local licensed tour operators expect for Indian Travelers. The cost of visa fee of 40 USD per person has to be pre-paid along with the tour payment. The filled visa form click here by the clients are then processed for visa through TCB by the local tour operators. You may also need to send us the scanned copy of your passport along with the filled in visa form. The approved visa letter is then sent to you or the agent abroad so than you can carry with you to Bhutan. Kindly note that the actual visa will be stamped upon arrival to the Paro Airport.
Money
Bhutan has its own currency is called Ngultrum (Nu.) that is equivalent to the Indian rupee. The country accepts Indian currency as a payment however, Rs. 500 and Rs.1000 are not accepted. Travelers are advised to carry travelers’ cheque or cash, preferably American Express and US dollar instead. Please note the ATM facilities (Visa and American Express credit card) for foreign currency is limited to just few towns.
Plug in for your electronics
All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. Our energy is clean and green energy generated by hydro power.
Communication
The country has a good network of telecommunication facilities. Almost every town has an internet cafe and IDD calling booths from where you can log on to and send messages home and to your loved ones. Also most hotels in Thimphu and Paro have internet access. Mobile (cell) phone is also widely used with international roaming facilities
traveling kits
Bhutan has four seasons, summers being warm with average daily temperature between 20 to 25 Celsius, while winter the winters temperatures are usually below 15 Celsius and even under minus. So make sure that you bring couple of warm clothes and comfortable shoes to go with the weather. You may also consider bringing with you a pair of sunglasses, sun cream lotion and a first kit travel bag would be handy.
photography
Bhutan is an ideal place and a frequent haunt for photographers offering immense opportunities for photography especially during our outdoor sightseeing trips. However you may need to check with your guide for indoor photography as taking photographs inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions are restricted unless you have a special permission from the Department of Culture. One can however, capture images of the landscapes, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, the rural folk life, the flora and fauna, the Bhutanese architecture and the Dzongs and Chortens in particular.
customs
The following articles are exempt from duty:
(a) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor (b) 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine) (c) 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200% (d) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use (e) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use
You have to complete the passenger declaration form on your arrival before checking out. The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty.
On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.
Import/export restrictions of the following goods is strictly prohibited: (a) Arms, ammunitions and explosives (b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs (c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species (d) Antiques
Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate.
(a) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor (b) 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine) (c) 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200% (d) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use (e) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use
You have to complete the passenger declaration form on your arrival before checking out. The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty.
On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.
Import/export restrictions of the following goods is strictly prohibited: (a) Arms, ammunitions and explosives (b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs (c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species (d) Antiques
Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate.
