Bhutan currency and payments
Ngultrum, rupees, ATMs, cards and how much cash to carry.
Currency
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee. Indian Rupees are widely accepted too.
Cash and ATMs
- ATMs in Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing accept most international Visa and Mastercard cards; they are scarce elsewhere.
- Bring some US dollars in clean, recent notes. You can change them at the airport, banks and larger hotels.
- Carry small notes for tips, souvenirs and temple offerings.
Cards and digital payments
Larger hotels and handicraft shops take cards, sometimes with a surcharge. Small shops and cafés are mostly cash or local mobile payments.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. As a guide, many travellers give around USD 10–15 per day to their guide and USD 7–10 per day to their driver.
Paying for your tour
Tour payments are made to your operator by bank transfer or card before arrival, and cover the SDF, visa, hotels, guide, transport and meals.
