£1 BTN 126.76
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11:46 pm
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Weather & climate
Weather in Bhutan
Bhutan
13°
Thunderstorm
Thu
6°
13°
Fri
7°
14°
Sat
8°
12°
Sun
7°
15°
Mon
8°
14°
Tue
7°
16°
Wed
8°
16°
SPF level in Bhutan
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Bhutan
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to enter and leave Bhutan, which you must apply for in advance through a tour operator, hotel, or the Department of Immigration’s website with a $40 application fee.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Bhutan.
All adult visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee of $100 US dollars per night, with a lower charge for children.
You must have permits to travel to some states in Bhutan, which your tour guide will help you get.
Make sure a border control officer stamps your visa in your passport upon entry.
Good to know:
You can declare and take foreign currency worth $10,000 or more with clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan.
You can take a small supply of tobacco for personal use if you pay taxes and duties and keep proof of payment.
Safety in Bhutan
Tips when travelling
Bhutan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry a copy of your passport photo page, visa, and flight ticket separate from the originals.
Respect local customs, particularly avoid criticising the King of Bhutan.
Dress respectfully when visiting temples and Dzongs to avoid causing offence.
Be mindful of restrictions on how much alcohol you can buy at one time.
Smoking is frowned upon, so be careful where you smoke, especially near religious sites.
Bonus tips:
Avoid littering anywhere as it is illegal and taken very seriously.
If you plan to drive, be aware that car and motorbike accidents are a major cause of injury and death.
More information
Driving in Bhutan
A UK driving license is valid for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not always required.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
No motorways
Urban speed limit
30 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Health in Bhutan
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for visiting Bhutan, as medical treatment can be expensive for non-residents. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as serious cases may require treatment in Thailand or India. Check that your insurance covers trekking at high altitudes if you plan to undertake any treks.
Consult your GP or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice before travelling to Bhutan. Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Altitude sickness is a risk in Bhutan, so acclimatise gradually and drink plenty of water. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside of major towns.
Cards & payments
Limited, mostly in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists, primarily in urban areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +14105819994
Tipping in Bhutan
Tipping is not traditionally expected in Bhutan, but it is becoming more common, especially in the tourism sector, as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service
Bar/Café
No expectation, rounding up the bill is appreciated
Taxi
Not customary
Hotel Porter
50-100 BTN per service
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 BTN per day of good service
Tour Guide
300-500 BTN per day, depending on the quality of service
Mobile & roaming
Roaming in Bhutan can be expensive. Check with your UK mobile provider for roaming charges before travelling. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit; standard international roaming rates will apply. Purchasing a local SIM card can be a more cost-effective option.
Local SIM
10 GB for 500 BTN (~£5)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Bhutan
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in most hotels, guesthouses, and some cafes in urban areas, but it can be unreliable and slow. Coverage is very limited in rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
In urban areas, you can usually find wifi in hotels, internet cafes and some restaurants. Service in rural and mountainous regions is very spotty.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
113
Fire
110
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Bhutan
Country code
+975
To call a number in Thimphu: 00 975 2 xxx xxx
To call Bhutan from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 975 (Bhutan's country code), followed by the Bhutanese phone number. Bhutan numbers are typically seven or eight digits long.
UK Embassy
British High Commission New Delhi (responsible for Bhutan)
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.