Banking:
Financial institutions in Bhutan have been greatly enhanced and today we have a number of banks that cater to the needs of the people. Some of the banks that you can avail of while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the Druk PNB.
Communications:
The country has a good network of telecommunication facilities. Most hotels and cafe’s offer Wi-Fi internet access. Bhutan has a mobile (cell) phone network with global roaming also assessable. English is also spoken by the majority of Bhutanese making communication very easy. Guides and Interpreters – Bhutan has a good team of interpreters and licensed guides that are well versed in local history and possess good communication skills. All guides are certified by the Department of Tourism.
Electricity:
All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets.
Health:
Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels.
Money:
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is accepted as legal tender in the country. ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or Master Card. In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.
Photography:
Bhutan offers immense opportunities for photography especially during outdoor sightseeing trips. However, you should check with your guide before taking pictures or filming inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions as in some area photograph/filming is not permitted.
Precautions:
Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world however you should still exercise caution when visiting. Please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. Please refrain from leaving such items within sight in locked vehicles while going out for sightseeing.
Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water.
Shopping:
Some popular handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles, wood carvings, cane and bamboo baskets, wooden bowls, handmade paper products etc… Other items you may be interested in are the exquisite Buddhist thangkha paintings or Bhutan’s wide array of colourful and creative postage stamps. You can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and in other major towns. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Tipping:
Tipping is a purely personal matter. We leave it up to you as to whether you want to give a gratuity to your guide and driver. However, if doing so, we recommend that you place the gratuity in an envelope.
Clothes and Other Paraphernalia:
With great altitudinal variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions. We expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long-sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised.
Traveling Kits:
Bhutan experiences great variations in its climate. In general summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures are usually below 15 degrees Celsius. The northern regions of the country are colder than the more tropical south and it is recommended you pack accordingly. Trekkers will need to bring appropriate warm clothes and comfortable hiking boots preferably with ankle support and weather-proof to complement the weather and rugged terrain.
Others suggested items to pack:
• A pair of sunglasses
• Sunscreen lotion
• Hat
• Umbrella
• Camera
• Spare camera batteries
• Flash light
• Travel sickness tablets
• Antiseptic cream
• Anti-histamine cream
• Anti-diarrhoea pills
• Altitude sickness medication if trekking above 3000m
• Insect repellent