Before coming to Bhutan, make sure that you are well aware of the following:
Travel/Medical Insurance : The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan (RICBL) has initiated a travel and a medial scheme solely for our visitors. You could also get coverage from your own country. Please let us know in advance if you like to avail the scheme provided by RICBL. For more information you may visit the web site at www.ricb.com.bt
Other than Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimphu; visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the local tour operator. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before coming to Bhutan and please note that visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. visa will be stamped on your passport at your point of entry upon payment of USD 20, two passport photos will also be required. Visas are issued for a 15-day period; extensions can be obtained in Thimphu.
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) that is at par with the Indian rupee. It is however recommended that you carry travelers’ cheque or cash, preferably American Express and US dollar instead. Banks operate money exchange service for most major currencies. Lately, the major banks have connected most towns with ATMs and POS machines are installed in major shops and hotels that accept international cards. However, as the service is not overly reliable you are advised to carry some cash as an endorsement.
NOTE: Although Indian currency is legal tender in Bhutan, the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan has issued a notice banning the use of Indian 500 rupee and 1000 rupee notes. Nonetheless, as of Oct 2009, the 500 rupee note is largely accepted by most locals. Government owned establishments do not accept the aforementioned notes, and hence it is advisable to carry sufficient currency in either Bhutanese currency or in the form of Indian 100 rupee notes. Also, be keenly aware that the import and export of Indian rupees to and from India by foreign (not-Indian) nationals is illegal.
Banking
Financial institutions in Bhutan have been greatly enhanced and today we have a number of banks that caters to the needs of the people. Some of the banks that you can avail services and facilities while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the Druk Punjab National Bank and the Tashi Bank. There are also ATM facilities that you can avail and ATMs are located in a number of places, and continues to be installed, where you can withdraw your money. In any case, please inquire with our office if you require any kind of assistance. We strive to accommodate any inconveniences.
The country has done exceptionally well, lately, in terms of telecommunication facilities. Almost the whole country is connected with internet service and mobile connections . Also most 3 star and above hotels in the country have internet access. Mobile (cell) phone is also widely used with international roaming facilities. For more and latest updates please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Bhutan experiences a great variation in its climate. Summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 Celsius, while winters are cold. In winters temperatures are usually below 15 Celsius, some places experience snowfall. So bring with you a couple of warm clothes and comfortable shoes to go with the weather, the terrain and the program. You might want to consider ‘what to wear’ for hikes, trekking and sightseeing, as well as for dinners, appointments and functions that we have for you. You could also consider bringing with you a pair of sunglasses, sun screen lotion and a hat; antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhoea pills, altitude & car sickness medicine; insect repellent, flash light (w/spare batteries) umbrella, camera, films and accessories (including spare camera batteries) etc. Our office can also send you a brochure, via e-email, containing all important information you wound like to know before visiting us.
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. 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. You may take pictures of local people as long as you get their agreement, gestures should serve the purpose. However, please follow your guide or tour leader’s instructions about photographing at religious sites and Administrative buildings.
For people who love shopping and taking home gifts, Bhutan offers a variety of goods that revolve mainly round textiles. You may shop for items like hand-woven textiles that is either in raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver. You can also shop for thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamp. One can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and also in major towns. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.
Tipping is a purely personal matter. We do not have any tradition of giving tips and we clearly leave it up to you as to whether you want to give tips to your guides and drivers depending on the service rendered by them during your journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan.
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) 300 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. Please remember that, if any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. On departure, you are required to surrender the 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 from authorized agencies of the Government.
With great attitudinal variations weather is quite erratic in Bhutan. So be prepared to brace the erratic weather as you step outdoor. We expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. 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.
Over the years, many quality hotels have come up in Bhutan. Most hotels in Bhutan meet the recent standardization policy, most tourists accommodate in a 5 star or a 3 star hotel. The hotels are well maintained and have all basic amenities such as geysers and shower rooms and are properly maintained. Visitors can be assured of their warmth and comfort of the hotels and the ambiance and the hospitality offered by the hotels are incredible. The 5 star hotels are mostly located in Thimphu, and in Paro, towns like Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang also have a variety of hotels that are comfortable and many 4 & 5 star hotel are under construction. Away from town, you may find it tempting to camp outside in the forest or make a night halt at the purpose-built in cabins sprinkled along some main trekking routes. Lately Bhutan has also initiated the “Home-stay” program. Please contact us for more information.
Most Bhutanese dishes are rich and spicy with a lot of cheese and chilli. It is advisable that visitors stick to the Chinese, Continental or Indian cuisine that is served in most restaurants. Visitors can also choose among the various vegetarian and non-veg food. You can also try out momos, the Tibetan dumplings and for those daring, you may try out the ema datshi dish served with cheese and chili and other typical Bhutanese dishes.
While safety is not much of a concern, however it is good to come prepared for any mishap. One need to avoid walking alone or roaming the streets after 9 pm as you may never know of any mishap that may occur. The capital city has begun to see burglaries, street fights and an increasing number of drug abusers. It is advisable that you keep a safe distance and be in your rooms. Or else you may visit the town in groups or with your guides. Also please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, route permits, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. There have been incidents where visitors found their important documents missing.
Bhutan has a good team of interpreters and guides that are well versed in history and possess good communication skills. They are all certified who undergo training conducted by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. There are also guides who speak fluent Japanese, Thai and other European languages. Please contact our office in advance if you require guides other than English speaking.
Public holidays are declared by the government and a list of public holidays that we observe throughout the nation is available on our web page. However, each Dzongkhag has its own list of holidays that is observed especially while conducting annual tshechus (Religious festivals). We will update the holidays on the website every year but we recommend you reconfirm with our office to absolutely sure!.
Mode of transport within Bhutan is mostly by motor vehicle, however, domestic airlines have commenced operation recently to a few destinations. The motor-able roads are well maintained and connect most of the places. And in the event you need to visit a location inaccessible motor-able road, riding ponies are easily available. The average driving speed is restricted to about 35-45 km per hour given the mountainous terrain and winding road.
The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.
Sharchokpa – Language spoken in the eastern Bhutan
Nepali – Language spoken in the southern Bhutan
English – Common language spoken and understood by most.
Bhutan is the only country to retain the tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism (Drukpa kagyu) as it official religion. The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its’ people. Monks are held in great respect and play an active part in community life. It was, till quite recently, custom for one son from each family to enter the monastic order at about age 10. The custom is less prevalent today because boys are now free to decide for themselves whether they wish to enter a monastery or not.
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