The following information acts as a guide when travelling to Bhutan. This practical advice is not a comprehensive list but should provide some useful information for you as you plan your travelling.

TRAVEL/MEDICAL INSURANCE You should not travel internationally without travel insurance.

The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has initiated a travel and medical plan solely for our visitors. Travel insurance can be provided through your Bhutanese tour operator or international partner. You may also visit the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan website at RICB

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.

Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. For concerned travelers a list of ATM locations throughout Bhutan is found here: http://www.bob.bt/contact-us/atm-locator/.

In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.

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 and the Tashi Bank. Traveller’s cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged for local currency. Many of these banks provide internet banking facilities.

ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. For concerned travellers a list of ATM locations throughout Bhutan is found here: http://www.bob.bt/contact-us/atm-locator/.

Travelling kits

Bhutan experiences great variations in its climate. In general summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 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 (well broken in) preferably with ankle support and weatherproof to complement the weather and rugged terrain.

Others suggested items to pack:

• Passport
• Approved visa for Bhutan
• Flight ticket
• Camera
• Motion sickness pills
• T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts (to enter temples, monasteries, dzongs)
• Cardigan or jacket
• Down jacket (wind breaker) – especially for higher altitudes
• Sandals or flip-flops (indoor use)
• Sun hat
• shoes
• Pairs of socks (Thick socks)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen lotion
• Toiletries
• International travel adaptor
• Your personal medical kit

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 areas photograph/filming is not permitted.

You are free to capture images of the landscape, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, rural life, flora and fauna, distinctive Bhutanese architecture and the exterior of Dzongs and Chortens in particular.

Shopping

Some popular handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles of 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. 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 forbidden in Bhutan.