Currency and Payment Options

Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 with the Indian Rupee. Indian Rupees are also accepted for payment (new notes of 100 or less). US Dollars and other foreign currencies cannot be used directly in shops.

• ATMs: Limited to larger towns (Thimphu, Paro, Phuntsholing, and Punakha). Not all accept international cards reliably. Withdraw enough Ngultrum/INR at the start of your trip, especially before heading to remote areas.
• Credit Cards: Urban hotels, lodges, and some shops accept Visa/MasterCard, but be prepared for “system outages.” Many establishments prefer cash, so carry local currency as backup. Inform your bank you’ll travel to Bhutan to avoid card blocks.
• Currency Exchange: The safest is to bring USD (or INR) cash to exchange at Paro Airport or in Thimphu (banks or authorized exchange counters). Exchange rates are fair at official counters; always count your cash. Hotels may also exchange USD for a fee.
• Pricing: Bhutan is mostly cash-based. Even for packaged tours, guides often collect cash for tips, meals, and misc. The SDF and visa fee are paid in USD online in advance, but once in Bhutan budget in BTN/INR.
• Notes: Bhutan issues 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 Ngultrum notes. Save small notes for tips, offerings and small purchases.

According to the U.S. State Dept, “visitors are advised to carry cash” because credit card machines can fail. In short: bring a mix of cash (USD/INR to change, and local currency) and carry cards for large hotels or emergencies.