- The MONEY -
Although your trip has been fully paid for, you may still want to have some cash with you to purchase souvenirs or cover small personal expenses.
The Ngultrum is the Bhutanese currency
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The official currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN).
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The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee at a 1:1 ratio.
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As a rough indication, 1 USD is approximately equivalent to 80–85 Ngultrum, depending on exchange rate fluctuations.
Preparing your cash before arrival
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You cannot withdraw Ngultrum in advance from your home country
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So it is recommended to bring foreign currency with you:
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US dollars are widely accepted for exchange and can easily be converted into Ngultrum upon arrival, particularly in Thimphu.
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Indian Rupees are also accepted and commonly used in Bhutan for small amount.
ATM Access for International Cards
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There are a few ATMs in Bhutan that accept international bank cards such as Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard.
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However, these are mainly located in the capital, Thimphu, and they are often unreliable or out of service.
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For this reason, relying solely on ATMs is not recommended. It is better to plan ahead and carry sufficient cash for your needs.
