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Bhutan FAQ
Is tipping customary in Bhutan?
Tipping isn’t compulsory in Bhutan, but many people who work in tourism are accustomed to receiving tips so it's wise to set aside a small amount to show your appreciation for drivers, cooks and other service workers.
What is the internet access like in Bhutan?
You will be able to find some internet cafes in Thimphu and Paro. Most large hotels also have internet access. As expected, rural and remote areas will have limited to no internet access.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Bhutan?
You will be able to use your mobile phone in some of Bhutan’s cities, although more remote areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Bhutan.
What are the toilets like in Bhutan?
You will have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Bhutan. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western style, flushable toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.
What will it cost for a…?
Due to Bhutan’s unique tourism regulations, meals are included for all travel within Bhutan. Use local currency to buy small items like snacks and soft drinks and use US dollars to buy larger items like souvenirs. Expect to pay:
Prayer flags = US$1
Hand made coin purse = US$5-10
Gofur (wooden bowl) = US$10-15
Ceremonial mask = US$20-40
Prayer flags = US$1
Hand made coin purse = US$5-10
Gofur (wooden bowl) = US$10-15
Ceremonial mask = US$20-40
Can I drink the water in Bhutan?
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Bhutan. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
Are credit cards accepted widely in Bhutan?
International credit cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan. Some souvenir shops may have credit card facilities; however, credit cards aren't generally accepted elsewhere. Be prepared by carrying enough cash to cover your purchases.
What is ATM access like in Bhutan?
ATMs are very rare in Bhutan. Be sure to carry enough cash to cover your purchases as you won’t be able to rely on ATM or credit card access.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Bhutan?
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
What public holidays are celebrated in Bhutan?
Jan 12 Traditional Day of Offering
Feb 11 Losar *
Feb 21 Birth Anniversary of Fifth Druk Gyalpo
Apr 20 Zhabdrung Kuchoe *
May 2 Birth Anniversary of Third Druk Gyalpo
May 25 Lord Buddha’s Parinivana *
Jul 10 Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
Jul 12 First Sermon of the Lord Buddha *
Sep 11 Thimphu Drubchen *
Sep 14 Thimphu Tshechu *
Oct 5 Dashain *
Nov 1 The Coronation of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo
Nov 11 Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo
Dec 17 National Day
* Bhutan’s towns and villages also celebrate many small festivals, which change date each year. Buddhist festivals are timed according to astrological observances – so some of the dates above are estimates only and are subject to change.
For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Bhutan/public-holidays
Feb 11 Losar *
Feb 21 Birth Anniversary of Fifth Druk Gyalpo
Apr 20 Zhabdrung Kuchoe *
May 2 Birth Anniversary of Third Druk Gyalpo
May 25 Lord Buddha’s Parinivana *
Jul 10 Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
Jul 12 First Sermon of the Lord Buddha *
Sep 11 Thimphu Drubchen *
Sep 14 Thimphu Tshechu *
Oct 5 Dashain *
Nov 1 The Coronation of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo
Nov 11 Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo
Dec 17 National Day
* Bhutan’s towns and villages also celebrate many small festivals, which change date each year. Buddhist festivals are timed according to astrological observances – so some of the dates above are estimates only and are subject to change.
For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Bhutan/public-holidays
Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan?
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.
We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
- All nationalities require a visa for entry to Bhutan, except Indian nationals holding a valid Indian passport. Visas must be obtained in advance.
We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
You must provide Intrepid at the time of booking with your full name, sex, date of birth, nationality, passport number & date of issue / expiry, plus a scanned copy of your passport, your email address and a contact number for you when you are in Bhutan.
If you have not booked flights to Bhutan with Intrepid, we will also require your flight details to finalise the visa process.
Intrepid will then forward you the scanned copy of your Bhutan Group visa shortly prior to your trip start date.
You must show the copy of your Bhutan Group visa at the check-in for your flight to Bhutan and on arrival at the immigration in Bhutan where you will have your Bhutan visa stamped into your passport. - PLEASE NOTE: If you are flying in and out of Paro via India, please check what visa you need for India. If you plan to spend time travelling in India on your way to Bhutan (or vice versa), please be aware you will generally need a tourist visa (rather than a transit visa); and tourist visas currently need to have a gap of 2 months between visits. Please check the limitations on Indian visas if you plan to spend time in India on the way to Paro. Please also be aware that currently the maximum amount of time allowed for passenger transiting via an India airport for a connecting flight is 18 hours. Note that this information can change at any time and you will need to check this information for yourself.
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Bhutan at a glance
- 1
- Thimpu (population 30,000)
- 708,427
- Dzongkha
- BTN
- (GMT+06:00) Astana, Dhaka
- Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin), Type M (see D)
- +975
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