CHECKLIST

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 www.ricb.com.bt for more information.

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: Some Indian Currency denominations not accepted in Bhutan.

ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. Before travelling to Bhutan, please confirm with your Bank the formalities.

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 Traveller’s Cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged for local currency.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ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard.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/.

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

ELECTRICITY

All major towns are well-connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets.

It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. Bhutan is a carbon-neutral destination. Our energy is clean and green, generated by hydropower.

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:

• A pair of sunglasses
• Sunscreen lotion
• Hat
• Umbrella
• Camera
• Spare camera batteries
• Torch (with spare batteries)
• Travel sickness tablets
• Antiseptic cream
• Personal medicine
• Altitude sickness medication it is trekking above 3000m
• Insect repellent

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 fortresses, 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 fortresses 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.

GRATUITIES

Tipping is a purely personal matter. We leave it up to you whether you want to give a gratuity to your guides and drivers. However, if doing so, we recommend that you place the gratuity in an envelope.

CUSTOMS

The following articles are exempt from duty:

• Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
• 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine)
• 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200%
• Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
• Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use

You have to complete the passenger declaration form at your port of entry.

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.

If importing any items to Bhutan which are for sale or gift, they may be liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to fill out a departure form, which will be asked for by Customs authorities.

Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited:

• Arms, ammunitions and explosives
• All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
• Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
• Antiques

Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival

CLOTHES AND OTHER PARAPHERNALIA

With great altitudinal variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions.

We expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully, especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. 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.

PRECAUTIONS

Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world, however you should still exercise caution when visiting. Please ensure that your belongings, especially your passports, cameras, wallets and purses, are properly secured. Please refrain from leaving such items within sight in locked vehicles while sightseeing.

Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times, as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water.

Also, Bhutan has a duty to protect its citizens from drugs and tobacco products. To do this, we need your help and cooperation. Please co-operate if stopped and asked about your baggage. Please do not carry tobacco goods in excess of the set limit. For more information, please see the following link. Tobacco Control Act.