Bhutan Currency and Money

The ngultrum (Nu). It is pegged one to one with the Indian rupee, so Nu 100 equals INR 100. US dollars and Indian rupees are widely accepted, but you will get change in ngultrum.

Bring a mix. US dollars give you the best choice of exchange, small rupee notes help for everyday costs, and a card covers hotels and larger shops in the towns.

• US dollarsCashGood notes get the best rate.
• Indian rupeesSmall notesEasy for everyday costs. See the INR 500 note below.
• CardsVisa and MastercardWidely used in cities, less outside them.

Bring new series notes in good condition. Notes that are written on, torn or folded may be refused. Higher denominations, such as 50 and 100, usually get a better exchange rate than small ones.

Officially, INR 500 notes are not allowed in Bhutan. In practice they are widely accepted, so there is nothing to worry about. You will get your change back in ngultrum.

At Paro airport when you arrive, at banks, at larger hotels and at authorised exchanges in Thimphu. Your guide can show you where.

Yes, in the towns. International cards are widely used in the cities and less in smaller places, so carry some cash as a backup. ATMs need a PIN, and each withdrawal has a fee. Card machines in hotels and shops usually need no PIN, and the shop pays the fee, not you.

• Bank of Bhutan ATMsNu 15,000Per withdrawal, with a Nu 300 fee. Takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay and RuPay.
• Bhutan National Bank ATMsNu 10,000Per withdrawal, with a Nu 300 fee. Takes Visa, JCB, UnionPay and RuPay.
• goBoB top up3.5%Fee for adding money to the wallet from a card.

If your card is declined, ask your bank to allow international use before you travel.

The apps goBoB (Bank of Bhutan) and MyPay (Bhutan National Bank) can link to an international card. Tell your bank before you pay the visa fee and the SDF online, so the payment is not blocked.

Indian travellers can use UPI at a growing number of shops in Thimphu and Paro, without a Bhutanese account.

For a 7 night trip, we suggest USD 500 to 1,000 on top of your tour price. It covers shopping, tips and personal costs.

If you travel with us, the SDF is already in your quote. Use our SDF calculator to see it for your nights.

Tipping is not mandatory. The amount is up to you and depends on how happy you are with your guide and the service. As a suggestion, many guests give USD 10 a day for the guide and USD 5 a day for the driver.

• GuideUSD 10Per day, suggested.
• DriverUSD 5Per day, suggested.
• RequiredNoAlways your choice.

Yes. You may bring up to USD 10,000 in cash.

Some sites charge a fee, and you pay in cash or with the goBoB app. Keep some ngultrum or rupees for these.