Bhutan SIM Card and eSIM for Travellers

Both sell tourist SIMs with data, talk time and text, at close to the same prices. For connectivity, both are equally good providers, so you can choose either one. Bhutan Telecom (B Mobile) also sells a tourist eSIM. TashiCell (T Cell) does not list one on its tourist page.

Your phone must be unlocked for local SIMs. Ask your home provider before you fly.

The best place is the airport, where both operators have a counter in the arrival building. You can also buy at the Bhutan Telecom or TashiCell customer service office in Thimphu, but the airport saves you the trip and the hassle. Bring your passport, because they ask for a copy.

• AirportArrival buildingBoth operators have a counter. Opening hours are not published.
• ThimphuBhutan Telecom or TashiCell customer servicePossible, but the airport is easier.

Pocket wifi rental is also available at the airport counters.

If you would rather avoid the wait, tell us and we will send a SIM with your guide.

Prices are in ngultrum and run from Nu 100 to Nu 1,900, depending on how much data and how many days you want. We checked them on 1 November 2026. The counter price at the airport can differ, so ask before you pay.

Bhutan Telecom

• Nu 2001 GB7 days, with Nu 100 talk time and text.
• Nu 3002 GB14 days, with Nu 100 talk time and text.
• Nu 5003 GB1 month, with Nu 200 talk time and text.
• Nu 1,100Unlimited data7 days, with Nu 50 talk time.

TashiCell

• Nu 3002 GB14 days, with Nu 100 talk time. Listed as 2048 MB.
• Nu 5003 GB1 month, with Nu 200 talk time. Listed as 3072 MB.
• Nu 1,100Unlimited data7 days, with Nu 50 talk time.

Each network also sells an unlimited plan for 14 days at Nu 1,900. Bhutan Telecom has a Nu 100 SIM with talk time only. Data beyond your package is charged per kilobyte, and a 5 percent tax applies. Read the full lists on the Bhutan Telecom tourist SIM page and the TashiCell tourist SIM page.

Yes, with Bhutan Telecom. It sells a tourist eSIM for Nu 1,100 (7 days) and Nu 1,900 (14 days), both with unlimited data and Nu 50 talk time. Your phone must support eSIM, so check before you buy.

Bhutan Telecom does not publish activation steps for the tourist eSIM. Call 1600 before you travel, or ask us. TashiCell does not list a tourist eSIM.

Yes. Some travel eSIM companies sell data only plans for Bhutan that you can install before you leave home. They often cost more per GB than a local SIM, and they have no Bhutanese phone number, so you cannot get local texts or make local calls. Check the data, the days and the price on their sites before you buy. Two options are MeSIM and NovuSIM. These are partner links. We do not sell eSIMs.

Bhutan Telecom says your phone needs to support 1800 MHz for 4G. TashiCell does not state its band on its tourist page, so call TashiCell on 7700 if you are unsure. Roaming on your home network depends on your provider and can cost a lot. Ask your provider, or buy a local SIM.

Most hotels have wifi, and the Department of Tourism still recommends a local SIM for more convenient data and a steadier connection. A SIM keeps you connected between towns, where hotel wifi cannot reach.

Ask us first, and we will help you. Otherwise, call Bhutan Telecom on 1600 or TashiCell on 7700. At Paro airport, go back to the counter.

It helps. The Department of Tourism says the goBoB app works with a local SIM, and both goBoB and MyPay can be linked to an international card. Read our Bhutan currency guide for what to carry and how to pay.