PRE TRAVEL INFORMATION – BHUTAN

Do you think about spending your next holiday in the world’s happiest country? Here’s a complete pre travel guidelines for your Bhutan travel.

Bhutan is a mystical land with charm and beauty surpassing the ordinary. A small neighbour of India, Bhutan is still ruled by the monarchy. The Bhutanese are said to be the happiest people of the world, but Bhutan is much more than just that. Also called the land of thunder dragons, the country is mythical to some and extraordinary to those who travelled the place.

Before you visit this little neighbour of ours, there are few things we need to prepare for. Here you go..

1. In Bhutan ‘Dzongkha’ is the official and local language used for communication. However, closely in friendship with India, most of them can speak and understand Hindi & English.
2. Officially accepted Identity documents for entry in Bhutan for Indian Nationals are Passport (with minimum 6 months validity) or Original Voter ID card. Please note, Aadhar card or license is not accepted as entry document. If you need a souvenir Bhutan entry stamp you will need to carry your passport. For Voter ID card you will not get entry and exit stamp, instead you will get a permit paper only, which you will have to return at the time of exit.
3. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your Passport or Voter ID card for safety reasons.
4. While in Bhutan, time will be advance 30 mins when compared to Indian Standard Time.
5. In Bhutan, remember that we are foreign nationals. Your Indian contact numbers will not work once you leave Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing (Jaigoan – name of the Indian counterpart village) is the international border with India and the entry-exit check points for Indian nationals.
6. Most of the hotels have WiFi, but if you need more connectivity you can get a local SIM card from Tashi Cell or B-Mobile and top up with prepaid cards. You can purchase this providing your Identity documents.
7. The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. One Ngultrum has the same value of One Indian Rupee. Currency you can carry Indian Rupees 50,100,200,500 (new currencies) or US Dollars. Note: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 1000 and 2000 are no longer accepted in Bhutan.
8. Do not be surprised if you give Ngultrum you might get Indian Rupees as tender change and if you give Indian Rupees you might get Ngultrum as return change.
9. As the tour packages are prepaid, you’ll only need money for your own personal expenses – shopping, souvenirs, drinks, one day lunch, tips (for driver & guide).
10. You should consider bringing cash for entry tickets, approximately INR 5000 if you are visiting all places mentioned in itinerary and enjoying all activities.
11. There are some ATMs in Bhutan, but most of them do not work for international cards. It is recommended that your bring some cash.
12. There is no limit on the amount of convertible foreign exchange that may be brought into Bhutan. However, as per the Export and Import of Currency Regulations 2003, a person brining more than United States Dollars 10,000 or its equivalent, should declare the amount at the customs point of entry into Bhutan. There is no limit on the amount of Indian currency that a person may bring into Bhutan. However, travellers should note that under the laws of India, Indian currency notes in denominations above Rs.100 are not allowed to be sent or brought (in bulk) into Bhutan and Nepal.
13. Regarding Gold Purchase, according to the rules of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, an Indian male can bring Rs 50,000 worth of gold (around 20gm) and an Indian woman can bring Rs 1 lakh worth of gold (around 40gm) tax-free into India from abroad. The Bhutanese government allows tourists who pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to buy duty-free gold from certain shops. Tourists do not have to pay any tax or profit margin on the gold they buy, as long as they stay at least one night in a certified hotel.
14. Bringing in more than this specified quantity must be declared to customs. One has to pay customs as per government rates. This bringing in will not be monitored at border, but at the security check at your airport departure at Bagdogra airport. In Bhutan, gold can be obtained in the form of biscuits only. Gold can only be bought in United States of America dollars. Those who are interested in buying should bring US dollars. 
15. Although it is now legal to import and sell tobacco products in Bhutan, lighting up in public is still a big NO at the moment. Lighting up should be discrete, and when at F&B outlets only at designated areas/rooms.
16. Tuesdays are considered the national ‘dry day,’ with the sale of alcohol prohibited.
17. Fridays are No Tolerance Day, where all rules are very strictly followed with break of rules attracting huge penalties

    

18. Do pack lite warm clothes (Lite Sweaters or hoodies only), especially if you’re travelling between the months of November and March. As a general tip, it would be wise to always have a lite jacket when travelling in Bhutan regardless of the seasons as you will experience huge changes in elevation, with certain valleys colder than others. It’s best to be prepared.
19. Do carry a pair of trekking shoes if you are likely to hike Tiger Nest. If you are planning to use Horse/Pony ride partially for the Tiger nest trek, especially women, please pack a pair of pants/salwar/Churidar. Saree/Dhoti will not be comfortable.
20. While visiting Dzongs wear decent attire. No round neck T Shirts or Sleeveless tops or Shorts pants allowed while visiting Dzong or religious places. Wear attire covering your knee.
21. You can haggle (bargain) in most shops but don’t expect more than 10% discount. Generally speaking, prices between shops don’t differ substantially.
22. When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it.
23. Bhutan has a very organised tourism policy and it is mandatory to avail services of Bhutan tourism approved Tour Guides throughout the journey from the moment you enter Bhutan to you exit Bhutan. The tour will be coordinated by the tour guides from Bhutan.