Bhutan: Doing business and staying in touch
Doing Business in Bhutan
Bhutanese business culture is rooted in respect, hierarchy, and formality, strongly influenced by Buddhist values. Meetings often begin with polite small talk, and it's customary to greet with a slight bow or handshake (using both hands for added respect). Titles and honorifics should be used when addressing business counterparts.
Punctuality is appreciated, though meetings may not always start exactly on time. Business attire is generally formal, with Bhutanese professionals often wearing the traditional gho (for men) and kira (for women) in official settings. Exchanging business cards is not always common, but when offered one, it should be received with both hands as a sign of respect.
Decision-making can be deliberate and consensus-driven, so patience is key. Aggressive negotiation is frowned upon—Bhutanese prefer a diplomatic, harmonious approach to business discussions. Gifts are not expected but are appreciated as gestures of goodwill, particularly if they reflect your home country's culture.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 09:00 to 17:00 (March to October).
Mon-Fri 09:00 to 16:00 (November to February).
Economy
Bhutan's economic policies are guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, emphasising sustainable development, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and good governance.
Agriculture and forestry provide the main livelihood for more than half of the population, with many engaged in subsistence farming and animal husbandry.
Hydropower is another significant contributor to Bhutan's economy, exporting surplus electricity to neighbouring India. This sector has been a key driver of economic growth and poverty reduction.
In recent years, Bhutan has been exploring economic diversification, including investments in sectors like cryptocurrency mining, leveraging its abundant hydropower resources. The country aims to balance modernisation with its commitment to environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
GDP
US$2.91 billion (2023).
Main exports
Ferroalloys, electricity, minerals (dolomite, gypsum, and cement), and agricultural products.
Main imports
Fuel and lubricants, machinery and parts, vehicles, food and fabrics.
Main trading partners
India, Bangladesh, Italy, Japan, China.
Keeping in Touch in Bhutan
Mobile Phone
Mobile phone coverage in Bhutan is good in cities, towns, and major tourist areas, but it can be limited or non-existent in remote and mountainous regions.
Bhutan has two main mobile network providers:
• B-Mobile (by Bhutan Telecom) – Offers the widest coverage, especially in rural areas.
• TashiCell – Provides competitive rates and decent coverage in urban centres.
Both networks offer local prepaid SIM cards, which are easily available at airports, mobile shops, and convenience stores. A passport is required for SIM card registration.
Internet
Most towns and hotels offer Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary.
Media
Bhutan's media landscape is young but growing, reflecting the country's cautious approach to modernisation. State-run and private media coexist, though all operate under the country's commitment to preserving cultural values and social harmony.
Television was only introduced in 1999, making Bhutan one of the last countries in the world to allow it. Today, the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) remains the only national TV channel, offering news, cultural programs, and educational content in Dzongkha and English. However, international satellite channels are available in many hotels and urban households.
Radio is one of the most influential forms of media, especially in rural areas where internet and television access is limited. The state-run BBS Radio broadcasts news and programs in multiple Bhutanese languages, while private stations like Kuzoo FM and Radio Valley focus on youth culture, entertainment, and music.
The newspaper industry is small but active, with publications such as Kuensel (state-run), The Bhutanese, and the Bhutan Times providing national and international news. Press freedom exists but is moderated, as Bhutanese media prioritises constructive journalism over sensationalism.
The internet and social media are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger Bhutanese. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WeChat are widely used, though Bhutan remains mindful of the impact of digital media on its cultural values.
