Money and duty free for Bhutan

Currency and Money

Currency information

1 Ngultrum (BTN; symbol Nu) = 100 chetrum (Ch). The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee, which is also accepted as legal tender. Banknotes are available in denominations of Nu 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Nu 1, as well as 50, 25, and 20 Chetrum. Smaller denomination notes and coins have been discontinued but remain in circulation and are still legal tender. US Dollars are also widely accepted.

Credit cards

Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are increasingly accepted in Bhutan, particularly in major towns like Thimphu and Paro. However, in central and eastern regions of Bhutan, credit card facilities may be limited or unavailable.

ATM

ATMs are available in major towns, but not many accept international cards. Visitors should carry sufficient cash (US dollars or Indian Rupees).

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 09:00 to 13:00; Sat 09:00 to 11:00.

Currency restrictions

Import and export of Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN): Individuals may carry up to Nu 5,000 into or out of Bhutan per instance. Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared to customs authorities upon arrival or departure.

Import and export of foreign currency: Travellers can bring into or take out of Bhutan foreign currency up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 without declaration. A declaration must be made at the customs point of entry or exit for amounts exceeding this.

Import and export of Indian Rupees (INR): For travel to countries other than India or Nepal, carrying Indian currency exceeding INR 10,000 requires declaration at customs upon arrival or departure.

Currency exchange

In Thimphu, several authorised money changers operate, including the Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan located in the RICB Building on Norzin Lam 1. Paro also has several money exchange services. However, as you travel into the interior of the country, banking and currency exchange facilities become scarce. It's advisable to complete your currency exchanges in Thimphu or Paro and carry sufficient local currency when venturing into rural areas.

The Indian Rupee is accepted as legal tender, and US Dollars are widely accepted. However, it's prudent to have local currency on hand for smaller establishments and rural regions.

Bhutan duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Bhutan by tourists without incurring duty:
• Up to 1L of alcoholic beverages.
• Personal effects.

The sale of tobacco is banned in Bhutan. However, tourists can import up to 200 cigarettes or three tins of 50 grams each of pipe tobacco for personal consumption, subject to a 100% customs duty.

The following goods may be imported by Bhutanese residents without incurring duty:
• 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages, up to 2L each.
• Up to 50g of gold.
• Up to 1kg of silver.
• 1 bottle, up to 60ml of perfume.
• 10 items of each type of clothing.
• The total value of the above items must not exceed US$1,000 or its equivalent in Ngultrum.

Banned Imports

Narcotics, pornography, and other goods prohibited by law or international conventions.

Banned Exports

Endangered species (and their products), antiques (Dzi beads and other antiques specified by the Royal Government), narcotics, and other goods prohibited by law.