Children
Children from 6 years old and below 18 years receive a 50% exemption. Children 5 years old and below are not charged.
Bhutan Money Guide
Currency, trip costs, and money tips for travelling in Bhutan.
Understand Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian rupees, cash usage, cards, ATMs, possible entrance fees, tipping, digital wallets, and how to prepare your travel money before arrival.
Cash and card planning
Clear payment guidance
Traveler-friendly money tips
Quick Money Tip
Carry both card and cash.
Cards work in many major hotels and shops, but cash is still important for small purchases, tips, markets, rural areas, some entrance fees, and unexpected situations.
BTN CashVisa / MastercardBackup USD
Quick Overview
The essentials before you travel.
Official Currency
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
INR Peg
BTN and INR are linked 1:1
Cards
Useful in major towns
Banking
Usually weekday business hours
Entrance fees in Nu.
Museums & Monument Fees
Some museums, dzongs, sacred sites, and parks charge admission, while others do not. Fees are generally listed in Ngultrum, which is at par with Indian rupees, and should be reconfirmed locally before travel.
ReferenceConfirm locally
CurrencyNu. / INR 1:1
Child concession50% for ages 6-17
| Museum / Monument | District / Area | Fee (Nu.) | Approx. USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhutan Postal Museum | Thimphu | Nu. 250 | US$2.90 | Usually 9 AM-5 PM. |
| Folk Heritage Museum | Thimphu | Nu. 300 | US$3.60 | Usually 9 AM-5 PM. |
| Institute of Zorig Chusum | Thimphu | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Traditional arts and crafts school. |
| Simply Bhutan | Thimphu | Nu. 1,000 | US$12.00 | Usually 9 AM-5 PM. |
| Takin Preserve | Thimphu | Nu. 300 | US$3.60 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Buddha Dordenma | Thimphu | Nu. 300 | US$3.60 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Changangkha Lhakhang | Thimphu | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Changyul Park | Thimphu | Nu. 100 | US$1.20 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Choki Traditional Art School | Thimphu | Nu. 1,000 | US$12.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Institute of Traditional Medicine | Thimphu | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| National Memorial Chorten | Thimphu | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Usually 9 AM-5 PM. |
| Bhutan National Library | Thimphu | Nu. 100 | Confirm locally | Confirm current rate locally. |
| Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory | Thimphu | Nu. 100 | Confirm locally | Confirm current rate locally. |
| National Handicraft Emporium | Thimphu | Nu. 100 | Confirm locally | Confirm current rate locally. |
| Royal Textile Academy | Thimphu | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Simtokha Dzong | Thimphu | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Tashichho Dzong | Thimphu | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Tourist hours can be limited on working days. |
| Zilukha Nunnery | Thimphu | Nu. 100 | Confirm locally | Usually 9 AM-5 PM. |
| Dungtse Lhakhang | Paro | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Kyichu Lhakhang | Paro | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Usually 9 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-4:30 PM. |
| National Museum (Ta Dzong) | Paro | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Taksang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) | Paro | Nu. 1,000 | US$12.00 | Usually 9 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-5 PM. |
| Tachogang Lhakhang | Paro | Nu. 300 | US$3.60 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Chimi Lhakhang | Punakha | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Usually 9 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-4 PM. |
| Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten | Punakha | Nu. 100 | US$1.20 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Punakha Dzong | Punakha | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Usually 9 AM-5 PM. |
| Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery | Punakha | Nu. 200 | US$2.40 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Wangduephodrang Dzong | Wangdue Phodrang | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Black Necked Crane Centre | Phobjikha | Nu. 200 | US$2.40 | Usually 9 AM-5 PM. |
| Gangtey Monastery | Phobjikha | Nu. 100 | Confirm locally | Confirm current rate locally. |
| Taa Dzong Museum | Trongsa | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Usually 9 AM-5 PM. |
| Trongsa Dzong | Trongsa | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Jambay Lhakhang | Bumthang | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Ogyen Choling Museum | Bumthang | Nu. 400 | US$4.80 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Swiss Factory | Bumthang | Nu. 700 | Confirm locally | Confirm current rate locally. |
| Wangduechholing Palace Museum | Bumthang | Nu. 500 | US$6.00 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Royal Botanical Gardens | Lamperi | Nu. 100 | US$1.20 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Institute of Zorig Chusum | Trashi Yangtse | Nu. 100 | US$1.20 | Hours can vary by season and event. |
| Palden Tashi Choling Shedra | Phuentsholing | Nu. 1,000 | Confirm locally | Confirm current rate locally. |
Fees, opening hours, and USD equivalents can change without notice. Some monuments and dzongs require visitors to enter with a guide, and some sites collect fees on arrival. Confirm final rates with your guide, ticket counter, or official tourism contact before travel.
Official money in Bhutan
Bhutanese Currency
Official Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), commonly written as Nu.
Common Banknotes
- Nu. 5
- Nu. 10
- Nu. 20
- Nu. 50
- Nu. 100
- Nu. 500
- Nu. 1000
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to the Indian Rupee at 1:1, and Indian rupee (INR) is also accepted.
Digital and alternative payments
Digital wallets and alternative payment options
Digital wallet access is improving in Bhutan, but acceptance varies by merchant, town, app setup, card network, and connectivity. Confirm options before relying on any wallet or alternative payment method as your main source of funds.
Where it may be available
- Larger hotels and restaurants
- Some handicraft or souvenir shops
- Tourism-facing businesses in larger towns
- Merchants that display a supported QR or wallet option
Before you use it
- Confirm with the merchant first
- Check app setup, card network, wallet, and exchange fees
- Keep cash or card as backup
- Do not rely on wallet payments in remote areas
Suggested approach
01
Confirm the merchant accepts your payment method.
02
Check fees, exchange rate, and network requirements.
03
Keep cash or card as a backup before completing payment.
Important: Availability of any specific digital wallet, QR payment, or alternative payment method should be verified directly before travel. Carry a regular payment backup.
Using INR during your visit
Indian Rupee in Bhutan
Indian Rupees are commonly accepted in many places because of the 1:1 currency peg, but travelers should still carry Bhutanese Ngultrum for smoother day-to-day spending.
- INR is commonly accepted in many shops and towns, but BTN is smoother for daily use.
- Change may be given in Bhutanese Ngultrum.
- Some denominations or damaged notes may not be accepted.
- Use official banks or authorized counters for larger currency exchange.
Cards, cash, and bank access
Payment Methods
VisaMastercardCashBank Transfer
Cards are useful in major hotels, larger shops, and some restaurants in Thimphu and Paro. Smaller establishments and remote areas may operate mainly with cash.
ATMs & Bank Branches
- ATMs are available in major towns such as Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Phuentsholing.
- International card access can vary by machine and bank network.
- Withdrawal limits and fees may apply.
- Carry backup cash because ATMs can be unavailable or run out of cash.
Local apps and online payment options
Digital & Mobile Payments
Local payment ecosystem
- goBoB digital wallet
- MyPay digital wallet
- Local bank QR payments where available
- Selected merchant payment apps
For international travelers
- Bank transfer for tour payments
- Card payments where accepted
- Cash for daily spending
- Alternative payment options only if confirmed
Most tour payments are usually arranged before arrival. We will clearly explain available payment methods, inclusions, and any separate local costs before confirmation.
Daily spending and gratuities
Cash & Tipping Guidelines
Cash Recommendations
- Carry enough Ngultrum for small purchases, tips, snacks, and personal expenses.
- Keep smaller denominations for markets, cafés, taxis, and rural stops.
- Use official banks or authorized money changers for exchange.
- Carry some emergency cash separately from your main wallet.
- Avoid relying only on cards outside Thimphu and Paro.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. These are common planning ranges only and can be adjusted based on service.
- Tip in cash when possible so guides, drivers, hotel staff, and porters can receive it directly.
- Use smaller Nu. notes for hotel staff, cafés, and short transfers.
- For longer guided tours, plan a separate tip envelope for your guide and driver.
- Adjust the amount based on itinerary length, group size, and quality of service.
Practical ways to manage spending
Money Saving Tips
Exchange money at banks or official counters instead of informal sources.
Withdraw fewer larger amounts to reduce repeated ATM fees.
Carry cash for rural areas instead of relying on card acceptance.
Eat at selected local restaurants for authentic and budget-friendly meals.
Travel in shoulder seasons for better hotel availability and value.
Confirm what is included in your tour package before arrival.
Quick answers for travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use foreign currency directly in Bhutan?
Some hotels or larger shops may accept foreign currency, but exchange rates may not be favorable. It is usually better to use Bhutanese Ngultrum for local spending.
Should I exchange money before arriving?
It is not always necessary. You can exchange money at the airport or banks in major towns, but carrying some backup cash is wise.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Cards are useful in Thimphu and Paro, especially at larger hotels and shops. In smaller towns and rural areas, cash is still preferred.
Can I use Indian Rupees for everything?
No. INR is commonly accepted in many day-to-day situations, but Bhutanese Ngultrum is still the safest option for smooth local payments.
Can I rely on digital wallets or alternative payments?
No, not as your only option. Some businesses may support digital wallets or other options, but acceptance can change. Confirm directly before travel and keep cash or card backup.
Indicative only
Quick Currency Reference
BTN and INRlinked 1:1
USDcheck bank or authorised counter
EURcheck bank or authorised counter
GBPcheck bank or authorised counter
AUDcheck bank or authorised counter
CADcheck bank or authorised counter
JPYcheck bank or authorised counter
CNYcheck bank or authorised counter
Check with banks, official exchange counters, or your payment provider for current rates.
Plan payments clearly
Ready to plan your Bhutan journey?
We will help you understand package inclusions, deposit terms, balance payment timing, cash needs, and the best way to prepare your travel money.