Common Banknotes
- Nu. 5
- Nu. 10
- Nu. 20
- Nu. 50
- Nu. 100
- Nu. 500
- Nu. 1000
Bhutan Money Guide
Currency, payments, and money tips for travelling in Bhutan.
Understand Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupees, cash usage, cards, ATMs, tipping, digital payments, 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, 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
Official money in Bhutan
Bhutanese Currency
Official Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), commonly written as Nu.
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to the Indian Rupee at 1:1, and Indian rupee (INR) is also accepted.
Digital and alternative payments
Crypto & Binance Pay
Some tourism-facing businesses may accept crypto or Binance Pay, especially in more developed visitor areas. However, acceptance is not universal and can change, so it should be confirmed before relying on it as your main payment method.
Where it may be available
- Selected hotels
- Some handicraft or souvenir shops
- Tourism-facing businesses in larger towns
- Merchants that display a supported QR payment option
Before you use it
- Confirm with the merchant first
- Check network, wallet, and exchange fees
- Keep cash or card as backup
- Do not rely on crypto for 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 Binance Pay or crypto payment options 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
- mBoB
- DrukPNB mobile banking
- Local bank QR payments
- 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 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.
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 Binance Pay or crypto payments?
No, not as your only option. Some businesses may support it, but acceptance can change. Confirm directly before travel and keep cash or card backup.
Indicative only
Quick Currency Reference
Exchange rates change frequently. Use the table below only as a layout reference and update the numbers before publishing.
1 USDapproximately Nu 95
1 EURapproximately Nu 108
1 GBPapproximately Nu 125
1 AUDapproximately Nu 65
1 CADapproximately Nu 66
100 JPYapproximately Nu 59
1 CNYapproximately Nu 14
1 SGDapproximately Nu 73
1 RUBapproximately Nu 1.5
1 THBapproximately Nu 2.85
1000 VNDapproximately Nu 3.6
1 AEDapproximately Nu 26
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.