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Travel Essentials › Bhutan

Travel Essentials

Bhutan: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types C, D, F and G; 230 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: Police 113, Ambulance 112, Fire 110. Tipping: Not traditional, but tipping guides and drivers at the end of a tour is now customary. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.

Open The Bhutan Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C, D, F and G; 230 V, 50 Hz

Emergency Numbers

Tipping

Not traditional, but tipping guides and drivers at the end of a tour is now customary.

Water And Health

Tap water

Drink bottled or treated water

Vaccines

Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid; rabies and Japanese encephalitis for some travelers

Malaria

Minimal risk in some southern border districts

Apps To Download Before You Go

• mBoB: Bank of Bhutan's app and the national QR code scanned at nearly every shop and taxi.
• goBhutan (Druk Ride): Local app to book taxis in Thimphu and Paro.
• WhatsApp: Standard way to stay in touch with your guide and driver.
• Bhutan Telecom (B-Mobile): Buy and top up a local SIM, the easiest way to stay connected.
• Druk Asia / Bhutan Airlines: Airline apps for the flights into Paro, which are the main route into the country.
• WeChat: Surprisingly popular among Bhutanese for calls and messages.
• Google Translate: English is widely spoken, but translation helps with Dzongkha signs.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. Bhutanese greet with "Kuzuzangpo la", often with palms together and a slight bow; foreign visitors can offer a handshake. Bow a little lower to elders, monks and officials; hugging and kissing are not usual greetings.

Dress at temples and dzongs. Cover shoulders and knees, remove hats, and take off shoes where indicated; a scarf (kabney) may be required for some ceremonies.

Buddhist etiquette. Walk clockwise around religious monuments and stupas, don't point your feet at Buddha images or people, and ask before photographing monks or ceremonies.

Guided travel. Nearly all tourism is arranged through a licensed operator with a guide, which is normal and expected, not a sign of restriction.

Safety And Scams

Bhutan is extremely safe, with very low crime and a strong culture of hospitality; most travel is on organized, guided itineraries.

Essentially none. Because nearly all tourism runs through licensed operators, scams targeting independent travelers are rare; just book through a reputable licensed agency.

Unlicensed tour sellers abroad. Book only through operators registered with the Department of Tourism to avoid overpaying or losing a deposit.

Women travelers. Very safe to travel alone.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Mostly Safe

Same-sex relations were decriminalized in 2021 and are now legal; there is no marriage equality or formal anti-discrimination law, but the Buddhist culture is broadly tolerant and visible hostility is rare.

What Things Cost

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

March-May and September-November have clear skies and the best mountain views, and coincide with the main festivals (tshechus).

Phrases

Basic Dzongkha phrases · Basic Nepali phrases