Currency

Official currency of Bhutan is Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), abbreviated as “Nu”. The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR) at par, meaning 1 BTN is equivalent to 1 INR. The Bhutanese Ngultrum is divided into 100 chetrums. The Bhutanese Ngultrum serves as the primary means of financial transactions within the country, alongside the acceptance of Indian Rupees in everywhere due to the pegging arrangement. Visitors to Bhutan typically find it convenient to exchange currency upon arrival or use ATMs to withdraw Ngultrum for their expenses during their stay.

Here are some key points about the currency in Bhutan:

1. Peg to the Indian Rupee: The Ngultrum has been pegged to the Indian Rupee since 1974. This arrangement provides stability to Bhutan’s currency and facilitates economic cooperation with India, which is Bhutan’s largest trading partner.
2. Denominations: The Ngultrum is available in banknotes and coins. Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 Ngultrum.
3. Currency Exchange: While the Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee, US Dollars (USD) and Euros (EUR) are also widely accepted in major tourist areas, hotels, and some shops. However, it’s advisable to carry Ngultrum for transactions within Bhutan. One can make the exchange from currency exchange counters at your point of entry or from banks in Bhutan. It’s advisable to exchange currency at authorized locations to ensure fair exchange rates.
4. ATMs and Credit Cards:

ATM and banks accept Visa and Mastercard. International credit cards are widely used in urban areas of Bhutan. However, this service may not be available in other parts of the country. Visitors can download the digital wallet app goBoB launched by the Bank of Bhutan, which can be used with a local Tourist SIM card and is widely accepted throughout the country.  Another option is the MyPay digtal wallet app launched by Bhutan National Bank. Both apps can be connected to international credit cards and used widely.

Cash in US dollars and Indian rupees is also widely accepted. We advise bringing some cash in either of these currencies as electronic payment options in Bhutan are very limited. Tourist visiting Bhutan can carry cash equivalent to US$10,000.