Money in Bhutan is simpler than many travellers expect, but it pays to arrive prepared. The country has its own currency, ATMs are limited to the larger towns, and cards are not accepted everywhere. This guide explains how the ngultrum works, whether you can use Indian rupees, where to find ATMs and how much cash to carry, so that you can enjoy the valleys and temples without worrying about payments.
Bhutan's currency at a glance
- Currency: the Bhutanese ngultrum, written BTN or Nu.
- Peg: the ngultrum is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee.
- Indian rupees: widely accepted across the country, especially in smaller notes.
- ATMs: available in main towns such as Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing, but not in every village or valley.
- Cards: accepted at larger hotels and some shops, sometimes with a surcharge.
- US dollars: accepted by some hotels and tour operators; useful for exchange at banks.
- SDF: paid in advance with your visa or permit, not in cash on arrival.
The ngultrum and the Indian rupee
The ngultrum has been pegged to the Indian rupee at par for decades, so 1 ngultrum is worth 1 rupee. Notes carry images of Bhutan's kings, dzongs and national symbols, and they make a pleasant small souvenir in themselves. Coins exist but you will rarely handle them.
Because of the peg, Indian rupees are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels across Bhutan, and you can usually pay in a mix of the two currencies. The practical advice is to carry smaller Indian notes. Some shops and businesses may refuse larger Indian notes, so notes of lower value are the safer choice. Ngultrum, on the other hand, is generally not accepted in India, so try to spend or exchange it before you leave.
Travellers coming overland from India will find the two currencies used side by side in border towns such as Phuentsholing. If you are planning that route, our guide to travelling to Bhutan from India covers permits, entry points and the SDF for Indian nationals.
ATMs in Bhutan
You will find ATMs in the main towns: Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing have several, and some district towns have at least one. Once you head into rural valleys, however, machines become scarce, and even in towns they can occasionally be out of service or out of cash.
Foreign cards do not always work in Bhutanese ATMs. Some international Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted at certain banks' machines, while others are declined for reasons that are hard to predict. Treat ATMs as a convenience rather than your main plan.
- Tell your bank before you travel that you will be using your card in Bhutan.
- Withdraw in Thimphu or Paro before heading east or into remote valleys.
- Carry a cash backup in case your card is not accepted.
- Check with your bank about foreign withdrawal fees.
Credit and debit cards
Larger hotels, some handicraft shops and a few restaurants in Thimphu and Paro accept card payments. Smaller cafés, village shops, market stalls and farmhouses usually want cash. Card payments sometimes carry a surcharge, so it is worth asking before you pay. Network connections can also be slow, which occasionally means a card machine will not connect at all.
If you are buying textiles, paintings or other larger souvenirs, ask the shop in advance whether they take cards. Our Bhutan souvenirs guide suggests what to look for and where.
US dollars and exchanging money
Some hotels and tour operators accept US dollars, and dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange. You can change money at banks in the main towns and at the counter at Paro International Airport when you arrive. Bring clean, undamaged notes, as worn or torn foreign notes may be refused.
Other major currencies can sometimes be exchanged at banks in Thimphu, but the choice is narrower. If you are flying in from a third country, arriving with some US dollars and changing a modest amount at Paro airport is a simple way to start your trip with local cash.
The Sustainable Development Fee
Most visitors pay Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). It is paid in advance together with your visa or entry permit, so you do not need to carry cash for it. For most international visitors the SDF is USD 100 per adult per night, a rate confirmed until 31 August 2027. Indian nationals pay INR 1,200 per person per night. Our visa and SDF guide explains the details, including how children are treated.
When you book with a licensed operator, the SDF and your visa are usually arranged for you as part of the trip. If you would like a clearer picture of your overall budget, try our Bhutan trip cost calculator.
Tipping and bargaining
Tipping is customary in Bhutan but entirely optional. Many travellers give a tip to their guide and driver at the end of a tour as thanks for good service, and small tips for hotel staff are welcome. There is no fixed amount; give what feels right for the service you received. A tip handed over in an envelope with a word of thanks is a gracious way to do it.
Bargaining is not the norm in Bhutan. Prices in shops are generally fixed, and haggling hard can come across as impolite. At some handicraft stalls you may find a little flexibility if you buy several items, but a friendly question is better than a hard negotiation.
How much cash to carry
Because most of your main costs, such as accommodation, guide, transport and the SDF, are normally paid in advance with a tour, the cash you need on the ground is for personal spending: snacks, drinks outside your meal plan, souvenirs, tips and small entrance donations at temples. Keep some cash in small notes for each day, and store the rest safely in your hotel.
- Carry a mix of ngultrum and small Indian rupee notes if you have them.
- Bring some US dollars as an exchange backup.
- Keep receipts for exchanges and larger purchases.
- Do not rely on a single card; bring a second card from a different bank if possible.
Practical tips
- Keep receipts from banks and exchange counters, as they can help if you need to change money back.
- Spend or change leftover ngultrum before you leave, since it is generally not usable outside Bhutan.
- Ask your guide for help if a shop cannot take your card; they usually know the nearest working ATM.
- Check our travel essentials list for a money belt, a spare card and other useful items.
- Read our Bhutan safety guide for general advice on keeping valuables secure.
For staying connected so that you can use banking apps, see our guide to SIM cards and Wi-Fi in Bhutan. You will also find many money questions answered on our travel FAQ page.
Questions about budgeting for Bhutan? Message us on WhatsApp +975 17661648 or email [email protected]. We reply with a tailored itinerary and quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Indian rupees in Bhutan?
Yes. The ngultrum is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee and Indian rupees are widely accepted. Carry smaller notes, as some businesses may refuse larger Indian notes.
Are there ATMs in Bhutan?
Yes, in the main towns such as Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing. They are scarce in rural areas and foreign cards do not always work, so carry a cash backup.
Can I pay by card in Bhutan?
Larger hotels and some shops accept cards, sometimes with a surcharge. Smaller cafés, markets and village shops usually want cash.
Where can I exchange money in Bhutan?
At banks in the main towns and at the exchange counter at Paro International Airport. US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to change.
Do I pay the SDF in cash?
No. The Sustainable Development Fee is paid in advance with your visa or permit. It is USD 100 per adult per night for most visitors, confirmed until 31 August 2027, and INR 1,200 per night for Indian nationals.
Should I tip in Bhutan?
Tipping is customary but optional. Many travellers tip their guide and driver at the end of a trip and leave small tips for hotel staff. There is no fixed amount.
Can I bargain in Bhutanese shops?
Bargaining is not the norm. Prices are generally fixed, though a polite question may bring a small discount when you buy several items at a handicraft stall.
