Bhutan officially the Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is located in the Eastern Himalayas, between the two large countries, China on the north and India in the west. This country is shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. Below are the list of things that you should know before traveling Bhutan.
1. Currency/Money:
Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum (Nu). Its value is pegged to the Indian Rupee which is also accepted as legal tender. However Indian Rupee notes in 500 and 2000 denominations are not acceptable in Bhutan. US Dollars are widely accepted.
2. Food and Cuisine:
Bhutanese food tastes pretty much like Chinese/Southeast Asian food, except that it’s a bit more chili and cheese on top of it. Some of popular dishes that you can enjoy in Bhutan such as Nasi Lemak, Ikan Bilis, Satay and Sambal, Fish Head Curry, Rojak, Black Pepper Crab etc.
3. Climate and Weather:
Bhutan has four distinct seasons: Spring, Monsoon/Summer, Autumn and Winter. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit and travel to Bhutan (end of Feb till May) and (Sep till Nov). Summers are usually warm (avg. temperature ranging from 20-25 degrees Celsius), while winters are cold (usually below 10 degrees). Bhutan can be visited all the year round! But we recommend travel to Bhutan/ Bhutan Travel during the summer/monsoon season. It will cost lower price and you will be severed better in the hotel because this is consider the low reason.
4. Clothes, Travelling Kits and other Paraphernalia:
You may have to bring lots of warm clothes and comfortable shoes to negotiate with the variable cold weather and the rugged mountainous terrain. You might even consider what to wear when hiking, trekking and sightseeing, as well as for dinners, appointments and functions. A pair of sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and a hat; antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhea pills, altitude & car sickness medicines (induced by the winding roads); insect repellents, flash light, umbrella, camera and accessories are important things that you should bring with you.
5. Tobacco & Smoking:
Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. It is, however, not forbidden to smoke in appropriate areas. A 200% duty fee will apply to bring cigarettes and tobacco products into Bhutan and you must have a receipt, too.
6. Communications & Internet:
The country has a good network of modern communications facilities. Almost every town has an internet café and IDD calling booths from where you can log and connected to the world. You can also purchase a local SIM card that would give you connectivity outside the hotels or when you are traveling, if you want to.
7. Surcharge for groups of 2 travellers or less
When you travel to Bhutan, you can save more money especially in surcharge if you your friends. You should take note of the daily surcharge as follows:
Single traveller – US$40 per night
Group of 2 travellers – US$30 per person/per night
Group of 3 travellers or more – No surcharge (so gather 2 of your friends along, save some money and form lasting memories!)
