Welcome to Bhutan The Land of the Thunder Dragon! We are delighted to have you in our beautiful country. To make your stay truly memorable and ensure smooth payment experience, please take note of the following important guidelines: Smart Tips for Hassle-Free Payments
1. Enable Your Cards for International Use Before traveling, confirm with your bank (or via your mobile banking app) that your debit/credit cards are enabled for international transactions, including use in Bhutan.
2. Inform Your Bank about Your Travel Plans Notify your bank of your travel dates and destination to prevent transaction declines and ensure smooth payments.
3. Check Card Network Compatibility Ensure your card network — e.g. Visa, MasterCard, Union Pay, JCB, or American Express —is supported by banks in Bhutan. For more details on accepted card networks, visit the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) website:
Key Things to Do Before You Pay
1. Be Aware of Transaction & Withdrawal Limits check your bank’s transaction limit. At ATMs in Bhutan, follow on-screen instructions to note withdrawal limits per transaction.
2. Consult Merchants, Guides, or Banks If a payment is declined, consult your merchant or guide for assistance. If the issue persists, contact the nearest bank.
3. Important Note for Regional (Indian) Tourists Cards issued in India denominated in USD will not work in Bhutan due to FEMA regulations by the Reserve Bank of India. Please carry cards valid for India, Bhutan, and Nepal to avoid payment issues.