Currency Exchange Guide: Thimphu & Paro

Understanding Bhutan’s currency system is essential for any traveler. The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR) at par, making currency exchange relatively straightforward for those familiar with Indian currency.

Bhutanese Currency Basics

The Ngultrum (Nu.) is Bhutan’s official currency, divided into 100 chetrums. Banknotes come in denominations of Nu.1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000.

Important: Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted throughout Bhutan, except for the INR 500 and 2000 notes, which are not accepted due to Indian government regulations.

Where to Exchange Money in Thimphu

Banks (Recommended Rates)

Bank of Bhutan (BoB)

• Main Branch: Norzin Lam, Thimphu
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Sat)
• What to Bring: Passport + visa copy required
• Currencies Accepted: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, SGD, JPY

Bhutan National Bank (BNB)

• Main Branch: Changangkha, Thimphu
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Mon-Fri)
• Services: Currency exchange, ATM, traveler’s checks

Druk PNB Bank

• Location: Near Clock Tower Square
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
• Best For: USD to Nu. conversion

Authorized Exchange Counters

Bhutan Foreign Exchange

• Location: Ground floor, Jungshi Commercial Building
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
• Note: Slightly better rates than banks for USD

Hotel Exchange Counters

• Taj Tashi: Offers 24/7 exchange for guests
• Le Méridien: Competitive rates, limited to major currencies
• Terma Linca: Good for USD and EUR

Warning: Avoid unauthorized money changers. Use only banks and licensed exchange counters.

Where to Exchange Money in Paro

Paro Branches

Bank of Bhutan - Paro

• Location: Main Street, near Paro Dzong
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
• Services: Currency exchange, ATM

Bhutan National Bank - Paro

• Location: Near the airport road
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Mon-Fri)

Hotel Exchange Options

Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa

• Guest Services: Exchange available 24/7
• Currencies: USD, EUR, GBP

Olathang Hotel

• Limited Exchange: USD only, up to $500 per transaction

ATM Withdrawals

Thimphu ATMs

Withdrawal Limits:

• Maximum per transaction: Nu. 40,000 (approx. $500)
• Daily limit: Nu. 100,000 (approx. $1,200)
• Fees: Nu. 30-50 per transaction + bank fees

Paro ATMs

• Bank of Bhutan: Near Dzong (accepts Visa, Mastercard)
• BNB: Airport road (Visa, Mastercard, Plus)

Note: ATMs can be unreliable in remote areas. Always carry cash when traveling outside Thimphu/Paro.

Currency Exchange Tips

Best Currencies to Bring

1. US Dollars (USD) - Most widely accepted, best rates
2. Euros (EUR) - Good rates, widely accepted
3. British Pounds (GBP) - Accepted at major banks
4. Singapore Dollars (SGD) - Limited acceptance

Exchange Rate Expectations

As of 2025:

• 1 USD = ~83-85 Nu.
• 1 EUR = ~90-93 Nu.
• 1 GBP = ~105-108 Nu.
• 1 INR = 1 Nu. (fixed peg)

Pro Tips

1. Exchange Large Amounts: Better rates for larger transactions ($500+)
2. Carry Small Bills: Useful for tips, small purchases
3. Keep Receipts: Required when converting leftover Nu. back to foreign currency
4. Avoid Airport Exchanges: Poor rates, use banks in town instead

Credit Card Acceptance

Widely Accepted

• Hotels (3-star and above)
• Tourist restaurants
• Gift shops at tourist sites
• Airlines (Druk Air)

Limited/Not Accepted

• Local restaurants
• Small shops
• Market stalls
• Taxi services

Cards Accepted: Visa, Mastercard (American Express limited)

Traveler’s Checks

Traveler’s checks are becoming less common but are still accepted at:

• Bank of Bhutan branches
• Major hotels in Thimphu/Paro

Note: Carry the purchase receipt and identification.

Money Safety Tips

1. Use Hotel Safes: Store extra cash and passports
2. Carry What You Need: Only keep necessary cash on hand
3. Multiple Sources: Split cash between bags
4. Emergency Reserve: Keep $100-200 USD hidden
5. Digital Backup: Photo of passport and important documents

Border Towns

Phuentsholing (India Border)

• Best place to exchange INR to BTN
• Multiple exchange counters at the border gate
• Bank of Bhutan branch near immigration

Gelephu (India Border)

• Limited exchange options
• Bank of Bhutan branch available
• Best to exchange before traveling here

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Indian Rupees in Bhutan?

Yes, except INR 500 and 2000 notes are not accepted.

Should I exchange money at the airport?

Only for immediate needs. Rates are better at city banks.

Is tipping expected in Bhutan?

It’s appreciated but not mandatory. 10% is standard for good service.

How much cash should I carry per day?

Budget: Nu. 1,500-2,000 per day ($18-25) Mid-range: Nu. 3,000-5,000 per day ($35-60)

Can I use mobile payment apps?

Bhutan has mPay and ePay for locals, but tourists should use cash.

Emergency Contacts

Bank of Bhutan Customer Service: +975-2-322919 Bhutan National Bank: +975-2-322517 Lost/Stolen Cards: Contact your bank immediately + local police

Summary Table

Final Advice: Plan your currency exchanges in advance during banking hours. While ATMs are convenient in Thimphu and Paro, they cannot be relied upon in remote districts. Always carry sufficient cash for your entire trip when traveling to eastern Bhutan or remote trekking areas.