Currency Exchange Guide: Thimphu & Paro

Understanding Bhutan’s currency system is essential for any visitor. The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR) at par, making currency exchange relatively straightforward for those familiar with Indian currency. But even if you’ve never held an Indian rupee, navigating Bhutan’s financial landscape is simple once you understand a few basics.

The Ngultrum, abbreviated as Nu. and divided into 100 chetrums, comes in banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. Coins are rarely used except for small transactions. Importantly, Indian Rupees are widely accepted throughout Bhutan, except for the INR 500 and 2,000 notes, which are not accepted due to Indian government regulations. If you’re carrying Indian currency, bring smaller denominations.

Where to Exchange Money in Thimphu

Banks offer the most reliable rates and secure transactions. Bank of Bhutan on Norzin Lam serves as the main branch, open from 9 AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 11 AM on Saturday. Bring your passport and visa copy—they’re required for every transaction. The bank accepts USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, SGD, and JPY for exchange.

Bhutan National Bank in Changangkha, open from 9 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday, provides currency exchange, ATM services, and traveler’s checks. Druk PNB Bank near Clock Tower Square specializes in USD to Nu. conversion and offers some of the best rates for American dollars.

Authorized exchange counters provide convenient alternatives to banks with extended hours. Bhutan Foreign Exchange on the ground floor of Jungshi Commercial Building is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and offers slightly better rates than banks for USD. Hotel exchange counters at Taj Tashi offer 24/7 exchange for guests, Le Méridien provides competitive rates for major currencies with limited selection, and Terma Linca handles USD and EUR well.

A warning worth heeding: avoid unauthorized money changers. Use only banks and licensed exchange counters to ensure you receive legitimate currency and fair rates. The small savings you might get from an informal changer aren’t worth the risk of counterfeit notes or outright fraud.

Where to Exchange Money in Paro

Paro offers fewer options than Thimphu but still provides adequate services for currency exchange. Bank of Bhutan on Main Street near Paro Dzong is open from 9 AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday and offers both currency exchange and ATM services. Bhutan National Bank near the airport road operates on the same schedule.

Hotel options include Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa, which offers 24/7 exchange for guests in USD, EUR, and GBP. Olathang Hotel provides limited USD exchange up to $500 per transaction if you need cash in a pinch.

ATM Withdrawals

ATMs provide convenient access to cash when banks are closed, though they shouldn’t be relied upon exclusively. In Thimphu, Bank of Bhutan has three locations on Norzin Lam that accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. Bhutan National Bank on Chang Lam accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Plus cards. Druk PNB at Clock Tower accepts Visa and Mastercard.

Withdrawal limits are set by the banks. Maximum per transaction is Nu. 40,000 or approximately $500. Daily limits cap at Nu. 100,000 or roughly $1,200. Fees range from Nu. 30 to 50 per transaction plus whatever your home bank charges for international withdrawals.

In Paro, Bank of Bhutan near the Dzong accepts Visa and Mastercard. BNB on the airport road accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Plus cards.

Important caveat: ATMs can be unreliable in remote areas. They may be out of cash, out of service, or simply not exist outside major towns. Always carry cash when traveling outside Thimphu and Paro.

Currency Exchange Tips

US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency and offer the best rates. Euros are also widely accepted with good rates. British pounds can be exchanged at major banks. Singapore dollars have limited acceptance but are possible.

Exchange rates fluctuate but as of 2025, you can expect approximately 83 to 85 Nu. for one US dollar, 90 to 93 Nu. for one euro, and 105 to 108 Nu. for one British pound. The Indian rupee, of course, trades at par—one Nu. equals one INR.

Pro tips that will save you money and hassle: exchange larger amounts for better rates. Transactions of $500 or more typically get better rates than small exchanges. Carry small bills for tips and small purchases. Breaking a 500 Nu. note for a 20 Nu. purchase can be difficult in rural areas. Keep receipts for all exchanges—you’ll need them when converting leftover Ngultrum back to your home currency. Avoid airport exchanges. They’re convenient but offer poor rates. Use banks in town instead.

Credit Card Acceptance

Credit cards are becoming more common in Bhutan but shouldn’t be relied upon exclusively. Hotels rated three stars and above generally accept cards. Tourist restaurants catering to international visitors usually take cards. Gift shops at tourist sites accept cards, and both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines take cards for ticket purchases.

However, local restaurants typically don’t accept cards. Small shops throughout Bhutan are cash-only. Market stalls operate only in cash. Taxi services expect cash payment, though some high-end tour operators might accept cards for large bookings.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted where cards are taken. American Express has limited acceptance and should be considered a backup option rather than your primary card.

Traveler’s Checks

Traveler’s checks are becoming uncommon but are still accepted at Bank of Bhutan branches and major hotels in Thimphu and Paro. Carry the purchase receipt and identification when using traveler’s checks. They’re more secure than cash but less convenient than ATM cards or credit cards.

Money Safety Tips

Bhutan is safe from violent crime, but basic precautions still make sense. Use hotel safes for extra cash and passports you don’t need immediately. Carry only what you need for the day. Split cash between bags so you’re not wiped out if one bag is lost or stolen. Keep an emergency reserve of $100 to $200 USD hidden away. Take photos of your passport and important documents as digital backup in case anything is lost.

Border Towns

Phuentsholing on the Indian border is the best place to exchange INR to BTN if you’re entering overland. Multiple exchange counters at the border gate provide competitive rates, and Bank of Bhutan has a branch near immigration. Gelephu, another border town, has limited exchange options with a Bank of Bhutan branch available. It’s best to exchange before traveling here if possible, as options are more limited.

Practical Tips

How much cash should you carry per day? Budget travelers should plan on Nu. 1,500 to 2,000 per day, or about $18 to $25. Mid-range travelers should budget Nu. 3,000 to 5,000 daily, or $35 to $60. Luxury travelers will need Nu. 5,000 and above per day depending on shopping and activities.

Can you use mobile payment apps? Bhutan has mPay and ePay for locals, but these aren’t practical for tourists. Stick to cash and cards.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Ten percent is standard for good service at restaurants, and guides generally expect tips if they’ve provided excellent service.

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. The last thing you want is to be in a beautiful remote village with no way to pay for a meal or a place to stay.