Bhutan - Money
Currency & Money
1 Ngultrum (BTN; symbol Nu) = 100 chetrum (Ch). The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee, which is also accepted as legal tender. Banknotes are available in denominations of Nu 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Nu 1, as well as 50, 25, and 20 Chetrum. Smaller denomination notes and coins have been discontinued but remain in circulation and are still legal tender. US Dollars are also widely accepted.
Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are increasingly accepted in Bhutan, particularly in major towns like Thimphu and Paro. However, in central and eastern regions of Bhutan, credit card facilities may be limited or unavailable.
ATMs are available in major towns, but not many accept international cards. Visitors should carry sufficient cash (US dollars or Indian Rupees).
Import and export of Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN): Individuals may carry up to Nu 5,000 into or out of Bhutan per instance. Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared to customs authorities upon arrival or departure.
Import and export of foreign currency: Travellers can bring into or take out of Bhutan foreign currency up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 without declaration. A declaration must be made at the customs point of entry or exit for amounts exceeding this.
Import and export of Indian Rupees (INR): For travel to countries other than India or Nepal, carrying Indian currency exceeding INR 10,000 requires declaration at customs upon arrival or departure.
In Thimphu, several authorised money changers operate, including the Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan located in the RICB Building on Norzin Lam 1. Paro also has several money exchange services. However, as you travel into the interior of the country, banking and currency exchange facilities become scarce. It's advisable to complete your currency exchanges in Thimphu or Paro and carry sufficient local currency when venturing into rural areas.
The Indian Rupee is accepted as legal tender, and US Dollars are widely accepted. However, it's prudent to have local currency on hand for smaller establishments and rural regions.
Do you have any Feedback about this page?
© 2025 Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission, click here for information on Columbus Content Solutions.
You know where