Using a credit card in Bhutan

As an enchanting destination nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan offers a unique cultural experience and breathtaking sites. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, knowing how to navigate the local financial landscape is important.

While Bhutan primarily operates on a cash-based economy, the use of credit cards is gradually gaining popularity. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on using a credit card in Bhutan, including acceptance, fees, currency considerations and essential tips to ensure a smooth financial experience.

Acceptance of credit cards in Bhutan

Credit cards aren’t widely accepted in Bhutan, particularly outside major cities and tourist areas. It’s recommended to carry sufficient cash to cover your expenses, as many establishments prefer cash transactions, including small shops, local markets and rural areas. If the establishment takes credit cards, Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted credit card networks in Bhutan.

Currency and exchange rates

The official currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). It’s advisable to exchange your currency for BTN upon arrival in Bhutan, as local businesses primarily deal in cash. Foreign currency exchange services are available at banks and authorised exchange counters in major cities like Thimphu and Paro. It’s important to know the current exchange rates and any associated fees to get the best value for your money.

What about fees?

Before using your credit card in Bhutan, familiarise yourself with the fees and charges associated with your card. These may include foreign transaction, currency conversion and cash advance fees. Contact your credit card issuer to understand the specific charges that may apply while using your card in Bhutan.

Cash machines in Bhutan

ATMs in Bhutan are limited and mostly concentrated in urban areas. While some ATMs accept international cards, carrying enough cash is advisable, as you may not always have access to an ATM. Cash advance fees and higher interest rates often apply to credit card withdrawals, so it’s recommended to use ATMs as a last resort.

The table below serves as an example of how much extra you may pay to use your credit card in Bhutan.

Additionally, you can get an idea of costs by using these online currency conversion tools from Mastercard and Visa.

Is it safe to use my card in Bhutan?

To ensure the security of your credit card information while in Bhutan, consider the following precautions:

• Keep your credit card in a safe place and report any loss or theft immediately.
• Be cautious when using your card online and only make purchases from reputable websites with secure payment gateways.
• Regularly monitor your credit card statements for any unauthorised transactions and report them promptly to your issuer.
• Get cash out at a reputable ATM – e.g., a bank – and watch out for skimmers. If you feel the card slot is not as smooth as it should be or there’s a problem with the keypad, cancel your transaction and look for another ATM.

How to prepare before traveling to Bhutan

1. Get a credit card without foreign transaction fees. Travel cards usually come with no foreign transaction fees.
2. Opt for a Mastercard or Visa. They’re more universally accepted in Bhutan.
3. Get a backup card. This is particularly useful if something happens to your primary card. With a backup card, you’ll never be caught without money.
4. Get some cash. If you cannot pay by card, cash is a fail-safe option, especially as most establishments outside major cities are cash only.
5. Notify your card issuer. This way, you’ll avoid your card from being flagged for suspicious activity and prevent the bank from blocking your card.
6. Get your bank’s phone number. In case you lose your card or have other issues with your account whilst in Bhutan, you can quickly call your bank and sort it out.

Bottom line

While Bhutan remains primarily a cash-based economy, credit cards can offer some convenience in certain establishments in urban areas. However, it’s crucial to carry sufficient cash as a backup, and be prepared for limited credit card acceptance. By understanding the local financial landscape, fees and security measures, you can navigate Bhutan’s unique financial system and have a pleasant and worry-free experience during your visit to this extraordinary kingdom.

Compare cards with fee-free currency conversion in Bhutan

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Product UKCCF	Finder Score	Purchases	Annual/monthly fees	Initial credit limits	Representative APR	Incentive	Link
Monzo Flex	Finder score 8.2Great	0% if paid in full monthly or over 3 months. Reverting to 29% (variable) in 6, 12 or 24 monthly payments.	£0	Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.	29% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander All in One Credit Card	Finder score 9.3Excellent	0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%	£3 per month	Min. limit £500, max. limit not specified.	29.8% APR (variable)	0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Maximum of £10 cashback paid per month. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 29.8% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
118 118 Money Guaranteed Rate Card	Finder score 7.8Great	49%	£0	Min. limit £500, max. limit not specified.	49% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 49% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 49% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Yonder Credit Card Finder Award	Finder score 9.7Excellent	29.94%	1 month for £0, £15 per month thereafter	Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.	66.7% APR (variable)	First month free for new members, £15 p/m thereafter. Plus, 10,000 bonus points. Earn 5 points per £1 spent and up to 25 points per £1 at selected partners. Membership includes worldwide travel insurance, no FX fees and use your points towards any flight. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.94% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 66.7% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Credit Card	Finder score 9.8Excellent	12.9%	£0	Min. limit £250, max. limit not specified.	12.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).	Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Ulster Bank Credit Card Mastercard	Finder score 9.8Excellent	12.9%	£0	Min. limit £350, max. limit not specified.	12.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).	Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Royal Bank Credit Card	Finder score 9.8Excellent	12.9%	£0	Min. limit £250, max. limit not specified.	12.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).	Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Halifax Clarity Credit Card Mastercard	Finder score 9.3Excellent	23.94%	£0	Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Written by

Emily Herring

Publisher

Emily Herring is a Publisher at Finder specialising in credit-based products including credit cards and business and personal loans. Emily has recently joined the Investments team. She has a Masters in Creative Writing & Publishing and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media. See full bio

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