Currency

The unit of currency is ngultrum(Nu.). which is equivalent to the Indian rupee. The ngultrum is further divided into 100 chetrum. There are notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500, each depicting a different dzong. Indian rupees maybe used freely anywhere in Bhutan, but ngultrums are not at all welcome in India.

Exchanging Money

Since your trip is fully prepaid, theoretically you can manage in Bhutan without any local money at all, though you will probably want to pay for drinks, tips etc. The exchange counters at the airport, larger hotels and banks in Thimphu and Phuntsholing can change all the currencies listed.

It smaller towns, foreign currency exchange may be an unusual transaction. And if you plan to make major purchase such as textile or art, consider bringing US dollars in cash. Most shops will accept it and it will save you the trouble of large quantity of money in advance and then attempting to reconvert it if you don’t find the exact place you are looking for.

You may change your leftover ngultrums on departure if you can produce original exchange receipts.

Bhutan has two banks, each with branches through out the country. The Bank National Bhutan(BNB) is a public corporation with 51% government share. Both Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank have modernized operation, with computer systems and relationships with major overseas banks.

The Royal Monetary Authority(RMA) is the central bank. It issues banknotes and processes interbank transfers but does not change money or engage in any banking transaction for the public.

Travellers Cheques

You can cash travelers cheques at any bank, most hotels and the foreign exchange counter at the airport. You should carry only well known brands such as American Express, Visa, Thomas Cook, Citibank or Barclays.

Credit Cards and ATMS

Credit cards usage in Bhutan are new. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in government-run Handicrafts Emporium, and some large hotels in Thimphu but you should not count on using a credit card in Bhutan.

International Transfers

If in any way, you need to make an international transfer, check with Bhutan National Bank for it's list of overseas correspondent banks and try to intitiate the transaction through one of those.