TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
TBA |
| Currency |
(BTN)
Ngultrum |
| Electrical |
230 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 975, City Code, Thimphu 2+6D, Trongsa 3+6D, Trashigang
4+6D |
Time:
GMT + 6.
Electricity:
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone:
Services are restricted to the main centres. Country code: 975.
All other calls must go through the international operator. Outgoing
international code: 00.
Climate:
There are four distinct seasons similiar in their divisions to
those of Western Europe. The Monsoon occurs between June and August
when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C (46°-70°F).
Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude. Days
are usually very pleasant (average about 10°C/50°F) with
clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy woollen
clothing, particularly in winter. Generally October, November
and April to mid-June are the best times to visit – rainfall
is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active days
of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the
winter.
Required
clothing: Lightweight cottons in the foothills, also
linens and waterproof gear, light sweaters and jackets for the
evenings. Upland areas: woollens for evenings, particularly during
the winter months.
Food
& Drink: Restaurants are relatively scarce and most
tourists eat in their hotels. Meals are often buffet-style and
mostly vegetarian. Cheese is a very popular ingredient in dishes
and the most popular cheeses are dartsi (cow’s milk cheese),
sometimes served in a dish with red chillies (ema dartsi), and
yak cheese. Rice is ubiquitous, sometimes flavoured with saffron.
The most popular drink is souza (Bhutanese tea).
Shopping:
Markets are held regularly, generally on Saturday and Sunday,
and are a rich source of local clothing and jewellery, as well
as foodstuffs. The handicraft emporium on the main street in the
capital is open daily except Sunday and offers a magnificent assortment
of handwoven and handcrafted goods. The Motithang Hotel in Thimphu
has a souvenir shop. Silversmiths and goldsmiths in the Thimphu
Valley are able to make handcrafted articles to order. Shopping
hours: Mon-Sun 0900-2000 (closed Tue).
Currency:
1 Ngultrum (NU) = 100 chetrum (Ch). The Ngultrum is pegged to
the Indian Rupee (which is also acccepted as legal tender). Notes
are in denominations of NU500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins
are in denominations of NU1, and 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 chetrum.
US Dollars are also widely accepted throughout the kingdom.
Currency
exchange: Leading foreign currencies are accepted but
travellers cheques are preferred and receive a better exchange
rate. Major hotels in Thimphu and Phuntsholing, and the Olathang
Hotel in Paro, will also exchange foreign currency.
Credit
& debit cards: American Express and Diners Club have
very limited acceptability. Check with your credit, or debit,
card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services
which may be available.
Tipping:
Not widely practiced.
