Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in the US:
Bhutan has no embassy in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN, headed by Ugyen TSERING, located at:
Address: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Telephone: [1] (212) 826-1919
Fax: 202-319-2668

US Diplomatic Representation:
No formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-BHUTAN RELATIONS

Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971. Bhutan does not have diplomatic relations with any of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, including the United States. The U.S. has no significant trade relations with the country. Informal contact is maintained through the Bhutanese Embassy in India and the Bhutanese Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Bhutan participates in a regional program for South Asia sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that helps countries develop their power infrastructure (SARI-E). A few Bhutanese military officers have attended courses at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. The U.S. Government annually brings several Bhutanese participants to the United States through its International Visitors and Fulbright Programs.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, has consular responsibilities for Bhutan, but U.S. citizens also may request assistance from U.S. Embassies in Kathmandu, Nepal, or Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The U.S. Ambassador to India is Nancy J. Powell; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

More information about Bhutan is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Bhutan Page
CIA World Factbook Bhutan Page
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Country Studies
Travel and Business Information






TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Bhutan check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


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.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Currency...............No restrictions

Tobacco................200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Liquor...................1 litre of spirits

Gifts/souvenirs......No restrictions

Perfume................250ml of eau de toilette

Cameras................No movie / video cameras

Prohibited items: Firearms, narcotics, plants, gold and silver billion, and obsolete currency. The export of antiques, religious objcts, manuscript, images and anthropological materials is strictly prohibited.



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