Credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities and hotels in Bhutan, but cash is more commonly used in rural areas. While you can use cards at some restaurants, shops, and hotels, it’s advisable to carry cash for transactions in more remote locations.
Yes, there are ATMs available in major cities like Thimphu and Paro. These ATMs accept international cards, allowing you to withdraw local currency. However, ATMs might not be available in more remote areas, so make sure to carry enough cash for your travels.
The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. Dzongkha is used in government, media, and education. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, for business, and by younger Bhutanese who have received education in English.
In addition to Dzongkha, English is commonly spoken in Bhutan, especially in tourist areas and for business purposes. Many Bhutanese also speak various local languages and dialects depending on their region, such as Sharchopka in the east and Lhotshamkha in the south.
Bhutan operates on Bhutan Time (BTT), which is UTC+6. There is no daylight saving time, so the time remains constant throughout the year. This time zone is 6 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
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