There are around 19 languages and dialects spoken in this small Himalayan kingdom. Spoken by half a million Bhutanese people, Dzongkha is a SinoTibetan language. It was declared the national and official language of Bhutan in 1971. Besides Dzongkha, there are three other well-known languages named Tshanglakha, Lhotshamkha and Bumthangkha. English is also medium of communication and most Bhutanese speak good English. Communicating in English especially with urban goers will enhance your knowledge on Bhutan.

Bhutan’s currency is Ngulturm (Nu.) and that’s at par with Indian rupee. Credit cards are acceptable at 5 star and luxury hotels, but it has limited acceptability at 3- and 4-star hotels. Similarly, the souvenir shops in main town may accept credit cards but it’s not prevalent in smaller towns. So, it is recommended to carry travelers’ cheques or cash for incidental expenses. ATMs are available at certain locations and travelers may withdraw local currency.
Indian citizens can carry up to Rs. 25,000 in Indian currency in denominations of Rs. 500 or less.

Mobile phones with international roaming facility will work in Bhutan. Further, it is more practical and economical to buy a local SIM with internet package. All the cities have mobile phone network and 4G facilities available in major cities. Almost all the hotels will have WiFi facilities too.

There is plenty of photo opportunity all along Bhutan tour. It is always better to take permission first while photographing local people. There are certain places such as monasteries and temples, where photography is prohibited however there is no restriction on photographing Dzongs and Goembas from outside. If you are uncertain about whether or not photography is permitted, please check with your local guide. You should refrain from taking pictures of military installations.

Since reopening in 2022, Bhutan has scrapped its all-inclusive tour-package minimum, and initially raised the Sustainable Daily Fee (SDF) to US$200 before reducing it to US$100, valid now through September 2027. There is a 50% discount for kids ages six to 11, with no SDF for those under six. A one-time US$40 visa-application fee also applies. However, Indian nationals are exempt from this fee.
Fees are significantly lower for travelers from India, who can visit with a special permit. Indian tourists must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is INR 1,200 per person per night. Indian travelers need to have a passport or voter ID card. Indian Aadhar cards are not accepted. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals are eligible for visa upon arrival, but must pay the SDF. For children below the age of 18 years, it is mandatory to carry the original birth certificate or the original passport, accompanied by a legal guardian.

Visitors can travel independently in the western valleys of Paro and Thimphu. Outside of these valleys, a guide, vehicle, and driver are required. You can also, for the first time ever, extend your visa while you’re there, and you can even drive your own car – for a fee.
However, for activities like trekking, attending festivals or engaging in more specialized interests, such as birding, horse trekking or cycling, using a tour operator will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience – and is generally required.