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Travel Guide for Bhutan

Miscellaneous

Taxes and other Charges                                                                                                                

The Bhutan Tourism Development Fee and other tourism taxes are included in the tour cost. Airport Departure tax is also included in the tour cost.

 

Purchasing Souvenirs:  Unlike other tourist destinations, Bhutan’s larger stores normally do not like to bargain, however, you can bargain at smaller stores. The most popular souvenirs are traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, Buddhist paintings, jewelry, wooden bowls and carvings. Bhutan is also very famous for its postage stamps.

 

Antiques: The export of antiques and wildlife products are prohibited. If you purchase a souvenir that looks old, have your guide declare it as a non-antique item with the Department of Antique Preservation. Customs authorities pay special attention to religious items.

 

Photography: You should plan to bring all your own photographic equipment, including film and batteries. You can find film for prints and slides in Thimphu. There is no way to get a camera repaired in Bhutan. Video cameras are permitted but 16 mm movie cameras are not, the later being considered professional equipment and subject to duty. There are restrictions in taking pictures in Temples and monasteries you visit, please ask your guide before taking pictures. 

Electricity: Western Bhutan have a reliable power supply. Elsewhere, access is less consistency  electricity is not available in many outlying areas of the country.. If you do bring electrical appliances, take along an international converter kit with a set of adapter plugs. The sockets are round. The voltage supply is 220/240.

 

Bhutan is a remote, but unique and a beautiful country, only recently emerging from isolation. There are no International standard luxury hotels. Accommodations outside Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Phuntsholing are basic, which is clean family run lodges with attached bath and hot water running (some places need to share bathroom). Accommodation provided are the best available and approved by the Tourism Department of Bhutan.

 

Safety & Security:  Bhutan is a safe country, but like anywhere in the world, it is wise to be a little cautious. Simple safety precautions such as ignoring touts, not wearing excessive jewelry, being careful when crossing roads (remember: left-hand traffic!) and taking care of valuables will keep you out of trouble. Valuables such as money, traveler check, passports and flight tickets are best kept in the safety box of your hotel if available or carry along with you all the time. If you are trekking refer to our Acclimatization and altitude sickness information.

 

Baggage Allowance: Passengers are allowed to carry free baggage not exceeding 20 Kgs (44 pounds) in Y class and 30 Kgs (66 pounds) in J class. Any excess will be charged, for excess baggage.. Only one hand carry baggage is allowed; the size not exceeding 45+35+20cm (17.5+13.5+8 inches) and the weight not exceeding 5 kgs (11 pounds). 

Thoughts & Ideas Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed. Make sure boots are broken-in.  Bring moleskin for foot treatment.  Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters.  The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton.  Test your sock combination before you go on the trip. Always test your layers before a trip.  Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up. Make sure boots are broken-in.  Bring moleskin for foot treatment.  Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters.  The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton.  Test your sock combination before you go on the trip. Travel clothes, extra gear and purchases can be left in a storage room at our office in Thimphu, Bhutan.  It is prudent to bring an extra duffel bag for this purpose. Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear.  Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.

 

Tipping

 

The guide and driver expect the tips at the end of the tour which depend on the number of days they are with you. US$ 8-10 per day to the guide and US$ 6-8 per day to the driver would be good tip at the end of the trip.

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