Thimphu Practical information

Money & costs

Money

Most hotels can change money at government rates, although they usually have a limited supply of cash. A few places advertise that they accept Amex and Visa cards but, apart from in the handicraft shops, card transactions are a rare event. If you’re planning to use a credit card to pay a bill in a hotel, settle the bill between 9am and 5pm, while the authorisation office is open.

Bank of Bhutan (322266; Norzin Lam; 9am-1pm Mon-Fri, to 11am Sat) The main branch; it tends to be busy.

Bank of Bhutan (Wogzin Lam; noon-2pm Mon, to 4pm Wed-Sat) Smaller city branch only two blocks away from main branch.

Bhutan National Bank (322767; Chang Lam; 9am-3pm Mon-Fri, to 11am Sat) In the same building as the main post office. Money-changing is straightforward at this branch.