ATM Fees in Bhutan
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) • Updated April 2026
Bhutan has limited banking infrastructure. ATMs exist in Thimphu and Paro but rarely accept foreign cards. Indian Rupees are accepted at par (BTN is pegged to INR). Bring USD or INR cash. Historical note: Until 2022, Bhutan used a 'Minimum Daily Package' system ($200-250/day) that included hotels, meals, transport, and guide. This was replaced in June 2022 by the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) - a direct tax that covers nothing. Initially $200/day, the SDF was reduced to $100/day (valid until Aug 31, 2027) to boost tourism recovery.
Tips for Bhutan
- • Most ATMs don't accept foreign Visa/Mastercard
- • Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank have main ATMs
- • Indian Rupees accepted everywhere at 1:1
- • Bring USD cash to exchange at banks
- • Tour operators can arrange currency exchange
- • Mandatory SDF is $100 USD/day (until 2027); hotels, food, and guide are EXTRA costs
Airport tips
- • Paro Airport has Bank of Bhutan ATM (may not accept foreign cards)
- • Tour guide usually handles airport logistics
- • Currency exchange possible at airport bank
- • All tourists must have pre-arranged tours
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Bhutan, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
BTN/day
≈ $148-194 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
BTN/day
≈ $253-372 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
BTN/day
≈ $703-1,314 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Bhutan.
Credit card acceptance
Very LowBhutan is largely cash-based. The mandatory $100/day SDF is paid separately when applying for visa. For additional purchases beyond tour packages, cash is essential. Only a few high-end hotels accept cards.
You'll need cash for
- • Souvenirs and handicrafts
- • Extra meals outside tour
- • Personal shopping
- • Tips for guides and drivers
- • Additional activities
Cards usually accepted
- • Luxury hotels (Amankora, Uma)
- • A few tourist shops in Thimphu
- • Airport duty-free
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of Bhutan | N/A | N/A | N/A | Foreign cards rarely work | 30 | Exchange cash at counter |
| Bhutan National Bank | N/A | N/A | N/A | Foreign cards rarely work | 25 | — |
| Druk PNB | N/A | N/A | N/A | Foreign cards rarely work | 15 | — |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of Bhutan | N/A | N/A | N/A | Foreign cards rarely work | 30 | Exchange cash at counter |
| Bhutan National Bank | N/A | N/A | N/A | Foreign cards rarely work | 25 | — |
| Druk PNB | N/A | N/A | N/A | Foreign cards rarely work | 15 | — |