Quick Facts About Bhutan
General Information
- • Capital: Thimphu
- • Currency: Ngultrum (BTN)
- • Language: Dzongkha (English widely spoken)
- • Population: 775,000
- • Time Zone: BTT (UTC+6)
Tourist Information
- • Best Time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
- • Power Plug: Type D/F/G (230V)
- • Emergency: 110 (Police), 112 (Medical)
- • Tourism Fee: $100/day (SDF)
- • Visa: Required (through tour operator)
Benefits of eSIM for Bhutan Travel
✈️ Airport Connectivity
Connect immediately at Paro International Airport, Bhutan's only international gateway.
💰 Cost Effective
Save on expensive roaming charges while exploring the Himalayan kingdom.
🏔️ Mountain Coverage
Stay connected on treks to Tiger's Nest, mountain passes, and remote dzongs.
📱 Dual SIM Benefits
Keep your home number while using local data rates in Bhutan.
🌍 Regional Coverage
Some plans include India coverage for border crossings.
🚀 Instant Setup
No paperwork needed - activate your eSIM instantly with QR code.
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How to Install Your Bhutan eSIM
Before You Travel
- Check your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS/XR or newer, recent Samsung/Google phones)
- Ensure your phone is unlocked
- Purchase your Bhutan eSIM plan
- Find a stable WiFi connection for installation
Installation Steps
- Receive QR Code: Get your QR code via email after purchase
- Open Settings: Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data
- Add eSIM: Select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add Data Plan"
- Scan QR: Use your camera to scan the QR code
- Label Your eSIM: Name it "Bhutan" for easy identification
- Set Preferences: Choose which line for calls, messages, and data
Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before departure but keep it turned off. Activate it only when you land in Bhutan to start your plan duration.
Network Coverage Across Bhutan
Coverage by Region
Excellent Coverage (4G/3G)
- • Thimphu - Capital city
- • Paro - Airport & valley
- • Punakha - Former capital
- • Wangdue Phodrang
- • Phuentsholing - Border town
Good Coverage (3G/2G)
- • Bumthang Valley
- • Trongsa - Central Bhutan
- • Mongar - Eastern region
- • Haa Valley
- • Major highways
Tourist Hotspot Coverage
- ✅ Tiger's Nest Monastery: Good coverage at base, limited on trek
- ✅ Dochula Pass: Basic coverage at viewpoint
- ✅ Punakha Dzong: Excellent coverage
- ✅ Buddha Dordenma: Strong 4G signal
- ✅ Phobjikha Valley: Limited coverage in valley
- ⚠️ Remote trekking routes: No coverage in high mountains
Network Providers in Bhutan
Bhutan Telecom
Primary network provider
- • Widest coverage
- • 4G in major towns
- • Government owned
- • Most reliable
TashiCell
Alternative provider
- • Good urban coverage
- • Competitive rates
- • Growing 4G network
- • Popular with locals
Most eSIMs connect to Bhutan Telecom for best coverage. Both networks provide reliable service in tourist areas and major towns.
Data Plan Recommendations by Travel Type
Cultural Tourist
Perfect for dzong visits, monastery tours, and festival attendance
Best for:
- •Photo/video sharing
- •Translation apps
- •Hotel WiFi backup
- •Guide coordination
Trekker
Himalayan treks with limited connectivity zones
Best for:
- •Offline maps essential
- •Weather updates
- •Emergency contact
- •Trek progress sharing
Photographer
Capturing Bhutan's landscapes, architecture, and culture
Best for:
- •Cloud backup
- •Location scouting
- •Social media posts
- •High-res uploads
Spiritual Seeker
Meditation retreats and spiritual experiences
Best for:
- •Light usage periods
- •Emergency contact
- •Journey journaling
- •Mindful connectivity
Data Usage Tips for Bhutan
Save Data:
- • Download offline maps for valleys
- • Use hotel WiFi for uploads
- • Save monastery info offline
- • Compress photos before sharing
Typical Usage:
- • Navigation: ~10MB per hour
- • Social media: ~80MB per hour
- • Video calls: ~300MB per hour
- • Photo backup: ~5MB per photo
Not sure which plan is right for your Bhutan journey? Our customer support team is here to help!
Compare All Bhutan PlansEssential Travel Tips for Bhutan
Tourism Requirements
- • Book through licensed operator
- • $100/day sustainable fee
- • Guide mandatory
- • Pre-arranged itinerary
- • Dress modestly at dzongs
Money & Transport
- • Cash preferred (ATMs limited)
- • Indian Rupee accepted
- • Private vehicle with driver
- • No independent travel
- • Tips appreciated
Must-Visit Attractions
Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ Tiger's Nest: Iconic cliff monastery
- 🏰 Punakha Dzong: Most beautiful dzong
- 🗿 Buddha Dordenma: Giant Buddha statue
- ⛩️ Kyichu Lhakhang: Ancient temple
- 🏛️ Tashichho Dzong: Seat of government
Natural Wonders
- 🏔️ Dochula Pass: 108 stupas & views
- 🌲 Phobjikha Valley: Black-necked cranes
- 🏔️ Chomolhari: Sacred mountain
- 🌊 Haa Valley: Pristine landscapes
- 🌺 Bumthang: Switzerland of Bhutan
Troubleshooting Guide
eSIM Not Connecting?
- 1. Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn off
- 2. Ensure data roaming is ON for your eSIM line
- 3. Select network manually: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection
- 4. Try selecting Bhutan Telecom manually
Slow Data Speeds?
- • 4G limited to major towns
- • Mountain areas have slower speeds
- • Try switching between BT and TashiCell
- • Hotel WiFi often faster
No Coverage in Remote Areas?
- • Expected in high mountain areas
- • Download offline maps beforehand
- • Guides have satellite phones for emergencies
- • Coverage returns in valleys
Emergency Contacts in Bhutan
Emergency Numbers
- 📞 Police: 110 or 113
- 🚒 Fire Brigade: 110
- 🚑 Medical Emergency: 112
- 🚗 Road Emergency: 16545
- 📱 Tourist Helpline: 1254
Useful Contacts
- ✈️ Paro Airport: +975 8 272032
- 🏥 JDWNR Hospital: +975 2 322496
- 💊 City Pharmacy: +975 2 323632
- 🚖 Taxi Service: +975 17116688
Cultural Guide & Etiquette
Do's
- ✅ Dress modestly (no shorts at dzongs)
- ✅ Walk clockwise around religious sites
- ✅ Remove shoes in temples
- ✅ Ask permission before photos
- ✅ Respect the monarchy
Don'ts
- ❌ Don't smoke in public (banned)
- ❌ No photography inside temples
- ❌ Don't touch religious artifacts
- ❌ Avoid public displays of affection
- ❌ Don't kill any living beings
Cultural Note: Bhutan measures Gross National Happiness instead of GDP. Respect for nature, Buddhism, and traditional culture is deeply important. The country is carbon-negative and maintains 70% forest cover by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Bhutan eSIM for trekking?
Coverage is limited on high-altitude treks. Download offline maps and inform your guide about connectivity needs.
Is there coverage at Tiger's Nest?
Good coverage at the base and cafeteria halfway up. Limited signal at the monastery itself.
Do I need to register my eSIM in Bhutan?
No registration required. Your tour operator handles all permits and your eSIM works automatically.
Will my eSIM work near the Indian border?
Yes, good coverage in border towns. Some plans include India roaming for seamless connectivity.
Can I top up my data if I run out?
Yes, most eSIM providers offer easy top-up options through their apps or websites.
Ready to Explore Bhutan Connected?
Choose your perfect eSIM plan and discover Bhutan's monasteries, mountains, and happiness with reliable connectivity
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