GoBhutan Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa Notice

（1） Common types of visas

Bhutan visas are divided into two categories: official visas and tourist visas. The type of visa issued does not depend on the passport type, but on the purpose of the visit. Official visas are issued to individuals visiting Bhutan for official purposes, while tourist visas are issued to individuals traveling to Bhutan for personal purposes.

（2） Review agency

Bhutanese embassies and consulates abroad can accept applications for official visas. Chinese citizens who visit or travel to Bhutan for personal purposes must obtain visas through Bhutan's authorized domestic travel agencies and their overseas cooperative travel agencies.

（3） Application requirements and process

service visa

1. A copy of the passport should be submitted when applying;

2. Visa application form;

3. Notification letter;

4. Two photos.

The Bhutanese embassy will report the information back to the Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval. After receiving a response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the applicant will be notified and the visa will be issued. The processing time is about 2 weeks. Official visas are free of charge.

Tourist Visa

1. One visa application form needs to be filled out;

2. Submit two passport photos;

3. The visa fee is $20.

The visa application is approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Bhutanese government and takes about one week. After the application is approved, the travel agency needs to book the flight tickets, hotels, and arrange the travel schedule on behalf of the applicant.

2、 Entry Notice

Tourist visas are all port visas, which are issued at the port of entry, and photos and visa fees are also submitted upon entry. matters needing attention:

（1） The name on the visa application form must be exactly the same as the name on the passport, otherwise even if you obtain the visa, you cannot enter the country;

（2） The name on the ticket must match the name on the passport, otherwise boarding is not allowed.

（3） If necessary, the visa can be extended within Bhutan for up to 6 months at a cost of 510 Nu (approximately 100 RMB, based on the exchange rate in June 2011).

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Customs regulations

The Bhutanese government strictly prohibits the export of antique art and any products related to the country's religious history.

Require all incoming personnel to fill out customs forms and submit them to the customs department upon arrival. The required items to be carried must be declared on the customs form. Products found to be undeclared upon departure will be confiscated by Bhutanese customs before departure. Bhutan Customs does not allow the sale of any musical instruments, instruments, specialized electrical appliances, photography equipment, cameras, electronic products, or gifts to individuals within the country. Once discovered, corresponding product tariffs must be paid.

Bhutan strictly prohibits the import and export of the following products:

（1） Weapons, ammunition, explosives, and military weapons;

（2） Drugs and anesthetics (medical drugs can be exempted);

（3） Wildlife products (especially endangered species);

（4） Antique. (Without relevant certificates, it is not allowed to export certain old/used items out of the country, even if the item is not an antique.)

2、 Epidemic prevention requirements

Bhutan's national epidemic prevention policy is similar to other countries in the world. Traveling to Bhutan does not require any prior vaccination, but if the tourist comes from a confirmed yellow fever infected country or region, they need to receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before arriving in Bhutan. In addition, it is recommended that tourists from designated cholera epidemic areas receive the cholera vaccine. Malaria is prevalent in the areas bordering southern Bhutan and India, and it is necessary to bring medication for treating malaria when traveling.

3、 Inspection and Quarantine

Bhutan attaches great importance to protecting its own plant system, therefore, seed based foods, mushroom based foods, etc. cannot be brought into Bhutan. Imported plants, soil, etc. must undergo quarantine and must be declared, otherwise they will be inspected by customs.

According to the Plant Quarantine Act passed by Bhutan in 1993, the following plants, plant products, and soil require strict quarantine by Bhutan's inspection and quarantine institutions:

（1） Any of the above products that have been imported from abroad into China;

（2） Any of the above products that are infected or suspected to be infected with pests and diseases;

（3） Any of the above products that have been in contact with or exposed to environments infected with pests and diseases.

Rare wildlife and plant products are strictly restricted.

Residency and Naturalization

Bhutan does not recognize dual citizenship. According to its Nationality Law, Bhutanese citizens lose their Bhutanese citizenship once they acquire the nationality of another country. At the same time, foreigners who apply for Bhutanese nationality must withdraw from their original nationality.

According to the Nationality Law promulgated in 1985, Bhutan adopts a patrilineal system, where both parents are Bhutanese citizens and their children hold Bhutanese nationality. In addition, individuals who were able to prove their permanent residency in Bhutan and registered in the annual census by the end of 1958 were also recognized as Bhutanese citizens.

One of the parents is a Bhutanese citizen, and their child must be at least 15 years old and have resided in Bhutan for at least 15 years according to population registration records in order to apply for Bhutanese citizenship. Foreigners who apply for Bhutanese nationality must be at least 21 years old and have lived in Bhutan for at least 20 years according to the population registration records. They are fluent in Bhutanese and Bhutan's history, culture, traditional customs, and have never spoken or acted against the king, country, and people. The Immigration Department under the Ministry of Interior and Culture of Bhutan has the final decision-making power, and if refused, no explanation is required.

Bhutan's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

1、 Situation assessment

Most Bhutanese people believe in Tibetan Buddhism and have a simple and honest way of life. The domestic legal system and security measures are relatively sound, with good social security and a low crime rate.

2、 Preventive measures

（1） Properly safeguard documents and property. Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuable items with you.

（2） Pay attention to personal safety precautions. The main preventive measures include traveling in groups, reducing nighttime travel, choosing places carefully, treating strangers with caution, following traffic rules, and so on.

natural disaster

The main natural disasters in Bhutan are floods and earthquakes. In the summer of 2007, Bhutan experienced a major flood, causing mudslides to break out in many parts of the country and blocking several major highways. In September 2009, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in the eastern part of Bhutan, resulting in the death of 7 Bhutanese people.

Try to avoid going to disaster prone areas as much as possible and make corresponding preparations. Bhutan and China have not yet established diplomatic relations. If Chinese citizens need assistance in terms of security, please contact the Chinese Embassy in India in a timely manner.

Chinese Embassy in India Phone: 0091-11-26112345

FDA

The Bhutanese Parliament passed the Food Law in 2005, which provides detailed regulations and management measures for food processing, production, sales, trade, health and safety inspections, and problem handling. The overall food hygiene situation in Bhutan is good.

Hotels in Bhutan, regardless of size, offer clean and hygienic food, and most of them are buffet style. You don't have to worry about getting sick when dining in hotels and regular restaurants. In the diet of Bhutanese people, the main meats are beef, pork, and fish, which are prepared similarly to Western cuisine. The vegetables are very fresh, including cabbage, beans, carrots, potatoes, peppers, etc. Among them, chili is one of the most common and popular vegetables in Bhutan. Chili is divided into two types, one is not spicy and can be eaten raw; The other one is very spicy. Passengers who cannot eat spicy food or are allergic to spicy food should inform the shop owner in advance.

Despite the good food hygiene conditions in Bhutan, tourists still need to pay attention to food hygiene and safety. Special reminders are as follows:

1、 Caution should be exercised when consuming foods that have not been tried before or have strong irritants, such as chili peppers, to prevent adverse gastrointestinal reactions;

2、 Do not drink tap water directly, drink bottled water or purified water. When purchasing bottled mineral water, pay attention to whether it has been opened;

3、 Fresh fruits should be washed or peeled when tasting;

4、 Keep away from local animals, especially to prevent animals from coming into contact with their own food.

Urgent Help

Local emergency hotline

First aid: 112.

Fire alarm: 110.

Bandit police: 113.

air traffic

Bhutan's air traffic is underdeveloped. There is only one airport in the country, Paro International Airport, located 65 kilometers from the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, and it is the only airport for entering and leaving Bhutan.

The Bhutanese government stipulates that civil aviation entering Bhutan must be operated by Royal Bhutan Airlines, and other foreign airlines are not allowed to fly on Bhutanese routes. Royal Bhutan Airlines is the only airline that can enter and exit Bhutan. The company currently has 4 aircraft (2 BAe146-100 and 2 Airbus A319), operating in 6 countries and 7 cities, traveling from Paro in Bhutan to New Delhi, Kolkata, and Gaya in India, Kathmandu in Nepal, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Yangon in Myanmar, and Bangkok in Thailand.

Most tourists enter and exit Bhutan by plane. If tourists are not afraid of trouble or plan to travel to India in the future, they can choose to enter and exit Bhutan by land from India. The only open land border in Bhutan at present is Phuntsoling in the south, and after leaving here, it is the small town of Jaigaon in West Bengal, India.

Due to the Bhutanese government's restrictions on the number of tourists entering the country and the limited number of flights operated by Bhutan Airlines, each flight can only carry a limited number of passengers, so advance booking is necessary. During peak season, many people start booking flights three months or even six months in advance.

land transport

The total length of national highways in Bhutan is 3745.9 kilometers (as of 2001), of which 1558 kilometers are national highways. In 2000, there were 19463 motor vehicles. Horses, cows, and mules are still the main means of transportation in mountainous areas. There are many rivers flowing in Bhutan, but the water is turbulent and cannot be navigated.

Bhutan is a mountainous country with complex terrain. Bhutan does not have railways domestically, and land transportation is mainly by car, usually provided by travel agencies. Self guided tourists can find public transportation services, but they are relatively rare and often overcrowded. Most road conditions are poor.

Urban transportation

Renting a car or bicycle is available locally. There are many bicycle rental companies in Tingbu, as well as a small number of taxis that do not use meters and require bargaining.

major city

The only true city in the country is the capital city of Tingbu, while some other places referred to as "cities" are actually densely populated small and medium-sized towns.

1、 Tingbu

Thimphu City, the capital of Bhutan. Located at the southern foot of the Himalayas, in the fertile Wanghe River Valley, with an altitude of over 2500 meters and a population of around 70000, it was designated as the capital of Bhutan in 1955. About an hour and a half drive from Paro Airport.

Tingbu City was first built in the 13th century as a small temple by Phajo Dagun Shipgo, the father of Bhutanese religion. In 1640, Shabudon I Awang Namgal rebuilt it into a large castle and named it after it. Most of its original buildings were destroyed by fires and earthquakes, and after multiple reconstructions, especially the reconstruction of the Zaxi Quezong Castle in 1961, the city experienced rapid development. Since 1955, Thimphon has been the political, economic, military, cultural, and religious center of Bhutan.

Before 1955, the country did not have a fixed capital because every summer, the king lived in Thimphon for a period of time, and Thimphon was called the "Summer Capital". In 1955, the king settled in Thimphu, and in 1962, Thimphu was officially designated as the permanent capital.

After Tingbu was established as the capital, palaces, schools, hospitals, shops, entertainment venues, and a large number of residential buildings were built, gradually developing into modern cities. There are also wood processing factories, juice factories, breweries, and various handicraft workshops in the city. There is the Tingbu Pangchulin National Highway leading to India, and the East and West Highways leading to major towns in the country such as Paro, Punakha, and Tunsa Tashigan.

Tingbu boasts beautiful scenery and towering terrain. The winter climate is cold, but other times the climate is mild and pleasant. The city is surrounded by dense forests and fresh air. The urban area is not large, with 12 main streets that are quiet and clean, and shops, hotels, and cinemas scattered on both sides of the streets. Most of the residential buildings in the city are scattered on both sides of the Wanghe River. These residences are rich in distinctive ethnic characteristics. The two or three story earthen buildings are used for raising poultry, storing tools and food, and other miscellaneous items at the bottom, while the upper floor is the living room. The entire residence is painted in red and green, with bright colors.

The main attractions in Thimphu include the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, Trashicho Dzong (meaning "Tianfu"), National Monument (commemorating Bhutan's third king Jigme Dorje Wangchuck), and Centenary Farmer's Market. Tingbu was historically the residence of religious leaders, and as a result, many exquisitely designed temple buildings and castles have been preserved to this day, with the most famous being the "Zaxi Quezong". In the suburbs of Thimphon, there are also rose gardens and the famous Simtokha Castle. The castle was built in 1627 AD, 8 kilometers away from the city of Thimphon. It is now a research institute for temple documents and houses realistic portraits of 8 Bodhisattvas, as well as some beautiful murals and carvings.

2、 Paro

Prao Town, the seat of the Paro Zong government, is located in the rich and beautiful Paro River Valley, at an altitude of 2250 meters.

Paro City is still a major town in western Bhutan. The Bhutanese government has established a national museum, power engineering, arts and crafts center, shopping center, as well as many cultural institutions and religious temples here, such as Paro Teachers' Training College, Paro Senior High School, Paro Junior High School, and Primary School.

There are also some larger temples in the city, such as Kyichu Temple, Taksang Temple, Sang Tog Pemi Temple, Sangnah Chhokhe Temple, Dense Docholing Temple, Chhumphu Temple, and Dungchi Lhakhang Temple.

Paro has some small-scale processing industries based on agriculture and owns Bhutan's only international airport - Paro Airport.

3、 Punaka

Punakha Town, also known as Banak. Located at an altitude of 1250 meters, on the banks of the Sankosh River at the confluence of the Po River and the Mo River. There are currently around 20000 residents. Before 1955, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. Due to the mild climate in the area, royal personnel usually migrate here in winter.

The Punakha Monastery is located in the city and is one of Bhutan's famous religious holy sites. It was built by King Shabutong I in 1637 and is still the winter palace of Bhutanese King Je Khenpo. Every year on October 1st (according to the Bhutanese calendar), the Khenpo Lama leads the lamas of the central temple to relocate from the Thimphu Summer Palace - Zaxiqiuzong Castle to Punakha for winter, and on April 1st of the following year (according to the Bhutanese calendar), they move back to Zaxiqiuzong Castle.

The city of Punaka has a rich religious collection, including religious manuscripts, sacred religious figures, as well as many vivid religious murals and lifelike portraits of religious celebrities, which occupy a significant position in the civil and religious aspects of the entire country.

The Punaka region has fertile land and is rich in food, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Citrus is famous throughout the country and is an important horticultural crop producing area in Bhutan.

Commodity prices

1、 Main products

Bhutan's main products include electricity, chemicals, wood, processed food, mineral products, etc. In order to prevent foreign tourists from having a negative impact on Bhutan's natural environment, culture, and local people's way of life, the Bhutanese government has implemented a low flow, high-efficiency tourism policy and controlled the number of tourists by setting a minimum consumption level.

Currently, the minimum spending level for traveling in Bhutan is $200 per person per day. The currency name of Bhutan is Ngultrum, abbreviated as Nu, with 1 Bhutanese Nu equaling 0.1493 RMB and 1 US dollar equaling 48.4 Nu. In Bhutan, the US dollar can be used, and major cities can also exchange it for Nu. Generally, credit cards are not accepted, and only a few hotels accept VISA cards, but the transaction fees are high and the procedures are complex.

2、 Banking and Financial Services

The Central Bank of Bhutan is the Royal Monetary Authority, responsible for formulating and implementing the government's monetary policy, and representing the government in handling foreign currency deposit transactions. In August 1997, the State Bank of India transferred its management of the Bank of Bhutan, which had been in operation since 1972, to Bhutan. As a milestone in Bhutan's privatization process, the Bhutanese government allowed multi-party investment in the financial sector for the first time in 1998. The Bhutanese government has signed agreements with the Asian Development Bank and Citibank, allowing them to purchase up to 40% of the shares of the Central Bank of Bhutan.

The currency of Bhutan is "ngultrum", abbreviated as "Nu". Before 1974, Bhutan did not have its own currency. Due to India's leading role in establishing Bhutan's financial system, when the Bhutanese government began issuing Nurtrum in 1974, the economic department stipulated that the currencies of India and Bhutan were equivalent, with an exchange rate maintained at 1:1. In Bhutan, the Indian rupee and Nurtrum are used in parallel. In Bhutan, the most easily convertible currencies are the US dollar and the euro, while the Chinese yuan cannot be freely exchanged.

Insurance Medical

1、 Medical conditions

Bhutan implements free healthcare, with over 90% of the population enjoying basic healthcare. Since the 1980s, the Bhutanese government has done a lot of work to improve the country's healthcare situation. Bhutan currently has 659 medical institutions, including 27 hospitals (including 5 leprosy hospitals), 19 disease centers, and 145 local clinics.

In Bhutan, medicinal products are mainly herbal. People traveling to Bhutan should bring personal medications, including antidiarrheal drugs, stomach medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, cold medicine, etc. In addition, according to personal needs, it is recommended to use backup car sickness medicine, all-purpose oil, wind oil essence, band aids, vitamin C, compound vitamins, eye drops, contact lens cleaning solution, sanitary pads, etc.

In addition, the average altitude in Bhutan is around 4000 meters. In order to reduce the occurrence of altitude sickness, self massage can be used to reduce altitude sickness.

To prevent accidents, the Bhutan Tourism Board recommends that foreign tourists apply for travel insurance in their respective countries before going abroad, as Bhutan currently does not have such insurance services.

2、 Epidemic prevention and control

The common diseases in Bhutan include dengue fever, hepatitis, epidemic encephalitis, malaria, etc. Most prevalent diseases are caused by mosquito bites, so when traveling to Bhutan, it is important to focus on mosquito prevention measures. To prevent the occurrence of diseases, it is recommended to drink bottled water during travel, consume fruits that can be peeled, wash hands frequently, and maintain personal hygiene. Carry commonly used medicines with you, especially those for treating diarrhea, colds and fever, disinfecting and sterilizing, as well as drugs for preventing mosquito bites and heatstroke.

Major epidemics and prevention

（1） Dengue fever

Caused by dengue virus, it is an acute infectious disease transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes. Often popular in urban and rural areas below an altitude of 1000 meters. The peak period for dengue fever transmission is from April to October every year. The main measure to prevent dengue fever is to prevent mosquito bites.

（2） Hepatitis

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are both transmitted through contaminated food and water. Currently, there is no vaccine for hepatitis E. It is recommended that tourists traveling to Bhutan receive the hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis B is also a disease that needs to be prevented when going to the region.

（3） Malaria

Spread through mosquito bites, with a transmission period from July to October. The preventive measure is to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquito repellents can be sprayed on the surface of the skin and clothing, and if necessary, antimalarial drugs can also be taken.

（4） Japanese encephalitis

Caused by Japanese encephalitis virus and transmitted through mosquitoes. April to October is the peak period of transmission for Japanese encephalitis. The mosquitoes that spread Japanese encephalitis mainly operate in areas below 1000 meters above sea level. People who stay in rural areas for 3-4 weeks or more are recommended to receive the Japanese encephalitis vaccine. Tourists should pay special attention to preventing mosquito bites, especially at night.

3、 Main hospitals

（1） Jigme Daoji Wangchuck National Hospital is currently the best hospital in Bhutan, located in the capital city of Thimphon.

Address: Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Gongphel Lam，Thimphu。

Phone: 322496/322497

（2） THIMPHU General Hospital, located in the capital city of Thimphu, is currently one of the better hospitals in Bhutan. It is funded by the government and provides free treatment, but due to limited conditions, the hospital is unable to treat complex diseases.

City Pharmacy and Evergreen Medical Shop are two larger pharmacies.

Customs taboos

1、 Religious beliefs

In Bhutan, Tibetan Buddhism (Kagyu sect) is the state religion, and 75% of Bhutanese people believe in Buddhism; 25% of people believe in Hinduism.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is thriving in religion, with numerous lama monasteries. Religion plays an important role in the lives of Bhutanese people. Every family must have at least one son who will be a monk for life.

2、 Common Etiquette

（1） Bhutanese people usually offer hada as a gesture of respect and good wishes when welcoming distinguished guests.

（2） Bhutanese people attach great importance to etiquette. When speaking to superiors and elders, they lean forward slightly, look down, cover their mouth with their right hand, and add the honorific suffix "la" after each sentence.

（3） When accepting gifts from Bhutanese people, they cannot be opened in person and must be returned afterwards. If you receive boxed food, you must include some candy inside the box when returning it.

（4） Smoking is not allowed when talking to people. Try to avoid using words such as' no 'as much as possible, and use virtual words such as' perhaps' and' possibly 'to express it tactfully when necessary.

3、 Major holidays

Bhutan's main holidays include National Day, King's Birthday, Coronation Day, Tsechu Festival, etc.

National Day is December 17th, the coronation day of the first king, Uyghur Wangchuck.

The King's birthday is on February 21st, to celebrate the birthday of the current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

The coronation day is to commemorate the official coronation of the current king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on November 6, 2008.

Jiechu Festival is the 10th day of the Bhutanese lunar month and is a Buddhist holiday commemorating Master Lianhuasheng, a saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The Jie Chu Festival is held on a lucky date, the tenth day of the Bhutanese month, and lasts for four days. During this period, a series of distinctive mask dance ceremonies were held.

4、 Dress code customs

The traditional attire for Bhutanese men is a half length coat with a sloping collar, called a 'Gho', tied around the waist with a cloth belt, and can be worn in shorts in summer. The clothing material is generally cotton, and high-end ones are wool. Wearing long boots or leather shoes, and long socks. Women wear tight fitting robes, mostly black, called "Kira" or Kera. Both men and women wear shawls in formal occasions, but the color and style of the shawls are strictly different according to their status: the king and the abbot of the temple (Khenpo) wear yellow; The government ministers and the four major monks of the central temple are orange in color; The representatives of the Royal Advisory Council and the court are blue and have no ears; Government officials are red and have no ears; Ordinary citizens are white with tassels on both ends.

5、 Dietary customs

Bhutanese people mainly eat rice, wheat, corn, and potatoes as their staple foods, as well as cattle, pigs, chickens, and fish. They generally enjoy drinking tea and eating spicy food. Chili stir fried cheese (Ema Datsi) is the national dish of Bhutan. Vegetarians mainly consume grains and vegetables, as well as butter and cheese. Bhutanese people in the central and eastern regions enjoy drinking low alcohol beverages, and the legal drinking age in the country is 18 years old and above. Except for Tuesdays (Prohibition Day), bars serve alcohol. When entertaining guests, serve tea or wine first and have a conversation. During the meal, guests usually do not speak, and after the meal, they immediately leave and no longer linger. According to religious customs, lamas avoid smoking and drinking, but can eat meat. Many Bhutanese people carry betel nuts with them and sharing them with others is a friendly gesture.

6、 Funeral customs

Bhutanese people believe in the cycle of life and death, and spend a lot of money on funerals, holding multiple ceremonies to ensure that the deceased can have a better afterlife. Ceremonies will be held on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 49th day after the death of the deceased, and an astrologer will select auspicious days to cremate the body. Three years after the passing of the deceased, a prayer flag is erected in the name of the deceased and a ceremony is held every year on the anniversary of their passing. Relatives and friends of the deceased bring alcohol, rice, or other items to attend the ceremony.

7、 Main taboos

（1） Bhutanese people believe that the head is the most sacred part of the human body, so please do not touch the Bhutanese head.

（2） Bhutanese people believe that feet are the lowest and should not be extended in front of others, let alone crossed legs.

（3） Bhutanese people usually grab rice with their hands and sprinkle a few small balls of rice into the air before meals to worship the gods.

8、 Precautions

On December 17, 2004, the Bhutanese government announced a nationwide smoking ban, which was the world's first comprehensive smoking ban. Residents are not allowed to smoke in public places, nor are they allowed to smoke in any outdoor locations. Local stores are not allowed to sell any tobacco products. Violators will be fined $225 or more each time, and those who violate multiple times may have their business license revoked. Residents who cannot quit smoking can import on their own and pay 100% import tax. According to government estimates, only about 1% of the population in the country smokes.

Communications Power

1、 Internet

Bhutan built the national computer Internet in 1999. However, due to the impact of network hardware facilities, Bhutan currently has only 30000 Internet users, with a penetration rate of only 5%, and is concentrated in Thimphu, Phunthorin and other regions. Most Bhutanese households still cannot afford to own a computer.

At the beginning of 2010, Bhutan Telecom has expanded its Internet bandwidth from 110Mbps to 330Mbps, and Bhutanese have increasingly diversified access to the Internet, including broadband services, general packet radio system (GPRS) and 3G mobile network services. According to statistics, Bhutan has approximately 12000 registered users for mobile network services and nearly 5000 registered users for broadband services.

At present, only five suzeraints, including Thimphu, Palo and Chuka, have been connected to the Internet through underground cables, while most areas of Bhutan still rely on radio for communication. The Bhutanese government has announced that by June 2011, 205 sub villages (towns) in 20 districts (counties) across the country will be connected by underground fiber optic composite cables. At that time, users will be able to perform high-speed and large-scale data transmission anywhere in Bhutan.

Realizing a nationwide broadband network is an important foundation for Bhutan to build an information society. By mid-2011, the public will have access to at least 20 convenient online services, including application services for business licenses, driver's licenses, forestry logging permits, and more. It is expected that within 3 to 4 years, the number of convenient service projects will expand to 200. The government also plans to build community network centers in rural areas across the country to provide villagers with public computer equipment and broadband services.

2、 Television

After the Bhutanese government officially announced the legalization of internet and cable television in June 1999, television quickly entered the lives of ordinary Bhutanese people. In the past, it used to cost at least 800 nu (1 nu is about 0.15 RMB) per month to rent video tapes. Now, for just 300 nu, you can watch 50 cable TV channels, including Chinese TV channels. Bhutan became the last country in the world to introduce television.

3、 Phone number

The development of Bhutan's mobile communication industry has only been a few short years, but the progress is not slow. Bhutan Telecommunications Company, established in January 1999, is the only state-owned telecommunications operator in the country. In March 2003, Bhutan Telecom launched the first phase of its mobile phone project. In November of that year, mobile phone services covered nearly two-thirds of Bhutan. In 2008, Bhutan Telecom also launched 3G services. The latest statistical results show that Bhutan has nearly 200000 mobile phone users, with a mobile phone penetration rate of nearly 30%.

Most hotels and restaurants in Bhutan have fixed telephones for international long-distance calls, and generally have network interfaces that can be used for a fee. Internet cafes are also quite common in cities in Bhutan. Mobile phones use the GSM standard and can purchase SIM cards locally, but international long-distance calls from mobile phones are more expensive.

Telephone dialing method:

The fixed line telephone dialing method is as follows:

（1） Local phone: dial the phone number directly;

（2） Domestic long-distance: region code+phone number;

（3） International long-distance: 00+country code+region code+phone number

Bhutan Telecom Ltd Address: 2/28 Drophen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan； Email: webmaster@druknet.bt and bt@bt.bt ; Phone+975 2 322678, 322850; Fax+975 2 328160

4、 Power supply voltage

The commonly used power interface type in Bhutan is a two hole or three hole round head socket with a voltage of 220/240 volts.

contact information

Bhutan Ministry of Interior website:http://www.mohca.gov.bt/.

Bhutan Tourism Board:http://www.btb.com.bt.