Top payment methods in Bhutan: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Bhutan? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Bhutan, with a population of around 795 thousand people, has a GDP of approximately 3.42 billion making it the 167th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (INR,BTN)
The economy is driven by the export of hydroelectric power to India and a growing tourism sector based on a "High Value, Low Volume" policy. Its economy is almost entirely integrated with India, which is its main partner for trade, investment, and development aid.
| Country | Bhutan |
|---|---|
| Population | 795 thousand |
| GDP (USD) | 3.42 billion |
| Global Ranking | 167th |
| Currency | Bhutanese Ngultrum (INR,BTN) |
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What is the main payment method in Bhutan?
The predominant method for everyday transactions in Bhutan is physical cash, with both the local Ngultrum and the Indian Rupee being widely accepted. To encourage a shift away from cash, the Royal Monetary Authority has promoted B-Ngul, its official mobile wallet. For online payments related to government services and a nascent e-commerce sector, the RMA Payment Gateway is the primary platform.
How to pay in Bhutan
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Bhutan.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Ngultrum / Indian Rupee) | Cash is a primary method of payment. The local currency is the Ngultrum, but the Indian Rupee is also accepted as legal tender and used interchangeably. | In-person |
| Digital Wallets (RMA Pay, goBoB) | Bhutan has pushed for digital payments, with several mobile wallets available from banks and the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA). QR code payments are being promoted and are increasingly common. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | The acceptance of international credit and debit cards is mostly limited to tourist-oriented businesses like hotels, resorts, and some handicraft stores. | In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers are a standard method for larger or B2B payments within Bhutan's banking system. | Online |
Traveling beyond Bhutan? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Bhutan?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Bhutan.
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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.