How much spending money for Bhutan?

Pocket Change in Paradise: Budgeting for Spending Money in Bhutan

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a captivating destination steeped in spirituality, natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences. While much of your trip is pre-arranged through tour operators and covered by the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), its crucial to budget for personal spending money to truly immerse yourself in the Bhutanese experience.

The SDF, currently set at USD 100 per night per person, covers your accommodation, food, a licensed Bhutanese tour guide, internal transport, and entrance fees to some attractions. However, this fee doesnt encompass everything. Youll need spending money for souvenirs, tipping, drinks beyond whats provided, extra activities, and personal indulgences.

So, how much should you realistically budget? A comfortable guideline, excluding the SDF and visa fees, is $75 to $150 per day. This range provides a good balance between experiencing Bhutan without breaking the bank and enjoying some flexibility.

Lets break down how that spending money might be allocated:

• Accommodation Upscale: While the SDF covers mid-range hotels, you might want to upgrade to a more luxurious option for a night or two. This could easily add $50-$100 per night. However, upgrading significantly impacts your budget.

• Food: Your SDF covers your meals, but perhaps you want to try a particularly highly-rated restaurant specializing in Bhutanese cuisine, or you desire a stronger coffe at a western style cafe. On average, expect to spend around $20 to $30 per day on food if you venture beyond the included meals.

• Internal Transportation: While your tour operator will handle most transportation, you might want to explore a local market independently via taxi or bus. Budget around $10 to $20 per day for this, depending on your level of independent exploration.

• Souvenirs and Shopping: Bhutan offers a treasure trove of unique handicrafts, textiles, thangkas, and other souvenirs. Set aside a portion of your budget for this. How much you spend will depend on your taste and shopping habits, but $20 to $50 per day is a reasonable starting point if you plan on purchasing items for yourself and others.

• Tipping: Tipping is customary in Bhutan, although not explicitly mandatory. Showing appreciation for your guide and driver is a nice gesture. Consider budgeting around $5 to $10 per day for tipping, distributing it appropriately based on service.

• Activities: The SDF covers many entrance fees. However, you might want to add additional activities or cultural experiences, such as a traditional hot stone bath or a cooking class. Factor in an extra $20 to $50 per day for such activities, depending on your interests.

Tips for stretching your budget:

• Eat where the locals eat: Venture beyond tourist restaurants for authentic and affordable Bhutanese cuisine.
• Bargain respectfully: While haggling isnt as prevalent as in some other Asian countries, its acceptable to politely negotiate prices, especially at local markets.
• Consider group tours: If traveling solo, joining group tours can often be more cost-effective.
• Use local transportation: Buses are a budget-friendly way to get around.
• Plan your souvenir purchases: Avoid impulse buying and consider your budget before splurging.
• Withdraw cash: ATMs are available in major towns, and using local currency (Ngultrum – Nu) can sometimes offer better exchange rates.

Ultimately, the amount of spending money you need in Bhutan depends on your individual travel style and preferences. While a budget of $75-$150 per day allows for a comfortable experience, its possible to travel on a tighter budget, though it will require compromises. Luxury travelers, of course, should expect to spend significantly more. Regardless of your budget, planning ahead and understanding the costs associated with different activities and purchases will help you make the most of your journey to this enchanting kingdom. Remember to factor in additional funds for unexpected expenses or emergencies, and enjoy your unforgettable adventure in Bhutan!