While Bhutan is all about unplugging and slowing down, you'll still want to stay connected - whether for maps, calls, or sharing that Tiger’s Nest photo with friends back home.
If you're traveling to Bhutan in 2025, getting a local SIM card is the easiest and most affordable way to stay online during your tour. This guide explains how to get a tourist SIM, which networks work best, and what to expect in terms of coverage and cost.
Do Foreigners & Indian Tourists Need a Bhutan SIM Card?
Yes - if you want:
- Local data and call access while in Bhutan
- Better connectivity in remote areas (Wi-Fi can be patchy outside main towns)
- To avoid expensive international roaming charges
Indian SIM cards will not work in Bhutan unless you have international roaming - which is costly and unreliable.
SIM Card Providers in Bhutan
Bhutan has two main telecom operators:
TashiCell
- Widely used by locals and tourists
- Good 4G coverage in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and major towns
- Simple prepaid plans with data, calls & SMS
- Strong customer support
Bhutan Telecom (B-Mobile)
Older network with wider rural coverage
May be better for offbeat areas like Bumthang or Gangtey
SIM cards available at airport, telecom outlets, and border towns
How to Buy a SIM Card in Bhutan (for Tourists)
You can buy a SIM card upon arrival, usually with help from your tour operator. Here's what you need:
- A copy of your passport (or voter ID for Indian travelers)
- A valid Bhutan Entry Permit or Visa Clearance Letter
- Local address (your hotel name is enough)
Most of our tour packages include SIM card assistance at arrival - just ask us in advance.
SIM Card Prices & Data Packs (2025)
Prices are affordable and prepaid:
- SIM Card Cost: BTN 100-200 (Rs. 100-200)
- Data Packs: 1 GB - BTN 100, 3 GB - BTN 200, 5 GB - BTN 300
- Validity: 7 to 30 days based on plan
- Top-ups available at hotels, shops, or via app/USSD code
Wi-Fi in Bhutan - What to Expect
- Most hotels and cafés in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha offer free Wi-Fi
- Speeds are fine for emails, messaging, and browsing
- Don’t expect high-speed streaming or video calls everywhere
- Remote valleys may have limited or no Wi-Fi - SIM data works better
Important Tips
- Mobile networks may be weaker in high-altitude passes and remote villages
- Stick to TashiCell if your trip is limited to the popular western circuit
- Turn off international roaming to avoid background charges
- Install WhatsApp before arrival - it's the most used app for messaging in Bhutan
Stay Connected, Mindfully
Part of Bhutan's charm is its quiet. But staying connected with the outside world - or just your guide - is important too. With a local SIM, you get the best of both worlds: offline peace and online access, whenever you need it.
