The standard voltage of electricity in Bhutan is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. If the standard voltage in your country is between 220 and 240 V, as it would be in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa, you can use your electrical or electronic devices in Bhutan without a voltage converter. Similarly, if the standard voltage in your country is between 100 and 127 V, as it would be in the US, Canada and most South American countries, you will need a voltage converter and plug adapter before using your devices. You may also need several different plug adapters if you plan to travel to more than one country. In this case, it is recommended that you get a universal adapter and converter kit if you are carrying a lot of electrical and electronic devices.
If you are unsure about the voltage, you can check your device where you will find the label. If the label says something like “INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz”, your device can be used in any country in the world. In general, all laptops and some electric razors take a universal voltage. You need to be sure of the voltage requirements to avoid damaging your device. If the only electrical device you are bringing with you is an electric shaver, you may want to consider buying a model that is not too heavy. Alternatively, you can buy one in Thimphu or other popular cities, but not in remote locations.
Voltage fluctuations are very common in Bhutan, so it is always advisable to use an adapter with a quality power surge protector for all your electronic and electrical devices. Power outages are not as common as they were a few years ago.
The power plugs and sockets used in Bhutan are of types D, F and G, usually having three round pins with either a small or large pin size. Type F is also known as ‘Schuko’ and works with plug C and plug E. Type D sockets are mainly used in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and many African countries and only work with plug D. Type G is of British origin and the socket only works with plug G.
If you are in Bhutan for trekking in remote places, it is best not to bring heavy electrical appliances. For your lightweight video camera, you can bring enough batteries to last the trek. However, if you are in Bhutan for yourself in the major cities, it is better to carry chargers and adapters with you as you will be able to use them. For trips that combine both sightseeing and trekking, you can bring important essential electrical items and use them while touring and leave them at your hotel during the trek.
Internet & SIM card in Bhutan
Bhutan’s main and only internet service provider is Druknet, which is owned by Bhutan Telecom. The history of the internet in Bhutan is quite interesting. Although telecommunications services began in 1963, the internet in the country only started in 1994 with the Gopher browser. There was no www or PINE mail system, but the internet was not widely used by the general public at that time. In 1999, the Bhutanese government issued a decree to provide internet access to the country within 3 months. The then King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, addressed the nation on the 25th anniversary of his coronation and said that Bhutanese citizens would now be able to access internet services. The then Queen, the king’s first wife, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck officially inaugurated the service at the Royal Banquet Hall in Thimphu. Although Bhutan was cautious before embracing the internet, once the decision was made, the entire project was completed and operational in just three months.
Currently, there are several internet cafes in most major cities in Bhutan. It is now also possible to browse the internet using 3G and 4G networks using a SIM card from Tashi Cell or B-Mobile (the state-owned Bhutan Telecom). Most hotels in Bhutan offer free Wi-Fi to their guests, with the understanding that this usage may be limited to lobby areas and restaurants. When traveling in areas with limited internet connectivity, travelers have the option of obtaining a local SIM card from the Department of Telecommunications with the help of your tour guide and using the SIM’s internet services, although the network can sometimes be very slow.
In fact, it is very easy to obtain a 3G pre-activated SIM card in Bhutan. For this, travelers will need to present a photocopy of their passport and also ask for a recent passport-sized photo. You can get a SIM upon arrival at the airport or from local shops in the market areas of Thimphu or Paro, and it will not cost you more than 4 USD. Make sure to fill out the tourist SIM card form and seek help from your tour guide if you are having difficulty doing so.
