Bhutan Currency Guide: Ngultrum, Coins, and More

Bhutan's currency is called the Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR) at a fixed exchange rate of 1 BTN to 1 INR.

The Ngultrum is divided into 100 chhertum, although you'll rarely see this smaller unit used in everyday transactions.

You can exchange your money for Ngultrum at banks, currency exchange offices, or some hotels in Bhutan.

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The ngultrum subdivides into 100 chetrums and uses the abbreviation "Nu" locally. As of December 2020, 1 BTN is worth roughly US $0.015.

Here's a quick breakdown of the Bhutanese currency denominations mentioned in the article:

The history of Bhutan's currency is a fascinating one. The country's coins were initially circulated in Bhutan until 1789, when they started issuing their own coins, called chetrum, mostly silver 1⁄2 rupees.

Bhutan's coin history is marked by several significant milestones. Hammered silver and copper coins were the only types issued until 1929, when modern style silver 1⁄2 rupee coins were introduced.

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In 1950, nickel 1⁄2 rupee coins were introduced, and decimalization was introduced in 1957. This led to the first issue of coins denominated in naya paisa.

Bhutan's currency has undergone several changes over the years. The Ngultrum was officially introduced as 100 Chhetrum equal to 1 Ngultrum in 1974, and it retained the peg to the Indian rupee at par.

Here's a brief timeline of Bhutan's currency history:

The Ngultrum is subdivided into 100 chetrums, which is an interesting fact. The abbreviation for the Ngultrum is "Nu" locally.

As of December 2020, 1 Ngultrum is worth roughly US $0.015. This means that if you were to exchange 1 Ngultrum for US dollars, you'd get about 1.5 cents.

Here's a rough idea of the exchange rate between Ngultrum and US dollars: 1 US$ is equivalent to Nu 82.48. You can see the exchange rate chart for more information.

To give you a better idea of the Ngultrum's value, here's a rough breakdown of its equivalent in US dollars:

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Coins are an essential part of any currency, and in Bhutan, they come in various denominations. The Ch.5 and Ch.10 coins were introduced in 1974 and were square and scallop-shaped, respectively. They're no longer widely used.

The current coins available in circulation are the Ch.20, Ch.25, Ch.50, and Nu.1. The Ch.20 coin is 22.00 mm in diameter and weighs 4.5 grams.

The Ch.25 coin is slightly larger, measuring 22.20 mm in diameter and weighing 4.6 grams. It features a design of golden fishes of good fortune. The Ch.50 coin is the largest of the three, with a diameter of 25.85 mm and a weight of 6.9 grams.

The Nu.1 coin is the largest denomination, measuring 27.95 mm in diameter and weighing 8.2 grams. It features a coat of arms within a circle and an elaborate designed Wheel of Dharma on a Lotus.

Here's a summary of the current coins in circulation:

The Bhutanese Ngultrum is the official currency of Bhutan, and it's pegged at par with the Indian rupee (INR). This means that the exchange rate between the two currencies is 1:1.

You can exchange your foreign currency for Ngultrum at the Paro International Airport's foreign exchange desk, which accepts US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Danish Kroner, Australian Dollar, and Singapore Dollars.

The Bank of Bhutan branches in Paro and Thimphu also exchange foreign currency notes, but you may face issues in other local towns. Some hotels in Bhutan provide foreign exchange services at their reception, but they often only exchange US Dollars for Ngultrum.

Here's a list of some of the foreign currencies that can be exchanged for Ngultrum:

Commemorative notes are a special type of currency that are issued to commemorate significant events or people. They can be a fun way to collect and learn about the history and culture of Bhutan.

The Ngultrum has several commemorative notes, each with its own unique features and designs. For example, one of the notes features a mythical angel carrying the Raven Crown on the obverse side, while the reverse side shows the national emblem and a royal wedding logo.

The dimensions of the notes can vary, with some being 145 x 70 mm and others 146 x 70 mm. The colors used on the notes are also different, ranging from orange, brown, and red to yellow, gold, blue, and red.

Here's a breakdown of some of the commemorative notes:

These notes often feature important landmarks or symbols, such as Punakha Dzong or the mountains and a dragon. The date of issue and first issue date are also included on the notes, which can be interesting to collect and learn about.

Places to exchange your foreign currency for the Ngultrum are limited, but you can find them at the Paro International Airport's foreign exchange desk.

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The airport desk accepts a variety of currencies, including the U.S. Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Danish Kroner, Australian Dollar, and Singapore Dollar.

You'll have an easier time exchanging USD 100 notes, as they are more easily accepted and exchanged quickly.

If you're not near the airport, you can also exchange your currency at the Bank of Bhutan branches in Paro and Thimphu.

These towns are major economic hubs, making it relatively easy to exchange your currency.

However, if you're traveling to other parts of the country, be aware that Bank of Bhutan branches are limited in other local towns.

Some hotels also offer foreign exchange services at their reception desks.

But be aware that they often only exchange US Dollars for the Ngultrum, and may not accept other currencies.

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Travelers Cheques are a viable option for travelers to Bhutan, especially at major hotels, banks, and Forex Counters at the Paro International Airport.

It's a good idea to carry well-known Travelers Cheques such as American Express.

You can use these cheques to get some cash in the local currency, the Ngultrum, at these designated locations.

Travelers Cheques are widely accepted in Bhutan, making them a convenient option for tourists.