Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Bhutan or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
As a budget traveler, I stayed in a homestay near Punakha. ATMs were limited and most stopped working by early evening. Even in Thimphu, you'd often find out-of-service notices after hours. Bhutan isn’t unsafe at all, but if you need cash, get it early. Most hostels don’t take cards, so you’ll want to avoid any night ATM emergencies.
Spent a few weeks remote working from Thimphu and used the Druk PNB ATM near Norzin Lam a couple of times after 8 PM. Bhutan is peaceful, but night banking isn’t practical - most ATMs close access gates or go offline. Even locals plan their withdrawals during the day. ATM safety at night in Bhutan isn’t about crime - just availability.
Solo traveling through Paro, I never dared a night withdrawal - not because it felt unsafe, but because the town gets very quiet after sunset. I did all my banking at the BoB branch near the main bazaar. Bhutan is super safe, but I wouldn’t bet on an ATM working late at night. Carry enough cash if you’re headed into more remote regions.
Thimphu was serene, even at night. I used a Bank of Bhutan ATM near Clock Tower Square around 9 PM - no safety concerns at all. Locals were still out walking, and there was good lighting. Bhutan’s vibe is peaceful, but it’s also very cash-based. Most backpackers I met withdrew money during the day because ATMs can be down or empty without warning.