Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Bhutan or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
In Bhutan, taxis run completely on cash. I asked a few drivers in Paro if they accepted cards, and they looked surprised by the question. International cards aren’t integrated into everyday life there, especially for transport. There are no apps like Uber or Bolt. The one reliable way is to carry enough local cash. ATMs worked fine for me in the bigger towns, but if you’re traveling more rurally, you’ll need to withdraw extra before leaving.
From my trip to Bhutan, I can say without a doubt that taxis are cash-only. The economy in general is very cash dependent, and most places prefer physical currency. My driver in Thimphu laughed when I asked if he took cards. There are banks and ATMs, but they can sometimes be out of service, so don’t leave it to the last minute. For tourists, it’s best to always keep ngultrum handy and not count on any digital payments.
When I visited Bhutan, I quickly realized that cash was the only way to pay taxis. No drivers had card readers, and there are no taxi apps in the country. Everything is settled in ngultrum. ATMs in Thimphu and Paro worked for me, but I met other travelers who had issues with foreign cards. So, I’d say stock up on cash early in your trip. It makes life easier, especially since even small payments like taxis require it.
Bhutan is still very much a cash-driven country, and taxis are no exception. None of the drivers I spoke with in Thimphu or Paro had card readers, and there are no ride-hailing apps available either. You’ll need Bhutanese ngultrum, since dollars and other foreign currencies aren’t usually accepted directly by taxi drivers. ATMs are available in the main towns, but they’re not always reliable, so it’s smart to withdraw enough for your taxi rides early on.