Internet & SIM Card in Bhutan 2026: eSIM, WiFi & Mobile
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Internet in Bhutan works far better than many travelers expect. In all major tourist areas like Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, reliable 4G/LTE networks are available. The two local providers B-Mobile and TashiCell offer affordable prepaid plans for tourists, and if you prefer convenience, you can activate an eSIM before you travel. Only on remote trekking routes should you expect limited or no reception – which can actually be a welcome digital detox.
Internet in Bhutan: Quick Overview
Network Coverage by Region
Internet coverage in Bhutan varies significantly by region. On the classic tourist route between Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, the connection is reliable – you'll mostly surf at 4G speeds. In more remote areas like Eastern Bhutan or on trekking routes, you should expect limited or no reception.
| Region | Coverage | Connection Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | Excellent | 4G/LTE, stable network |
| Paro | Very good | 4G/LTE |
| Punakha | Good | 4G/LTE |
| Bumthang | Good | 4G, partly 3G in remote valleys |
| Phobjikha Valley | Fair | 3G, patchy |
| Eastern Bhutan (Trashigang, Mongar) | Variable | 3G in towns, remote areas weaker |
| Trekking Routes | Poor to none | Often no mobile reception |
Mobile Providers Comparison
Bhutan has two mobile providers: B-Mobile (state-owned) and TashiCell (private). Both offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists and are good choices for most travelers. The decision depends on your individual needs – B-Mobile excels with the best network coverage nationwide, while TashiCell impresses with attractive unlimited data packages.
B-Mobile (Bhutan Telecom)
B-Mobile is the state-owned provider with approximately 70% market share in Bhutan. The network offers the best coverage nationwide – particularly important if you want to visit more remote regions like Eastern Bhutan or the Bumthang Valley.
| Product | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM / Prepaid SIM | 100 BTN (approximately 1 EUR) | Includes 100 BTN starting credit |
| Data Pack 1GB | 99 BTN (approximately 1 EUR) | Valid for 7 days |
| Data Pack 3GB | 199 BTN (approximately 2 EUR) | Valid for 14 days |
| Data Pack 5GB | 299 BTN (approximately 3 EUR) | Valid for 30 days |
TashiCell
TashiCell is the private mobile provider with approximately 30% market share, founded in 2008. The special feature for tourists: TashiCell offers unlimited data packages – ideal if you're online frequently, make regular video calls, or share your travel photos daily with family and friends.
| Product | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Card | 200 BTN (approximately 2 EUR) | Activation |
| Unlimited Daily | 99 BTN/day (approximately 1 EUR) | Unlimited data per day |
| Data Pack 2GB | 149 BTN (approximately 1.50 EUR) | Valid for 7 days |
| Data Pack 5GB | 299 BTN (approximately 3 EUR) | Valid for 30 days |
Which Provider is Right for Me?
| Your Profile | Recommended Provider | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum network coverage | B-Mobile | Best coverage even in remote areas |
| High data usage / video calls | TashiCell | Unlimited daily plan available |
| Short trip (7 days) | Both suitable | Similar rates |
| Longer trip (14+ days) | TashiCell | Unlimited option more cost-effective |
| Travel to Eastern Bhutan | B-Mobile | Better coverage in remote regions |
Buying a SIM Card On-Site
The easiest place to buy a SIM card is Paro Airport right after arrival. Both providers – B-Mobile and TashiCell – have counters near baggage claim. The purchase process is straightforward and takes about 15–30 minutes.
Where to Buy?
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Paro Airport | B-Mobile and TashiCell counters right after arrivals hall – best option |
| Thimphu City | Various shops on main street, wider selection of plans |
| Hotels | Some hotels help with purchases – ask at reception |
Required Documents
- Passport: Required – original needed
- Passport Photo: Sometimes requested, bring one to be safe
- Cash: Only cash payment accepted (BTN or USD)
Purchase Process Step by Step
- Go to the counter: After baggage claim at Paro Airport, go to the B-Mobile or TashiCell counter
- Show your passport: Registration happens on-site, your passport will be copied
- Choose a plan: Select your SIM card and desired data package
- Pay: Only cash accepted (BTN preferred, USD usually possible)
- Activate your SIM: Activation takes 5–30 minutes, with TashiCell sometimes longer
- Test it: Check on-site whether the SIM is working
eSIM: The Convenient Alternative
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card embedded directly in your device – no physical card swap needed. For Bhutan travelers, it offers the advantage of having internet set up before landing and being online immediately upon arrival. Your own phone number remains reachable thanks to dual-SIM capability.
Benefits of eSIM for Bhutan
- Conveniently purchase online before your trip – no need to search at the airport
- Ready to use immediately upon landing – instant connection
- Your own number remains reachable (dual-SIM)
- No physical SIM card swap needed
- Easy to plan – data volume and costs known in advance
eSIM Providers Comparison
| Provider | Data | Price (approx.) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 1GB | 9 USD | 7 days |
| Airalo | 3GB | 16 USD | 30 days |
| Saily | 1GB | 6 USD | 7 days |
| Holafly | 1GB | 19 EUR | 7 days |
| GigSky | 1GB | 10 USD | 7 days |
| ByteSIM | 1GB–10GB | 5–30 USD | Variable |
| Criterion | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best value for money | Saily, Airalo |
| Easiest setup | Holafly |
| Largest data volumes | ByteSIM |
| Best reputation / user experiences | Airalo |
eSIM Compatibility
Not all smartphones support eSIM. Before purchasing, check whether your device is compatible. Important: Your device must be unlocked (not SIM-locked).
Compatible Devices (Selection)
- iPhone XS and newer
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
- Google Pixel 3 and newer
- iPad Pro, iPad Air (with Cellular)
WiFi in Hotels and Accommodations
Most hotels in Bhutan offer WiFi – however, quality varies significantly depending on accommodation category and region. In luxury hotels like Aman or Six Senses, WiFi is reliable; in simpler accommodations or rural areas, it can be slow or unreliable. Having your own SIM card as a backup is therefore recommended.
| Accommodation Type | WiFi Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Hotels (Aman, Six Senses) | Good to excellent | Reliable, video calls possible |
| 4–5 Star Hotels | Usually good | Standard use no problem |
| 3-Star Hotels | Variable | Can be slower in evenings |
| Homestays | Often limited or slow | Not always available |
| Restaurants (Cities) | Often available | Ask for password at counter |
| Category | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|
| Good hotel WiFi | 5–20 Mbps | 2–5 Mbps |
| Average | 2–5 Mbps | 1–2 Mbps |
| Rural areas | under 2 Mbps | under 1 Mbps |
Internet in Remote Regions
If you explore Bhutan's remote regions – whether on a trek or in Eastern Bhutan – expect limited to no internet reception. Think of it as an opportunity for a beneficial "digital detox" and inform important contacts in advance about your limited availability.
Trekking Routes
| Trekking Route | Internet Reception |
|---|---|
| Druk Path Trek | No to minimal reception |
| Jomolhari Trek | No reception |
| Snowman Trek | No reception (for weeks!) |
Eastern Bhutan
| Location | Reception |
|---|---|
| Trashigang | 3G available |
| Mongar | 3G available |
| Merak / Sakteng | Very limited to none |
Practical Tips
Estimate Your Data Usage
| Activity | Consumption per Hour |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp (text) | 1–5 MB |
| WhatsApp (sending photos) | 10–50 MB |
| 5–20 MB | |
| Social Media (scrolling) | 50–150 MB |
| Video call (Zoom, Teams) | 300–500 MB |
| Streaming (Netflix etc.) | 1–3 GB |
Recommended Data Volume by Trip Duration
| Trip Duration | Recommendation | For |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | 3–5 GB | Normal use (messaging, maps, email) |
| 14 days | 5–10 GB | Normal use |
| Heavy users / video calls | Unlimited (TashiCell) | Regular video calls, social media, uploads |
Power Supply Considerations
Bhutan uses plug types D, F and G (Indian/British standard). Voltage is 230V at 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter with you. In rural areas, power outages can occur – a power bank is therefore essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I absolutely need a SIM card in Bhutan?
A local SIM card or eSIM is not strictly necessary, but highly recommended. Hotel WiFi alone can be unreliable, especially outside cities. With a SIM you're more flexible and can navigate, communicate, or access information anytime.
What's better: Local SIM or eSIM?
Both have advantages. The local SIM is cheaper (from about 3 EUR for several GB) but requires purchase on-site. eSIM is more convenient (buy online before traveling, instantly active) but pricier. For maximum coverage in remote areas, the local B-Mobile SIM has a slight edge.
Will my German phone work in Bhutan?
Yes, as long as your smartphone is not SIM-locked. Most modern smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, etc.) work fine. Check if your device supports frequencies 900/1800 MHz (2G/3G) and 1800/2600 MHz (4G) – this is the case for nearly all devices from recent years.
Can I use roaming in Bhutan?
Theoretically yes, but roaming charges for Bhutan are very high with most providers (often several euros per MB). We strongly recommend using a local SIM or eSIM instead of roaming. Check roaming rates with your provider beforehand if you want to keep roaming as a backup.
Is there internet at Tiger's Nest?
At Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), mobile reception is good – you can easily get online with a local SIM. However, remember that photography is restricted inside the monastery and you should respect the spiritual atmosphere.
How do I recharge my SIM card?
You can buy prepaid credit (Recharge Cards) at small shops and kiosks throughout Bhutan. Scratch off the code and enter it via USSD code: *123# for B-Mobile, *121# for TashiCell. Your guide can help you the first time. In larger cities, online recharging is also available.
Is there public WiFi in Bhutan?
Public WiFi is rare in Bhutan. You'll find it occasionally in restaurants and cafés in Thimphu and Paro, but it's not widespread. Don't rely on public WiFi – a personal SIM or eSIM is the more reliable option.
More Practical Information
With proper preparation, you'll stay easily connected in Bhutan. These topics will help you plan your trip further:
Packing List
What to pack? Packing list by season and activity – including tech accessories.
Money & Currency
Ngultrum, exchange rates and payment in Bhutan – what you need to know about the currency.
All Practical Info
Overview of all practical information: transport, accommodation, etiquette and more.
Planning your Bhutan trip?
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