Can I use the YouTrip card in Bhutan in 2024?
If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan - or planning to move there to live, work or study - you’ve got an exciting time ahead. As the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency in Bhutan you’ll need to find convenient ways to spend in Bhutanese Ngultrums while you’re there.
This guide walks through how to use the YouTrip card in Bhutan for convenient and secure transactions, and offers some handy hints about making your money go further when you’re abroad.
Can I use the YouTrip card in Bhutan?
If you are a resident of Singapore and have a YouTrip card - or if you’re thinking of getting one - you’re probably wondering: can I use my YouTrip card to pay for things in Bhutan?
The answer is yes, you can use the YouTrip card for everyday spending in Bhutan. You can use the card to pay for things in Bhutanese Ngultrums with competitive exchange rates and low transaction fees. This guide walks through how you’ll be able to use your YouTrip card to help manage your travel spending.
How to order a YouTrip card
Ordering your YouTrip card in Singapore is simple and can be completed using your smartphone. The process is pretty straightforward; here’s how you do it:
Download the YouTrip app from the App Store or Google Play Store and sign up using your email address or social media accounts.
Complete the registration by filling in your personal details and verifying your identity. You may need to upload a photo of your ID and a selfie for verification.
Once your identity is verified, you can top up your YouTrip wallet using your preferred payment method.
Navigate to the Cards section in the app and choose the option to order your YouTrip card.
Confirm your shipping address, and your YouTrip card will be delivered to your home address in 5-7 days.
Can I get the YouTrip card in Bhutan?
Unfortunately, the YouTrip card is not yet available for residents of Bhutan. You may find that Wise is a better option for residents; check whether Wise is available below.
See alternatives to YouTripWhat happens if I move to Bhutan?
You can continue using your YouTrip card until it expires, but you will not be issued a new card as YouTrip does not offer the card in Bhutan. You may be able to continue using other services, offered by YouTrip - we would recommend checking with their Customer Support team for more details.
An alternative to YouTrip in Bhutan: Wise
Visa/Mastercard debit card
Mid-market exchange rate
40+ currencies- Spend in Bhutanese Ngultrums when visiting Bhutan ✅
- Not available to residents of Bhutan ❌
- Earn healthy interest rates on USD, EUR and GBP balances 💸
Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your account and spend with your Wise card in 150+ countries globally. You’ll get the mid-market rate to convert currencies wherever you are in the world, with low fees - and some free ATM withdrawals every month, too.
Will my ATM card work in Bhutan?
While your ATM card will work in Bhutan it’s useful to know that cash will still be accepted by some shops and restaurants.
Cash is always useful to have, not just for paying the bill, but for tipping and gratuity as well.
Carrying a low cost ATM card when you’re in Bhutan is still a smart idea, so you can take out cash when you do find an ATM. You may also be able to use your card in larger hotels or restaurants, particularly in tourist areas.
However, keeping some cash on you at all times, as well as your card or cards is a smart plan, so you’re prepared no matter what happens.
How can I avoid ATM fees in Bhutan?
Don’t pay more than you need to when using an ATM. Here are some hints to avoid unexpected ATM fees in Bhutan:
Get a low cost ATM card which offers some free or cheap international withdrawals
Always pay in the local currency when you withdraw - this avoids additional charges and poor exchange rates offered by an ATM
Check if there’s a fixed cost per transaction for your ATM card. This might mean that making fewer, larger withdrawals is cheaper
Watch the ATM screen for warnings of extra fees the ATM operator may add - if there are going to be extra charges you may want to find an alternative terminal
Keep an eye on the exchange rate before visiting Bhutan
It's helpful to keep an eye on the Singapore Dollar / Bhutanese Ngultrum exchange rate before travelling to Bhutan. Whether you're planning on using YouTrip - or perhaps Wise - for spending in Bhutan, it's good to have an idea of the exchange rate so you don't get any nasty surprises when the bill arrives!
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Tips for saving on your travel budget for Bhutan
Make the most of your money so you can do more on your trip to Bhutan. Here are some travel budget tips:
Pay for your luggage when you book your flight - this is cheaper than at the airport
Don’t exchange currency at the airport or your hotel, as this is often the most expensive place
Always pay in the local currency
Keep a few different payment methods on you at any time, just in case you need a backup plan
Get a travel card which has good exchange rates and low or no cost ATM withdrawals overseas
What is the best currency to take to Bhutan?
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency in Bhutan.
You can exchange your SGD before you leave Singapore if you’d like - but bear in mind that you won’t be able to spend SGD in Bhutan. If you arrive with cash in your pocket you’ll need to exchange it locally, which may come with unexpected costs, and take time out of your trip unnecessarily.
A better plan for lots of people is to get a travel card for spending abroad, with low costs and secure transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The YouTrip card will be OK for your trip to Bhutan. Use your YouTrip card in Bhutan to get low cost currency conversion and cash withdrawals, and to keep your budget down overall.
Unfortunately, the YouTrip card is not yet available for residents of Bhutan, so if you're planning on relocating you may need to consider alternatives.
Using the YouTrip card when you’re spending overseas can mean you get a better exchange rate and lower overall costs. Explore your card’s features and fees carefully to make sure you can get the most of it when travelling abroad.
The delivery time for a travel card in Singapore can vary a lot depending on the provider you pick. Get ready in advance so you’ve got your card in good time before your trip to Bhutan.
We retrieved Wise's and YouTrip's card coverage from the following sources:
- Where can I use my Wise card? - Wise (checked 20/02/2024)
- Can I get the Wise card in my country? - Wise (checked 20/02/2024)
- Which currencies are supported? - YouTrip (checked 12/08/2024)
We inferred YouTrip's country coverage from their supported currencies. You may be able to use the card in more countries than specified on our site.