Skip to Content

Bhutan: Buy the Best SIM Cards | 2024 Guide

Bhutan is a difficult country to visit. The country has a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy in place, meaning that tourist arrivals and impact is heavily regulated. Only citizens from three countries, Bangladesh, India, and the Maldives, can visit Bhutan without a visa or booking with a licensed tour operator – speaking of a strict visa policy!

Even with such a policy, Bhutan managed to process more than 200 000 tourists in 2017, with the majority coming from India (172 000+ visitors) and Bangladesh (10000+ visitors). Both are citizens of Freedom of Movement countries.

Besides the visa conditions, you need to know how to use your phone when visiting Bhutan. Roaming with your provider can be expensive depending on your provider. In many countries, travelers buy a local SIM card so that they can use their phone and use data at local rates. Can you get a Bhutanese SIM card with its strict regulations on tourism? Let's find out.

Buying a SIM Card in Bhutan Guide (logos of Tashi Cell and B Mobile)

Original publication: 17th of December 2019. Last updated: 22nd of August 2023.


Table of Contents

Telecom Provider in Bhutan

Bhutan has two telecom providers: B-Mobile and TashiCell. B-Mobile is state-owned and ran by Bhutan Telecom. TashiCell is privately owned. 2G is extensive in the country. The 3G network is alright, but patchy outside the capital. 4G/LTE is being deployed by both providers, although TashiCell uses the 700 MHz (band 28).

It is not essential to know what that means, but what you should know is that the frequency is not that common around the world. As a result, you may not be able to use 4G/LTE, even though there is coverage in your area.

Best SIM Card in Bhutan

What SIM card should you buy when visiting Bhutan? If you want to buy a SIM card in Bhutan, I would recommend going with B-Mobile because their coverage is much better than TashiCell. TashiCell is somewhat cheaper than B-Mobile and should only be considered when staying in the capital.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

SIM Card Registration Regulations in Bhutan

Just like other destinations in South Asia, you have to bring your passport with you when buying a SIM card. Additionally, you have to hand them a photo of you. If you buy your SIM card at the airport, the office can handle the paperwork, including taking a picture of you, for you.

As there is nothing more to add, let’s see what B-Mobile and TashiCell have to offer to us.

B-Mobile

B Mobile (Bhutan Telecom) Logo

Usually, state-owned companies are not the leading providers in many countries. However, in Bhutan, that is not the case. Bhutan Telecom is the clear leading provider in Bhutan in terms of fixed-line telephony and internet service. Additionally, their mobile brand, B-Mobile, is the preferred provider because of their extensive coverage.

Earlier, I mentioned that B-Mobile is building its 4G/LTE network. If you buy a 4G SIM card, you can experience 4G/LTE in Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Punakha, Paro, Wangdue, and Dzongkhags. More towns will be added in the future.

SIM Card Price – B-Mobile

You can buy your SIM card at Paro International Airport for 100 BTN ($1.40) and can choose from the Tourist SIM and the regular Prepaid SIM – both cards come with 100 BTN in credit. The major differences between the tourist and regular SIM cards are that the tourist SIM is valid for one month only and cannot be extended, which is fine for most visitors, and no regular data packages can be added to it.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You may want to get a travel eSIM for Bhutan, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from B-Mobile (in some cases).

Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Bhutan or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.

My Bhutan eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Here is a quick introduction to them:

  • Airalo: Paro (Bhutan only) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Bhutan – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)

For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Bhutan eSIM buying guide.

Buying an eSIM for Bhutan Guide (Airalo and Paro)

But let's continue with B-Mobile for now.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

The following tourist packages are available. The numbers represent the price in BTN:

  • 100 Plan: 100 BTN credit for calls and SMS valid for 1 month
  • 200 Plan: 1 GB and 100 BTN credit for calls and SMS valid for 7 days
  • 300 Plan: 2 GB and 100 BTN credit for calls and SMS valid for 14 days
  • 500 Plan: 3 GB and 200 BTN credit for calls and SMS valid for 1 month

The Prepaid SIM card comes with many options. Below are some of the packages:

  • 29 BTN: 265 MB for 24 hours
  • 49 BTN: 425 MB for 7 days
  • 99 BTN: 860 MB for 30 days
  • 199 BTN: 1770 MB for 30 days
  • 299 BTN: 2910 MB for 30 days
  • 499 BTN: 5370 MB for 30 days
  • 699 BTN: 14500 MB for 30 days

A data package will automatically be activated depending on how much you top-up. For example, if you add 300 BTN to your account, the Monthly 299 package of 2910 MB for 30 days will be activated.

TashiCell

TashiCell Logo

TashiCell has a market share of about 30% and worse coverage than B-Mobile. 4G coverage can be found in Paro, Wangdue, Phuntsholing, Thimphu, and Punakha Dzongkhag.

SIM Card Price – TashiCell

TashiCell SIM cards are sold for 200 BTN at Consumer Care Centers and come with the same amount in credit. The card is valid for 3 months. They do not sell tourist SIM cards.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Bhutan because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from TashiCell.

Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.

I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Bhutan in my Bhutan eSIM buying guide, which are:

  • Airalo: Paro (Bhutan only) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Bhutan – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)

As I said, check out my Bhutan eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with TashiCell for now.

Buying an eSIM for Bhutan Guide (Airalo and Paro)
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Various data packages are available, which are listed below:

  • 19 BTN: 100 MB for 1 day
  • 49 BTN: 340 MB for 7 days
  • 99 BTN: 300 MB for 30 days
  • 199 BTN: 1700 MB for 30 days
  • 299 BTN: 2700 MB for 30 days
  • 499 BTN: 5000 MB for 30 days
  • 777 BTN: 1500 MB for 30 days
  • 1299 BTN: 30000 MB for 30 days

The Best Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Bhutan

Getting a SIM card from B-Mobile would do you well when considering a Bhutanese SIM card.


Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences

Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:

Support Phone Travel Wiz

It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).

Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).

Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Check Out My Resource Page

Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience

Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!

Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.

Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!

Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling

Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?

In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.

If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!

Learn About Your Phone Travel Options

You can buy local prepaid SIM cardsinternational SIM cardsmobile hotspots, or roam internationally.

Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.

Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks

I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!

Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter

Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.

Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.

Let's Be Social

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?

A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!

Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is

Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!