Paro, Bhutan 🇧🇹
#980
27.464636, 89.31834
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Paro is a picturesque town in western Bhutan, known for its stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10-15 Mbps, may vary by provider and location |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BTN (Bhutanese Ngultrum) ≈ 0.012 USD, cash is preferred; ATMs available but limited |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from TashiCell and B-Mobile, data packages reasonably priced |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at some locations; local banks include Bhutan National Bank and Druk PNB |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to luxury hotels; Airbnb also available |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited, better to use cash for everyday transactions |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local guesthouses |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel and Paro Backpackers for affordable options |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bhutan Cattle Company Cafe, has good internet and a peaceful vibe |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Pema, known for quiet atmosphere and good coffee |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at local cafes and cultural events; limited but growing expat community |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats, occasional cultural events hosted by local organizations |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major ride-sharing apps, local taxis available or negotiate with drivers |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; inquire locally for small shops renting bikes |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; stunning riverbanks and hiking trails are alternatives |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Druk Air, operates flights to major cities |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines offer international connections |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Paro-Thimphu Highway, connects to major locations |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains, bus services available to Thimphu and other regions |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport, buses operate on a low frequency |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel via local buses, taxi services for nearby towns and attractions |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Paro Hospital, a government facility for basic healthcare needs |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various local wellness centers and retreats available, inquire for details |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; inquire locally; some hotels have fitness facilities |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available at most hotels; local laundry services also found |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants may offer takeout |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ema Datshi (Chili and Cheese), a national dish |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, vegetarian options available at most restaurants |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Pema for local sweets and snacks |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets and shops for fresh produce and groceries |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited availability; mostly local shopping |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not widely available; local markets are best |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some local bars and cafes open till late |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Blue Pine Brewery, known for local beer |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local shops may sell imported wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food stalls available; try momos (dumplings) |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some places offer Indian and Chinese food options |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery), Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum offers insights into Bhutanese culture and history |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress and administrative center |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Tiger's Nest Monastery, an iconic Buddhist site |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Paro Tshechu, an important religious festival held annually |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Paro town itself is rich in culture, with traditional architecture |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural performances; check with local tourism office |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Paro Town Market, vibrant with local crafts and goods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Bhutanese music is popular; some cultural events showcase this |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; local murals may be found in some areas |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on traditional Bhutanese cuisine |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various local galleries showcasing Bhutanese art |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional wooden houses and temples throughout the region |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bhutan's heritage is deeply tied to Buddhist traditions and customs |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Rinchenling Nature Park and other trails around Paro provide excellent hiking |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jigme Dorji National Park, excellent for trekking |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths along the Paro Chu River and surrounding rice fields |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Tiger's Nest viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the valley |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various sites around the valley; inquire locally for guided tours |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas; inquire locally about fire regulations |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services available but limited in speed |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops; major repairs may need to be done in Thimphu |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; local sports centers available for various sports |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; local interest groups may help with learning Dzongkha |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Paro has a small library, find quiet spots in cafes for studying |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check local listings for community events and gatherings |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited, most gaming done privately or in cafes |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in Paro; gambling is restricted in Bhutan |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹2,000,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₹60,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₹45,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹2,300,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₹115,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹1,800,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₹90,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹2,800,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹224,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹2,200,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹176,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for businesses operating in Bhutan |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed based on global income; progressive income tax rates |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum is 25% for high income earners |
| 🧾 VAT | Generally, no VAT; specific service fees may apply |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; one-time registration fees applicable |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Can vary, generally around 2% of property value |