Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹
#979
27.471354, 89.633672
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan, known for its unique blend of modern development and traditional Bhutanese culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 120,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 20-50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BTN (Ngultrum) ≈ 0.012 USD, 1 USD ≈ 82 BTN |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include TashiCell and Bhutan Telecom, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are accepted; local ATMs are widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Websites like Booking.com and local platforms can be useful. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used, especially in rural areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental services offer apartments and guesthouses. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Zhiwa Ling Hotel and various guesthouses in Thimphu offer budget-friendly rates. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Bhutan Innovation and Technology Centre (BITC) offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop in Thimphu offers reliable internet and a quiet space. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups can be found on platforms like Meetup.com, though they are infrequent. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Thimphu Expats Club on Facebook is an excellent resource for connecting with other expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, and ride apps like Bolt are gaining popularity. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals can be found at various locations in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; however, scenic river banks and parks are nearby. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Druk Air is the primary airline serving regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National highways connect Thimphu with other major cities in Bhutan. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Thimphu lacks rail transport; buses and taxis are the main forms of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available, but passes are not typically required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate services to other cities like Paro and Punakha. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and wellness classes can be found at various local studios. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms like Thimphu Fitness offer memberships for expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and hotel services provide cleaning services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is available through apps like Bhutan Food Delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ema Datshi (a chili and cheese dish) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bhutanese Kitchen and other local eateries offer vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakery Café serves delicious local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Centenary Farmer's Market provide affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | BhutanShop.com and other local sites offer online purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not widely available, but larger supermarkets offer online orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city has few nightlife options, but some bars like The Brickhouse offer social gatherings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Druk Beer brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some restaurants serve international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available at various locations, especially around the weekend market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like the Taj Tashi provide a mix of local and international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Tashichho Dzong and Buddha Dordenma are essential sites to visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Textile Museum showcases traditional textiles. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Memorial Chorten is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Various monasteries and stupas can be explored. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Thimphu Tshechu is a major annual cultural festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Changlimithang area reflects Bhutanese lifestyle and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Wangdue Phodrang Theatre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Centenary Farmer's Market is vibrant and filled with local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can be enjoyed at various cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals can be seen throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes can be found in local cooking schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Gallery of Bhutan hosts local artworks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Tashichho Dzong serves as a historic landmark of the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Drukpa heritage is reflected in architecture and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Dochula Pass offers scenic views and walking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Jigme Dorji National Park is accessible from Thimphu. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walkways around the city and towards Buddha Dordenma provide scenic paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint near Buddha Dordenma is popular for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Dewathang area is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfire is usually permitted in designated camping areas outside the city. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local couriers and Bhutan Postal Corporation provide delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Thimphu offer smartphone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer lessons in Dzongkha and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library is a good place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers offer cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game cafes are rare; some entertainment centers might have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is regulated and limited in Bhutan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500 BTN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 100,000 BTN) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,000 BTN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 80,000 BTN) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000 BTN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 180,000 BTN) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,400 BTN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 144,000 BTN) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500 BTN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 280,000 BTN) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800 BTN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 224,000 BTN) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 13% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system with varying rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 0% (Bhutan does not have a VAT system) |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign-owned companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxes based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 8% transfer fee for property sales. |