Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan, a country known for its rich culture and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 114,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BTN (Bhutanese Ngultrum) ≈ 0.013 USD; ATMs available but mostly in urban areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it's recommended to consume bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include TashiCell and Bhutan Telecom, offering 4G services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Citizenship proof and work permits needed to open bank accounts; international cards not widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available; prices vary. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not very cashless-friendly; cash is preferred for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are the main options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; local guesthouses can start from around BTN 1,200 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kuenselphodrang, close to major attractions and dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Changangkha, known for quietude and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Karma Coworking, located in the heart of Thimphu, offers reliable wifi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Druk Café, known for its cozy environment and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various meetups organized by expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings organized through social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yele Taxi, a convenient local app for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bikes can be rented at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; nearest is in India, several hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Druk Air, primary airline serving the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Bhutan Airlines, with routes to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access to National Highways; road conditions can vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; buses are a primary mode of intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate, but no specific transit passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect to nearby cities; travel can be time-consuming. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | JDWNR Hospital, the main healthcare facility in Thimphu. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogic Bliss, offering yoga and wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Thimphu Fitness, offers basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; service prices vary. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda operates in Thimphu for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ema Datshi, Bhutan's famous chili and cheese dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegetarian, a good place for plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Choco fulfilling, known for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Centenary Farmer's Market offers local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; local markets are more common. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery services; often self-pickup preferred. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Himalayan Brewery, popular for nightlife and local brews. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Druk 11000, the most popular local beer brand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options for wine bars, but local dining spots may carry wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street stalls are common in marketplaces; try local foods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Spices of India, known for its Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Tashichho Dzong, a beautiful fortress and monastery. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Bhutan located in nearby Paro. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Simply Bhutan, a living museum showcasing Bhutanese culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Buddha Dordenma, a massive statue of Buddha. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Thimphu Tshechu, a week-long cultural festival in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Langjophakha, known for traditional Bhutanese architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Thimphu's traditional theaters host cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Centenary Market, vibrant with local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars featuring traditional instruments. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public art and murals can be found around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Zhiluk Cooking School offers classes on Bhutanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Raven Art Gallery showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The traditional dress and etiquette are key aspects of Bhutanese culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Phajoding Monastery trek, offering scenic views of Thimphu. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bumthang Valley, an accessible national park area. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the Wang Chhu river are popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Takin Preserve offers great views and unique wildlife. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Changlimithang Park, good for observing local birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor spaces near riverbanks accommodate bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bhutan Post provides reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops offer mobile and laptop repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various private language schools offer classes in Dzongkha. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Thimphu City Library offers a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Druk School provides community and cultural programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes may have gaming setups; focused more on social games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options; gambling is restricted in Bhutan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BTN 3,000,000 for a centrally located studio. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BTN 2,500,000 for a studio apartment outside the city. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BTN 4,000,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BTN 3,200,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BTN 5,000,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in central Thimphu. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BTN 4,000,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment outside the city. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax in Bhutan. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends in Bhutan. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax based on residency; worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate at 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited rules governing foreign entity taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property valuation is implemented. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Bhutan offers a relatively simple tax system for foreigners. |