Prepaid Bhutan SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

This guide gives all of the information you need to obtain prepaid Bhutan SIM cards and stay connected while touring the world’s happiest country: kinds, pricing, how to buy, and the best SIM package options.

Planning a trip to the stunning Kingdom of Bhutan? One of the most essential things to consider is how you will stay connected during your trip. Purchasing a prepaid Bhutan SIM is a simple and inexpensive way to ensure you have dependable mobile service. Whether you need it for maps, staying in touch with loved ones, or sharing photos, a local Bhutan SIM card can make your trip smoother. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding, purchasing, and utilizing prepaid Bhutan SIM cards as a tourist.

I. Best Bhutan SIM Cards for Tourists

B-Mobile and TashiCell are Bhutan’s two largest mobile operators with reliable cellular service across the country. These carriers offer a variety of prepaid SIM options for visitors so you can pick the one that best suits your usage needs while exploring Bhutan.

This shows some of the most prevalent prepaid packages for travelers to Bhutan. Let’s check it out!

Carrier	Plan Name	Data	Validity	Price
B-Mobile	Weekly 49	660 MB	7 days	BTN 49 – USD 0.58
	Monthly 199	2,764 MB	30 days	BTN 199 – USD 2.35
	Monthly 299	4,608 MB	30 days	BTN 299 – USD 3.54
	Monthly 499	8,499 MB	30 days	BTN 499 – USD 5.9
	Monthly 699	22,937 MB	30 days	BTN 699 – USD 8.27
	Monthly 799	27,033 MB	30 days	BTN 799 – USD 9.45
	Monthly 999	37,570 MB	30 days	BTN 999 – USD 11.82
TashiCell	Daily Prepaid	260 MB (usable on 2G/ 3G/ 4G)	1 day	BTN 19 – USD 0.22
	Weekly Prepaid	660 MB (usable on 2G/ 3G/ 4G)	7 days	BTN 49 – USD 0.58
	Daza Plus Prepaid	2,720 MB (usable on 2G/ 3G/ 4G)	30 days	BTN 199 – USD 2.35
	Barma Prepaid	4,500 MB	30 days	BTN 299 – USD 3.54
	Barma Plus Prepaid	8,260 MB	30 days	BTN 499 – USD 5.9
	4G Promo Prepaid	19,170 MB	30 days	BTN 599 – USD 7.09
	Home Daza Prepaid	37,570 MB	30 days	BTN 999 – USD 11.82
	Home Chenpo Prepaid	62,463 MB	30 days	BTN 1,499 – USD 17.73
	Office Barma Prepaid	120,000 MB	30 days	BTN 2,499 – USD 29.56

➤ Our Recommendation:

• If you buy a SIM card from B-Mobile or TashiCell for Bhutan, you will have dependable internet throughout your journey. Their Bhutan SIM cards come with a great amount of cellular data at reasonable rates.
• If your smartphone/ tablet/ laptop accepts eSIM, you have another simple option. You can sign up for a Bhutan eSIM package online and follow the instructions to activate your eSIM quickly. Then you can stay online with reliable data throughout your time in Bhutan.

II. Where to Get Bhutan SIM Cards for Tourists?

International visitors can buy Bhutan SIM cards in 3 ways:

• Online
• Upon arrival at Bhutan airports
• In the city center

1. Get Bhutan SIM Cards online

If you select to get your Bhutan SIM card sorted before your flight, you may order one online. Major providers like  B-Mobile and TashiCell offer prepaid SIM cards that can be delivered to you, so you are ready to go as soon as you arrive in Bhutan. 

Pros: instant connectivity, time to compare various Bhutan SIM options to pick the best one

Cons: ID check needed, need to provide name, address & mobile phone number

2. Obtain SIM card at Bhutan Airports

You can easily pick one up at Paro International Airport (PBH). The main providers (B-Mobile and TashiCell) have the SIM counters located at the Arrival Area. You can buy Bhutan SIM cards and get it activated right away, so you are connected from the moment you arrive.

Pros: instant purchase and activation, no need to locate a shop elsewhere

Cons: pricey rates, passport for ID proof

3. Purchase SIM card in Bhutan City

If you are already in Bhutan, getting a SIM card is a breeze. Visit any phone shop or mobile carrier store in the cities like Thimphu or Paro. They will set you up with a prepaid SIM and get you connected to Bhutan’s reliable 4G network.

Pros: reasonable pricing, a range of SIM plan options

Cons: ID check needed, have to travel to the SIM store locations

III. How Much is a Tourist Bhutan SIM Card?

Bhutan SIM cards are a great deal compared to the high international roaming costs from your regular phone plan back home. You can get local rates for calls, texts, and mobile data. Tourists can easily buy SIM cards directly from Bhutan providers like B-Mobile and TashiCell, with prices ranging from just BTN 49 (USD 0.58) to BTN 2,499 (USD 29.56).

Both of Bhutan’s main mobile networks make sure visitors have plenty of affordable SIM plan options to choose from with useful features.

IV. Types of Bhutan SIM Cards for Tourists

Two types of Bhutan SIM cards for visitors:

• Prepaid physical SIM card for Bhutan
• Prepaid eSIM for Bhutan

Now let us delve into the key differences between these two types of Bhutan SIM cards.

Criteria	Bhutan Physical SIM Card	Bhutan eSIM
Convenience	Need to physically obtain the SIM, either at the airport, a local shop, or have it delivered before trip	Completely digital – purchase & activate the Bhutan eSIM remotely before flight, no need for a regular plastic SIM
Compatibility	Works with unlocked phones. Just swap out your existing SIM.	Requires an eSIM-enabled device, which is becoming more common on newer smartphones
How to use	Insert the plastic card into your phone & follow the on-screen activation instructions	Scan the activation QR code provided by the eSIM provider, follow the steps on your device
Price	Generally affordable, ranging from US $0.5-29	Cost-effective, around US $10.5 for 7 days
Plan	Variety of prepaid data, call, and text packages available, from daily to monthly	Prepaid data-only eSIM plans available

► Our Recommendation:

Both physical SIMs and eSIMs allow you to stay connected at local rates while visiting Bhutan. Choose the option that best fits your device and travel needs for a hassle-free mobile experience in Bhutan.

For those with eSIM-ready phones, buying a Bhutan eSIM is an easier choice. You may even find data-only eSIM options so you can utilize communication apps to keep in touch without paying extra.

V. Do I Need to Get a SIM Card for Bhutan Travel?

Using a prepaid Bhutan SIM card is a smart way to stay online during your travels in the country. It offers the reliable mobile service you need at affordable local rates. Several great benefits to getting a Bhutan SIM:

• Reasonable rates: A local Bhutan SIM card gives you access to much more affordable calling, texting, and mobile data rates compared to expensive international roaming fees.
• Reliable connectivity: With a Bhutan SIM, you can count on dependable 3G/4G coverage throughout the country to stay connected during your travels.
• Flexible plans: Bhutan SIM providers offer a wide variety of prepaid plans, from daily to monthly packages, so you can pick what works best.
• Convenience: It is easy to purchase a SIM card at the airport, phone shops, or online before your trip, so you are ready to go as soon as you arrive in Bhutan.

VI. What to Prepare When Buying Bhutan SIM Cards?

There are a few things you will want to prepare when purchasing s Bhutan SIM card:

• Bring your passport: You will need to provide identification like your passport when registering and activating the Bhutan SIM.
• Check phone compatibility: Ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with the Bhutan networks before you buy a SIM. 
• Decide on data needs: Think about how much mobile data you will likely need for maps, streaming, social media, etc. so you can pick the right SIM plan.
• Have local currency: The SIM cards are typically paid for in Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).
• Know provider options: Research the main Bhutan SIM providers like B-Mobile and TashiCell to compare their plans and coverage.

Being prepared with these basics will make the process of getting a Bhutan SIM card quick and easy when you arrive.

VII. Bhutan eSIM – Alternative to Tourist SIM Cards

For a hassle-free way to stay connected in Bhutan, an eSIM is a great choice that gives you the flexibility to get set up before your trip even begins. Opting for a Bhutan eSIM has some great advantages over a traditional physical SIM card:

• Buy from home: You may set up your Bhutan eSIM plan right from your home before your trip, so you are ready to go as soon as you land.
• Instant activation on your device: Activating an eSIM is quick – just scan a QR code and you are connected, without having to physically swap SIM cards.
• No ID needed: eSIMs do not require showing your passport or other ID when setting them up, making the process even more convenient.
• Data-only usage: Some Bhutan eSIM plans offer data-only options, which are perfect if you just need mobile internet without voice or text.
• Eco-friendly: eSIMs are a more environmentally friendly alternative to physical plastic SIM cards that create waste.

If you are looking for a trusted eSIM reseller for Bhutan, Gigago would be a top choice. Downloading and activating is as simple as getting a plan online and scanning a QR code.

• Instant activation
• No ID check
• 24/7 multilingual customer support (English, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese, etc.)
• For Bhutan, Gigago provides eSIM packages that work on the reliable B-Mobile network. One weekly option gives 1GB of mobile data for 7 days, at only $10.50 , giving tourists budget-friendly eSIM options to get the Internet throughout their trips to Bhutan. 

See more: Gigago eSIMs for travelers to Bhutan.

VIII. How Long Does a Tourist SIM Card Last in Bhutan?

When you get a prepaid SIM as a tourist to Bhutan, the validity period may vary, but there are a few common options:

• 1-day SIMs: These one-day SIM cards are perfect if you just need coverage for a day or two. They give you 24 hours of call time, texts, and mobile data.
• 7-day SIMs: These weekly SIM cards are great if you are in Bhutan for about a week. They provide a week’s worth of connectivity.
• 30-day SIMs: For longer trips of 2-4 weeks, a monthly SIM card is a convenient choice. This gives you a full month of service to use during your stay.

When you acquire the Bhutan SIM, the provider will let you know the exact expiration date. To ensure that your cell service runs properly throughout your Bhutan vacation, activate and use the included credit within the validity period.

IX. How to Activate a SIM Card in Bhutan

Now that you know the convenient ways to connect to Bhutan’s cellular network, so how can you utilize your Bhutan SIM cards?

1. Activating Bhutan SIM Cards for Tourists

Having a Bhutan SIM makes it simple to stay online while in the country. Here is how to get it set up after you purchase one from B-Mobile or TashiCell:

• Turn off your phone, pop in the new Bhutan SIM, and turn it back on.
• Let your device automatically connect to the local network.
• If it asks you to select a provider, just pick the one you got the SIM from.
• Contact the client support to check your account balance.
• After that, you are all set! You may now enjoy cheap calls, texts, and mobile data throughout your Bhutan trip.

2. Activating Bhutan eSIM

Using a Bhutan eSIM (the digital version) is straightforward:

• Make certain your device works with eSIM and can connect to Bhutan’s network.
• Before your flight, go ahead and get your Bhutan eSIM pack online.
• Scan the activation code that the eSIM reseller emailed you using your device’s camera.
• Follow the on-screen guide to get the Bhutan eSIM installed.
• Now you are all set to use mobile services like calling, messaging, and cell data while you are in Bhutan!

X. FAQs about Bhutan SIM Cards

XI. Conclusion

To summarize, getting a prepaid Bhutan SIM is an easy and budget-friendly way to stay online during your travels in the country. Whether you buy one online before your trip or pick it up at the airport or a local shop, Bhutan SIM cards make it simple to access mobile data, make calls, and send texts at local rates. With a variety of plan options to choose from, you can find the perfect Bhutan SIM card to meet your needs.