This guide covers information on purchasing a SIM card at Paro Airport (PBH): prices, how to obtain, things to prepare, and the best alternative to airport physical SIM.
Highlights:
One of the first things you will want to do when you arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH) is pick up a local SIM. Having a Bhutanese SIM will keep you connected throughout your trip, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones back home and share all your amazing adventures. Luckily, purchasing a SIM card at Paro Airport is quick and easy. There are a few different providers, each offering convenient packages and pricing tailored for visitors.
This guide explores all the essential information about buying a SIM card at Paro Airport (PBH): rates, how to buy, and the best alternative to airport SIM.
In this article
International visitors can buy a SIM card at Paro Airport (PBH) in 3 ways:
At Paro International Airport (PBH), tourists can purchase local SIMs at the counters of B-Mobile and TashiCell in the Arrival Building.
Just head over to their kiosks after you clear customs and immigration, and you can purchase a prepaid SIM package that will keep you online throughout your time in the country. The process is quick and straightforward, so you can get set up with a Bhutanese number and mobile data as soon as you land.
No. SIM card shops at Paro Airport (PBH) do not remain open after midnight. Both B-Mobile and TashiCell have counters in the Arrivals area where you can easily buy SIM cards. However, these shops are generally open only during regular operating hours.
For late-night arrivals, it may be best to either arrange for a SIM card in advance through a travel agent or wait until the next day to purchase one once you get into the city center.
Alternatively, you could consider using an eSIM if you need immediate connectivity upon arrival in Bhutan.
Advice:
Be aware of the airport SIM shop hours so you can plan accordingly and stay connected from the moment you touch down in Bhutan.
If you are arriving in Paro really late in the evening, you should consider downloading a Bhutan eSIM or getting to the city center for the best SIM card deals.
Good to know: 10 BTN = 0.12 USD; 1 USD = 84.47 BTN (As of November 2024)
This table displays some of the most prevalent SIM card packages for tourists at Paro International Airport (PBH):
| Carrier | Data Volume | Validity | Price | SMS & Talk-time |
B-Mobile | 1 GB | 7 days | BTN 200 – USD 2.37 | BTN 100 – USD 1.18 |
| 2 GB | 14 days | BTN 300 – USD 3.55 | BTN 100 – USD 1.18 | |
| 3 GB | 30 days | BTN 500 – USD 5.92 | BTN 200 – USD 2.37 | |
Tashi Cell | 5 GB | 14 days | BTN 600 – USD 7.1 | BTN 100 – USD 1.18 |
| 2 GB | 7 days | BTN 250 – USD 2.96 | BTN 50 – USD 0.59 | |
| Unlimited | 5 days | USD 15 | – | |
| Unlimited | 14 days | USD 25 | – |
Pro Tip: Choose a SIM card package that suits your usage needs and trip duration in Bhutan. That way you may stay online throughout your trip without worrying about expensive fees.
When you are ready to purchase a Bhutan SIM card at Paro Airport, there are a few things you’ll want to have prepared:
With those things ready, the process of purchasing and setting up your SIM at Paro Airport will be straightforward. The provider staff are experienced in getting travelers connected, so you can be ready to explore Bhutan right away.
Pro Tip: If you want a really hassle-free way to get connected in Bhutan, using a Bhutan eSIM is a fantastic option - as long as your phone supports eSIM technology. With a Bhutan eSIM, download the plan right onto your device before you even arrive in the country. No need to go hunting around the airport or wait in lines.
If you want to avoid the hassle of getting a physical SIM at the Paro Airport, using an eSIM is a super convenient option. With an eSIM, you can set everything up digitally on your phone before arriving in Bhutan. It is fast, easy, and means you’ll have cell service when you touch down, without having to hunt around for a SIM card kiosk.
Besides, the eSIM options for Bhutan are reasonably priced and offer excellent coverage nationwide so you can stay online at local rates.
If you are looking for a reliable eSIM provider for Bhutan, Gigago would be the best choice. Registering and activating is as easy as getting a package online and scanning an activation code.
See more: Gigago eSIMs for Bhutan.
You can find SIM Card counters from the main Bhutanese providers Bhutan Telecom (Bmobile) and Tashi Cell (Tcell) located in the arrival building at Paro Airport (PBH).
SIM Cards at Paro Airport (PBH) range in price from around BTN 200 to BTN 600, depending on the package’s data volume and validity period.
Yes, in addition to physical SIM Cards, you can also purchase an eSIM plan for Bhutan that you can set up on your device before arriving at Paro Airport.
In summary, picking up a SIM card at Paro Airport (PBH) is a simple and convenient way to stay online in Bhutan. With telecom providers like Bhutan Telecom and B-Mobile having kiosks and shops right in the airport terminal, you can easily purchase a prepaid SIM as soon as you arrive. And if you prefer a simpler SIM setup, you may get a Bhutan eSIM package before your flight.
This detailed guide reveals everything you need to know about getting and using B-Mobile Bhutan SIM cards, including how to purchase, activate, and recharge them.
This guide covers everything you need to know about finding, purchasing, and utilizing prepaid Bhutan SIM cards as a tourist.
