TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS AND COMPUTERS
WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS
1. GETTING TO BHUTAN
Q. Can I book my own flights into Bhutan?
A. Due to Bhutan’s restrictions and control on visitors into the country, it’s not possible to book your own flight into Paro, so we book your flights into and out of Bhutan for you. Usually this is from Bangkok, where most people stay prior to the start of the tour. But there are flights into Bhutan from Delhi, Calcutta and Kathmandu (which we would also book), if you prefer to fly from one of those destinations and meet the group in Paro for the start of the tour.
We suggest you arrive early and stay overnight in Bangkok in the event of flight delays as the flight to Paro usually leaves quite early (sometimes as early as 5 AM). We can suggest hotels in downtown Bangkok or near the airport.
Q. When I arrive in Bangkok before the tour, what’s the best way to get a taxi?
A. The taxi stand is located on Level 1 of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Follow the signs to the taxi counter on Level 1 near entrances 3, 4, 7 and 8.
You’ll get a ticket from a taxi queue machine and then proceed to the lane number printed on your ticket.
The taxi will have a meter (make sure the driver turns on the meter!) and 50 Baht will be added to that for the airport surcharge. The driver MAY ask you to pay expressway fees.
The driver may or may not speak English. Consider printing the hotel name and address on a piece of paper or be prepared to type in the hotel name into his map app on his phone.
If you prefer, we can arrange for a guide and driver to pick you up at the airport. This is usually a flat fee and can be shared amongst several people if you are arriving at the same time.
Q. What is the free checked luggage allowance for Druk Air from Bangkok to Paro?
A. Druk Air allows up to 30 kilos (66 pounds) of checked luggage. As these planes are very small, only one carry-on item – such as a purse, a coat or a camera – will be allowed on board. All other luggage (including luggage that is normally considered carry-on on other planes, like a 22″ bag) will need to be checked and included in your checked luggage allowance. Excess luggage charges will apply if weight exceeds 30 kilos. Baggage restrictions can be found here.
Q. Do I need to secure my own visa for Bhutan?
A. No, we handle the visa process and it is included in the cost of your tour.
Q. If I book a return flight home from Bangkok on the last day of the tour, what time should I plan on departing?
A. On the last day of the tour, our flight from Bhutan to Bangkok usually doesn’t arrive in Bangkok until late afternoon but, depending on the Druk Air schedule, this could be as late as 8:00 pm. We recommend that you book your international flight home for very late that night (or early the next morning) or that you consider staying in Bangkok for one night in case flights out of Paro are delayed (not uncommon).
2. WHILE VISITING BHUTAN
Q. Will bottled water be readily available?
A. Yes, bottled water will be available during your activities and while on the bus but we strongly urge our tour participants to carry their own reusable water bottle and bring a water purifier, such as a SteriPen, so as to cut down on the number of plastic water bottles that get thrown out daily in the country.
Some hotels have large water containers in the lobby from which you can fill up your own reusable bottles.
Q. What kind of food should I expect on the tour?
A. Meals are usually served buffet-style at the hotels and include plenty of cooked vegetables, rice and meat (beef, chicken and pork). Chile and cheese is the national dish of Bhutan and is often available at meals. Rice is always served plain, and vegetables are often served plain or with cheese.
Note that Bhutan is not known for its cuisine so don’t expect a lot of variety. Vegetarians will have no issues finding enough to eat but if you are in need of a lot of protein, consider bringing protein powder, peanut butter or other sources of protein snacks as these will be difficult to find in Bhutan.
If you prefer decaf coffee or tea, consider bringing your own because it’s rarely served in Bhutan.
Q. Since this is a Buddhist country, is alcohol available?
A. Alcohol has become more readily available in recent years but it it’s not as common as in most countries. Some restaurants and hotels will have it available for purchase at meals. It’s also possible to purchase wine at a store for your private consumption.
Q. Do I need to bring medication for the high altitude?
A. The tour starts in Paro at 7,200 feet. The highest elevation during the tour is at about 11,000 feet. As a result, it’s not uncommon to feel some shortness of breath and perhaps a light headache due to the altitude.
Some people may have more severe symptoms, but it usually doesn’t require high altitude medication. Rest and drinking lots of water will help stave off the effects of being at high altitude.
Having said that, we do recommend you speak to your doctor about any possible issues. We recommend that our tour participants be fairly fit and expect to do light hiking throughout the journey.
Q. Are there mosquitoes and/or malaria in Bhutan?
A. While you may encounter a stray mosquito or two, malaria and Japanese encephalitis are not found in the areas you’ll be visiting in Bhutan. Given that we will be starting in Bangkok, however, we suggest that you consult your doctor about whether you should take malaria medication.
Q. Are there western-style toilets or are they squatty potties?
A. Most toilets are western style with the exception of some at monasteries or in small villages. Even while driving, the group is usually not far from a bathroom break but you can always use a bush in an emergency. Most bathrooms have toilet paper but it doesn’t hurt to have some tissues on hand in case you find an empty roll.
Q. Do I need a walking/hiking poles?
A. It depends on your fitness level and your balance. For most of the hikes and walks, you likely won’t need a hiking poles, but some people do find them handy. There are a couple of short hikes included in the tour and one longer hike to Tiger’s Nest (which will be more difficult) at the end of the tour. There’s usually someone at the base of Tiger’s Nest that “rents” them for a small fee and sometimes the hotels have some on hand.
If you’re relatively steady and have good walking shoes, you may not need to bring hiking poles with you but this will be a decision you’ll need to make.
Q. Can I bring hiking poles in my carry-on bag?
A. We’ve heard mixed feedback on this and it may just depend on the poles you bring and what TSA agent is looking through bags. We do know people who have been able to bring them through with no problem, but you may not want to risk it. Even though we generally do not recommend checking bags (except when it’s unavoidable, like for the flight into Paro), if you’re bringing poles, this may be your only option.
Please see this link for more information on traveling with hiking poles.
Q. I get motion sickness. Will I be able to sit in the front of the bus on the tour?
A. We do try to make our tour participants as comfortable as possible, so please tell your tour guide if motion sickness is an issue for you. We can’t guarantee the front seat of the van or bus every time as it really depends on how many people in the group get motion sick or have other medical issues where they may need a different seat.
We suggest that you bring ginger, wrist bands (like this ReliefBand) or ask your doctor about a prescription.
3. HOTEL INFORMATION
Q. What are the accommodations like in Bhutan?
A. Hotels are quite comfortable and are considered 3 or 4- star. (5-star hotels are an additional $1,000+/night!) They all have private bathrooms, heat and hot water.
Q. Will you be sending a list of hotels?
A. All of our hotels are listed on our itinerary but you will also receive a list of hotel contact information about two weeks before departure (note: it is subject to last-minute changes).
Q. Will the hotels have a laundry service so that I can pack light?
A. They definitely have laundry service at a reasonable rate. You’ll want to consider having it done at one of the hotels where the group is staying for more than one night as it will be difficult for your clothes to dry in Bhutan’s climate. Also, be sure that you bring quick-drying clothes made for this purpose.
Q. Do hotels provide shampoo and conditioner?
A. Most hotels will have at least shampoo in the showers but they may not have conditioner. If you are particular about your hair products, it’s best to bring your own travel sized containers.
Q. Are there hair dryers at the hotels?
A. Most hotels do have hair dryers.
Q. Are my items safe in my hotel room?
A. Your items *should* be safe, but we recommend that you carry small luggage locks to secure the zippers together so that no one is tempted to peek in your bag.
When something goes missing, it’s usually later found in the bottom of one’s luggage. In the meantime, hotel staff are the first to be blamed. It’s best to keep your items (especially valuables) locked up so that this is not even a question.
4. PACKING INFORMATION
Q. Is it OK to bring a large piece of luggage that I have to check?
A. While you will be more comfortable moving around with fewer (and smaller) bags, it’s fine if you need to check a bag. There will be porters and hotel staff to help with luggage at each hotel.
Note that not all hotels have elevators, so the fewer bags you have, the better.
Q. Will I be responsible for carrying my own luggage?
A. You’ll have very little interaction with your luggage as the guides and hotel staff help with moving bags from the bus to the rooms and then back to the bus. We do encourage you to pack light so a small roller bag that is carry-on size (under 22″) would be ideal.
Q. How should I dress based on the weather in the spring or fall?
A. You might consider either a fleece and/or light rain jacket for your outer layer, then a button up shirt underneath and a t-shirt as a bottom layer. Evenings will be cool – possibly freezing – and days can get up to the low 70’s if it’s sunny.
We will provide a full packing list once you’ve registered for the tour.
Q. For the Yoga Retreat, do I need to bring my own yoga mat?
A. Yes, you will need to bring your own yoga mat for the yoga retreat as there are none available in Bhutan. A Yogo Travel Yoga Mat or a Manduka SuperLite Yoga Mat are both ideal for travel. Whatever you bring, it will be helpful to have a strap for the mat to make it easier to carry.
Q. Do I need to cover my shoulders and knees while in Bhutan?
A. Bhutan is somewhat conservative in terms of their dress. It’s recommend that your shoulders and knees be covered. Shorts and tank tops are considered to be disrespectful and you definitely can’t wear them into sacred areas like monasteries or temples.
Q. Will I need a swimsuit?
A. No swimsuit is needed in Bhutan, but your hotel in Bangkok might have a pool. Check their website (and the weather) to determine whether you should bring a swimsuit for Bangkok.
Q. Do I need any dressy clothes?
A. Not at all.
Q. What kind of shoes should I hike in?
A. It depends on how much ankle support you need. If you’re steady on your feet and are fit, consider light hikers or even something like Keen or Teva sandals that have a grip on the bottom. Heavier hiking boots may not be necessary if you’re comfortable in something lighter.
Q. Would you recommend taking a rain coat?
A. The weather is generally pretty nice in the spring and fall when we run our trips, but you might experience a rain shower or two. A light rain jacket is a good idea. Remember to dress in layers, too, so that when the sun’s out, it’ll be easy to layer down into lighter clothes.
5. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS AND COMPUTERS
Q. Will WiFi be available at the hotels?
A. Most hotels in Bhutan have WiFi. However, the connection can be very slow. It’s best to set your expectations low and then be pleasantly surprised when it does work.
Q. What sort of power adaptor do I need?
A. Bhutan uses types D, F and G power plugs (although D, pictured, is the most common). Note that some outlets at hotels actually accept the US-style of power plug.
Q. Will I need a converter for my electrical devices?
A. You will need a converter for any devices needing 110/220 conversion (things like a hair dryer, curling iron, etc.). Most electronics these days (such as a laptop and iPad) have a built-in converter that protects the device from power surges.
Q. Can I use my cell phone in Bhutan?
A. There are a few ways you can use your cell phone in Bhutan. The most reliable and easiest way to do this is to buy an international data plan from your provider. Most providers offer an international data plan (or your current plan may already include it) where you pay $10 – $12/day. This tends to be pretty seamless BUT check with your provider to make sure they actually cover Bhutan.
A much more cost effective option is to download an eSIM like Airalo (for $3 off, use code ELIZAB3290). This allows you to connect to the local network to use data. It can be a little tricky getting this set up and using it with your own number, but we can help you once in-country. You will need a phone that is “unlocked” in order to use an eSIM. This usually requires that you own your phone and that you are not on a payment plan with your cell phone provider.
Lastly, you can simply turn your data off and only use your phone when there’s WiFi.
Q. Can I bring my laptop?
A. Of course, you will have power at all of the hotels. Power outages do happen but not frequently.
Q. Are ATMs available in Bhutan?
A. There are ATMs in Bhutan but they may or may not accept foreign credit/debit cards. We suggest you change US dollars at the airport in Paro or at a bank in Paro or Thimphu.
Q. Can I use a credit or debit cards in Bhutan?
A. Some hotels and handicraft emporiums will accept credit and debit cards and may or may not charge a percentage of the sale (upwards of 7%) to do so. Many places will accept US dollars. Unless you plan to spend a lot of money (typically this would be for textiles, which can be quite costly), it’s best to bring cash and either pay in US dollars or exchange your dollars into ngultrum at the airport or at a bank.
Q. How much money do you recommend bringing?
A. Remember that most everything will be covered during your time in Bhutan – hotel, food, transportation and water. If you want soft drinks or alcohol (beer is widely available, as is wine) these will be extra.
The most common souvenir purchases include tapestries and thangkas (wall hangings). They CAN be expensive but range from about $20 upwards (easily into the hundreds, and even over a thousand dollars). Prepare for this if you plan to bring home some nice souvenirs. There are plenty of inexpensive souvenirs you can pick up as well.
It’s difficult to give a recommended amount of money to bring to Bhutan. It just depends on your buying habits. We’ve seen people spend a hundred or two over the course of a tour, while others spend far more than that on the tapestries.
Q. Do my dollars need to be new bills?
A. Yes, you must have newer bills in good shape (no rips, tears or folds) as shopkeepers won’t take bills that are old, wrinkled or torn. The larger the bill, the better the exchange rate.
Q. How safe is Bhutan?
A. Bhutan is an incredibly safe country so there’s o need to worry about theft. For peace of mind, you may choose to use the room safe for your money or lock it in your bag with a luggage lock.
Q. Do we tip our guide and driver??
A. Tips for the guide and driver are included in the cost of your tour. But if you’d like to give something extra at the end of the trip, it would be greatly appreciated by both the guide and driver. A suggested amount is $10 – $20 per day for the guide and $5 – $10 per day for the driver.
For other tips, we encourage you to tip hotel staff as you would the cleaning staff at a hotel elsewhere. $2 – $5 a night is appropriate. There are tip boxes located at the front desk at the hotels. These tips are distributed amongst the staff. This is not included in your tour cost so please factor this in to your daily budget.
Q. Do you suggest we bring gifts for the locals?
A. It’s certainly a nice gesture (but not necessary) if you have small gifts to leave with friends you make along the way. Things that might be appropriate include souvenirs from your home town including items with logos (Seattle mugs or baseball caps, for example), chocolate or coffee. Check with our Client Liaison to see if our guide will be male or female so you can choose appropriately.
Q. Do you recommend bringing small gifts for the children we will encounter?
A. No, it’s best not to bring gifts such as candy, chocolate etc. If you want to interact with the children, you could consider bringing a bottle of bubble liquid and you can entertain them by blowing bubbles for them. Remember to put in your checked luggage, though.
7. WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS
Q. Do I need insurance for this tour?
A. We do suggest that all tour participants acquire travel insurance, but it is 
not required.
We partner with Travel Insured International so that you have ability to purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any possible issues. Although we are technically not requiring it, you will be asked to sign additional paperwork acknowledging the risk of traveling without insurance.
Here’s some info on insurance that includes an explanation of Cancel for Any Reason insurance.
Q. Is there a schedule for installment payments?
A. We don’t have anything formal set up, but you can definitely send in payments on your own schedule. Some people send in monthly payments while other people send in payments when it’s convenient.
It is common for someone to set up regularly scheduled checks to be sent from their bank until the tour is paid in full by the final payment due date.
Q. Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my participation in this tour?
A. Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form that you’ll receive within 24 hours of registering with a deposit.
Any refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of our receiving written notification of your cancellation (email notification is fine). We will respond via email and ask for confirmation of your mailing address for any refunds.
Address must be confirmed within six months, otherwise expect forfeiture of refund as we close out our books at that time.
Q. Will you be sending an updated itinerary with our overnight accommodations so we can leave it with folks at home?
A. Yes, you’ll receive the hotel information as well as emergency contact information one or two weeks before departure (note: it is subject to last-minute changes).
Q. What’s the emergency contact info that I can give my family?
A. About two weeks before your departure, you will be given a cell phone number for your trip leader and someone in-country employed by our local tour operator.