ATM Fee Matrix
Bhutan has 4 banks with ATMs that accept international cards: Bank of Bhutan (BoB), Bhutan National Bank (BNB), Tashi Bank, and a handful of Indian Bank branches. Fees differ — BoB has the widest network, BNB has lower surcharges, Tashi Bank is more limited. This tool picks the cheapest bank for the cash you'll need.
Plan cash needs
Bank network
| Bank | ATMs | Net | Limit (per WD) | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of Bhutan (BoB) | Most extensive | Visa, MC, Cirrus | Nu 100,000 | Nu 200 + your bank's FX |
| Bhutan National Bank (BNB) | Good coverage | Visa, MC | Nu 100,000 | Nu 250 + your bank's FX |
| Tashi Bank | Limited | Visa, MC | Nu 50,000 | Nu 300 + your bank's FX |
| Druk PNB Bank | Very limited | Visa, MC | Nu 40,000 | Nu 350 + your bank's FX |
What this solves
Most ATMs in Thimphu and Paro are BoB or BNB. In eastern towns (Mongar, Trashigang), BNB is more reliable. Your bank's FX markup is usually 2–4% on top of the surcharge — so withdrawing once for the whole trip is cheaper than 5 small withdrawals.
How to read the result
Total cost = withdrawal count × bank surcharge + FX markup on total cash. The recommendation minimizes both.
Limitations
- Some ATMs are offline for days. BoB is most reliable.
- Your home bank's foreign transaction fee can dwarf Bhutan's surcharge. Check your card's fee schedule.
- Cards with PIN-less chip may be refused at older ATMs.
FAQ
Should I bring all cash or use ATMs?
ATMs are reliable in Thimphu and Paro. Bring $200–$300 USD as backup for emergencies (lost card, ATM offline).
What if my card is refused?
Try a BoB ATM (most reliable). If still refused, your bank may have flagged the country — call them. Some travelers carry two cards from different networks.
Sources
- Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan — bank fee schedule
- BoB / BNB / Tashi Bank fee disclosures