Town in Paro District, Bhutan
Paro
Bhutan's arrival town in a wide green valley, home to the airport, Rinpung Dzong and the Tiger's Nest hike. Peaceful and very safe; high costs, early nights and a mandatory guide shape every trip.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$519–830Comfortable, one person · Nu.50,000–80,000Details
- Value for money98/100Better value than 97% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: Jun, 24°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; hotels usually provide filtered water or refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$3.1–10.4Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundDruk RideWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at hotels and bigger shops; cash for markets, cafés and taxis.Details
Where to stay in Paro
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Paro town | Hotels, small cafés and craft shops near the dzong |
| Airport side (Bondey) | Quiet hotels near the airport |
| Tiger's Nest road (Satsam Chorten) | Farm stays and lodges near the trailhead |
Apps that work in Paro
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Druk Ride | Local taxi app; coverage thinner than Thimphu |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WeChat, WhatsApp
- goBoB: Pay QR codes with a foreign card
- Taxis: Taxis have fixed fares from the stand. Your guide and driver usually handle transport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bhutan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at hotels and bigger shops; cash for markets, cafés and taxis. Indian rupees accepted at par.
- Currency: Ngultrum (BTN). US$1 ≈ Nu.96.37 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank ATMs take Visa and Mastercard in towns; few in rural areas.
- Tipping: Not obligatory but customary for guides and drivers at the end of a trip; small tips for hotel staff.
- Paying by phone: goBoB (Bank of Bhutan) and MyPay wallets link to foreign cards and pay QR codes widely; need a local SIM.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Apply online for a visa (US$40) before travel; reviews take up to five working days. Tour operators and hotels can apply for you.
- Pay the Sustainable Development Fee with the visa: US$100 per adult per night, US$50 for ages 6–11, set until August 2027.
- A licensed guide must accompany you throughout, including at dzongs, monuments and on all treks. Route permits are no longer needed.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 2300
Plugs
Type C, D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at the Paro airport visitor centre or carrier offices with your passport. TashiCell tourist packs cost Nu 300–1,900. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Bhutan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.