TELEPHONE
To dial home from Bhutan, use the international access
code 00, followed by the destination country code, area code and number you
wish to dial. Local numbers should be prefixed with 0.
For calls to Bhutan, the international dial code prefix
may vary depending upon the country from which the call is made, but will be
followed by the Bhutanese international number +975, followed by the area code
and local number.
The main police emergency number is 113, which is free to
call, and is suitable for use in all types of emergency. Additional free to
call numbers are 110 for fire emergencies and 112 for an ambulance.
When travelling with Haivenu, you will also always be
provided with an emergency contact number to access our help and assistance.
For mobile handsets, consult your service provider in
advance of departure to activate your handset for use in Laos and seek advice
concerning roaming charges, which are, however, likely to be expensive.
If your phone is unlocked, another option is to buy a SIM
card locally, from the local B-Mobile company, who will require you to show your
passport. For modern phones, your SIM may require cutting to size, which most
B-Mobile branches can do for you. 3G coverage is widespread in towns and
cities, but given the country’s mountainous topography, dropouts can be
frequently encountered when travelling.
INTERNET
Many hotels in Bhutan provide free, but usually
time-limited, Wi-Fi access, though some only provide lobby access. Internet
cafes now also often provide charged Wi-Fi connections. Although improving,
internet speeds are generally quite slow.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply in Bhutan is 230 Volts, at 50 HZ.
A useful visual reference guide to the full range of
international plug and socket varieties can be found at http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/, which describes
the type system in use on this website.
As yet, there is no standardised socket system for Bhutan,
and you will likely encounter different socket systems in hotels all over the
country. There are three types of socket currently in use, being the two pin type
C, and two varieties of three pin sockets, the round-pin types D and M, and the
British square style, type G.
For this reason it is best either to carry a range of
suitable adapters or invest in one of the new universal adapters with
retractable pins which are adaptable to differing formats, particularly if you
are travelling to more than one country. Usefully, some models also provide
additional USB connections.
mobile phones,
tablet computers, cameras etc., it may be worth bringing a multiple, preferably
surge protected, outlet from your own country to avoid having to purchase
several adapters, or to deal with a limited number of wall sockets.
In most cases, if your equipment normally runs on a 110
volt, 60 HZ supply, you will additionally need a portable transformer.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Although the Bhutanese have a traditional system of
weights and measures, the model in everyday use is the international metric
system based on the metre and gram.
POSTAL SERVICES
Bhutanese postal services are run by Bhutan Post. Opening
hours are from 09:00-16:30 on weekdays, and 09:00-13:00 on Saturdays. Bhutan
Post offer very reliable mail services, including Fedex. Private DHL services
are available in Thimpu.
TIME ZONE
The time zone in Bhutan is GMT+6, though
it should be noted for calculation purposes that the country does not operate a
daylight saving mechanism.