Photography

The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. You may alswish trecord the local people, their houses and shops etc. Always ask by gesture if it is ok tdso. Do not take your destination as a living museum. Alswhile visiting Dzongs, monasteries and religious institutions; please follow your guide's instructions carefully. 35mm color print film is readily available. Slide film is more difficult tfind. Bring enough batteries if you use lithium.

Shopping

The country's exquisite postage stamps, lovely hand woven fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade papers, finely crafted metal objects, and Thangka paintings are the items mostly purchased by travelers in Bhutan. Buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom.

Duties & Customs

The Bhutanese authorities strictly prohibit the export of any religious antiquity or antiques of any type from the country. Cameras, videcameras, computers and personal electronic equipment may be brought intthe country but must be listed on arrival and will be checked on departure.

Following with the recent ban of selling cigarettes and tobaccproducts in the country, a traveler is not allowed tcarry any quantity of cigarettes or pipe tobacco.

Gratuity

In general, tipping is not required. However, in determining whether and how much tip, it is best to ask yourself how much the individual did make your travel more enjoyable.

Time

Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.

Communication Facilities

Telecommunication facilities are available across the country although overseas mobile phones will not operate without a Bhutan SIM card. If constant communication is required we recommend use of a satellite telephone. With the introduction of the Internet Bhutan in 2000, visitors can all access Internet facilities in all major towns and cities.

Power & Electricity

Electricity is available in all of the towns frequently visited by tourists. The voltage supply is 220. Tourists intending tcarry electrical appliances are advised to bring a converter with an adapter kit.

Driving Distances

Bhutan has well maintained roads that link tmost parts of the country. Since there are ndomestic airlines or trains, motor vehicle is the only mode of transport. Be aware that the mountainous terrain makes driving speed slow.

From	To	Distance (km)	Approx. Driving Time
Thimphu	Paro	65	2hrs
Thimphu	Phuentsholing	179	6hrs
Phuentsholing	Bagdora (India)	170	4hrs
Thimphu	Wandgiphodrang	70	3hrs
Thimphu	Punakha	77	3hrs 15min
Punakha	Wangdiphodrang	13	45min
Wangdiphodrang	Trongsa	129	4hrs 30min
Trongsa	Bumthang	68	2hrs 30min
Bumthang	Mongar	198	7hrs
Mongar	Lhuentse	76	3hrs
Mongar	Trashigang	90	4hrs
Trashigang	Chorten Kora	52	1hr 30min
Trashigang	Samdrup Jongkhar	180	6hrs
Samdrup Jongkhar	Guwahati	110	3hrs
Samdrup Jongkhar	Phuentsholing	380	9hrs 30min

Safety

Bhutan is a safe place as crime rate is almost negligible. The towns and cities are safe tenable you troam without any danger.

Transportation

You will have a driver and a car at your disposal at all times. I would organize your transport comfortably in a Toyota or Hyundai car, 4WD SUVs or deluxe coaches/buses depending on your group size and preference.

Every vehicle is well maintained and thoroughly checked before trips to ensure safety and comfort for all visitors. For trekking, I have horses and porters to carry personal luggage, tents, food, and cooking utensils.

Transportation within the country is included in the tourist tariff.