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. Dnot 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 ttip, it is best task yourself how much the individual did tmake 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 tBhutan in 2000, visitors can alsaccess 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 tbring 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.
