Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan 03
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Bhutan eSIM

7 data plans from €4.99 · instant delivery by email

Just landed and ready to use Grab, maps or a translator: with the Bhutan eSIM you can, without hunting for a SIM shop at the airport. Choose from 7 data plans from 1 GB to 20 GB or with unlimited data, valid for 7 to 30 days. You use the B-Mobile network.

Bhutan eSIM data plans

1 GB

Valid for 7 days
  • Data only (no phone number)
  • Starts on first use at your destination
  • Network: B-Mobile
  • APN is set automatically
€4.99 Buy

2 GB

Valid for 15 days
  • Data only (no phone number)
  • Starts on first use at your destination
  • Network: B-Mobile
  • APN is set automatically
€5.99 Buy

3 GB

Valid for 30 days
  • Data only (no phone number)
  • Starts on first use at your destination
  • Network: B-Mobile
  • APN is set automatically
€6.99 Buy

5 GB

Valid for 30 days
  • Data only (no phone number)
  • Starts on first use at your destination
  • Network: B-Mobile
  • APN is set automatically
€21.99 Buy

10 GB

Valid for 30 days
  • Data only (no phone number)
  • Starts on first use at your destination
  • Network: B-Mobile
  • APN is set automatically
€45.99 Buy

20 GB

Valid for 30 days
  • Data only (no phone number)
  • Starts on first use at your destination
  • Network: B-Mobile
  • APN is set automatically
€56.99 Buy

Unlimited

Valid for 10 days
  • Data only (no phone number)
  • Starts on first use at your destination
  • Network: B-Mobile
  • APN is set automatically
  • Fair use: full speed up to 3 GB per day, then 1 Mbps
€70.99 Buy

Travel guide: Bhutan

Bhutan measures its progress not by GDP but by Gross National Happiness – and you feel it in every aspect of the country: from the majestic dzongs to the deep valleys and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. As one of the few countries in the world, Bhutan is carbon negative and protects its nature with strict laws. For travellers, that means a journey into one of the most pristine and spiritual regions of Asia.

At a glance

Currency
BTN (BTN)
Power sockets
Type C, D, F, G · 230 V
Emergency
Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 110
Country code
+975
Time zone
UTC+6
Driving
Drive on the right
Tipping
Rounding up is enough
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Best time to travel
Mar–May, Sept–Nov

Mobile internet in Bhutan

Bhutan's mobile network is operated by B-Mobile and TashiCell, with B-Mobile having the widest coverage – especially in the key tourist valleys in the west and centre. In Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, 4G is usually stable, while in rural areas you often get only 3G or no signal at all. 5G is still in its infancy and so far available only in a few places in the capital. On trekking tours, in remote high valleys and on passes such as Chele La or Dochu La, you should expect dead spots.

Our eSIM runs on the B-Mobile network and is ready to use immediately after landing – no paperwork, registration or detour to a local shop. That's particularly handy in Bhutan, as buying a local SIM card for tourists often involves bureaucratic hurdles. Since the network isn't available everywhere, we recommend downloading offline maps and important documents in advance. For communicating with your guide, booking accommodation and sharing photos, a reliable connection is worth its weight in gold – and with an eSIM you stay flexible even when moving between valleys.

Public Wi-Fi in Bhutan is available only in better hotels and a few cafés in the cities – often with registration and limited bandwidth. In rural guesthouses and the countryside, Wi-Fi is usually not available. That's why mobile internet via eSIM is the most practical solution. Helpful apps: Google Maps with downloaded offline maps, Maps.me for hiking trails, WhatsApp for communicating with your guide and family, and a translation app such as Google Translate. A weather app is also useful, as conditions in the mountains change quickly.

Highlights in Bhutan

Bumthang Valley

The Bumthang Valley is considered the cradle of Buddhism in Bhutan. Several historic temples from the 7th century are scattered across the landscape – the best known are Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang. The region invites you to hike through forests and villages and is known for its cheese and honey production.

Trongsa Dzong

Trongsa Dzong sits spectacularly on a ridge above the Mangde River. The massive fortress was for centuries the key to controlling the east and served as the seat of the royal family. From here you have a wide view over the surrounding valleys and can visit the intricate murals and temples inside.

Haa Valley

The remote Haa Valley near the border with Tibet was closed to foreigners until 2002 and has thus preserved its pristine character. Small villages, white prayer flags and traditional architecture define the scene. Particularly rewarding is the drive over the Chele La Pass with views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari.

Chele La Pass

At 3,988 metres, Chele La is one of Bhutan's highest drivable passes. On a clear day, it offers a magnificent view of Jomolhari (7,326 m) and the surrounding mountain ranges. The pass is a popular starting point for short hikes and for the drive into the Haa Valley.

Dochu La Pass

Dochu La Pass lies at 3,100 metres between Thimphu and Punakha. Here stand 108 white chortens in honour of the soldiers who fell in the conflict with insurgents. On clear days, the view extends to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas – a perfect stop with a small café and prayer wheels.

Jigme Dorji National Park

Jigme Dorji National Park stretches across the entire northwest of Bhutan and is home to rare species such as the snow leopard, takin and red panda. On guided trekking tours you cross untouched forests, hot springs and high mountain landscapes – far from the usual tourist trails.

Practical travel tips

  • Travel with a licensed guide and driver – independent travel without accompaniment is not permitted for most tourists. The agency also books accommodation and meals.
  • Before your trip, download offline maps and translation apps, as the mobile network is weak or non-existent in remote regions.
  • Try the national dish ema datshi – a stew of chillies and cheese that can be very spicy. Most restaurants offer it in various levels of heat.
  • Visit a tshechu festival: religious dances with colourful masks take place annually in the dzongs. Dates vary by location and lunar calendar – check in advance.
  • Pack layered clothing and good rain protection: mountain weather can change quickly, and even in summer it can be cool at higher altitudes.
  • Bring a power bank, as simple guesthouses and trekking tours don't always have power sockets. Your eSIM also uses more battery with intensive use.

Do’s

  • Take off your shoes before entering a temple or dzong and place them neatly.
  • Use both hands when giving money, gifts or business cards.
  • When sitting, keep your feet so that they don't point at other people or the altar.
  • Participate respectfully if you are invited to a religious ceremony, e.g. by lighting a butter lamp.
  • Buy souvenirs directly from local craftspeople to support the communities.

Don’ts

  • Don't point with your finger or foot at people, religious figures or the altar.
  • Don't touch the head of children or adults – it is considered sacred.
  • Don't sit on walls, steps or fences of religious buildings.
  • Don't throw stones or litter into sacred lakes, rivers or springs.
  • Don't place objects on altars or shrines, even for photographing them.

Entry, visa and safety: please check your government’s current travel advice before you go. Last updated: October 2026.

Bhutan eSIM – frequently asked questions

Which Bhutan eSIM plan do I need?

That depends on how much data you use: for navigation, messaging and occasional browsing 1–3 GB per week is usually enough; for social media, video calls or hotspot rather 5 GB or more. The plans cost between €4.99 and €70.99.

When does the validity of my eSIM start?

Validity only starts when the eSIM connects to a network at your destination for the first time. So you can safely install it before your trip.

Will my normal phone number stay reachable?

Yes. This is a data-only eSIM installed in addition to your SIM card. Calls and SMS still use your normal number – mind your provider’s roaming prices.

Does the eSIM work with my phone?

Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. This includes all iPhones from XS/XR, Samsung Galaxy from S20 and Google Pixel from 3. See “Compatible devices” for the full list.

How do I set up the eSIM?

After purchase you receive a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone’s mobile network settings, select the eSIM for mobile data and switch on data roaming for the eSIM at your destination.

Do I need to set an APN?

No. The access point (APN) is set automatically for all Bhutan eSIM plans.

Do WhatsApp, Google and Instagram work with the eSIM?

In most Asian countries, yes, without restrictions. In some countries (e.g. China) certain services are blocked on local networks; travel eSIMs usually route data abroad, so these services generally remain available. We cannot guarantee this, though.

Is an eSIM cheaper than a SIM card at the airport?

Often, yes – mainly because you do not lose time at the airport, do not need to show your passport and know the exact price in advance. Your normal SIM also stays in your phone.