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Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update: 13 March 2012

1. Is there an annual quota on the number of visitors entering Bhutan?

There is no quota on the number of visitors to Bhutan.
However, as Bhutan is only served by DrukAir, which only flies only once a day from Bangkok, the number of visitors is natually limited by the capacities of the airplanes serving the routes.
To help with the growing traffic volume to Bhutan, Drukair has ordered will be adding another A319 to her fleet in 2012 and Drukair will be adding new routes to Singapore and Mumbai in Spetember 2012.
The government of Bhutan in fact has set itself the target of over 100k visitors per year by the end of 2013.
 

2. Whats included in the tour packages listed?

The Tourism Council of Bhutan imposes mimimum spending per traveler per day. Within this limit, the following are included
  • Visas for Bhutan
  • A qualified & licensed English speaking guide
  • An experienced driver
  • A good vehicle (4WD for travelling couples or mini bus or bus for bigger groups)
  • All meals inclusive
  • Accommodation (3 star rated hotels minimum)
  • Mineral water for the duration of the stay (foc)
  • Taxes, surcharges, government contribution

The following are not included

  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals at 5 stars restaurants. Breakfast at 5 stars restaurant is included if you have booked a night at the hotel.
  • Tips for the guide and driver

Drukair ticketing cost is usually not included in our listed travel packages due to the fluctuation of foreign exchange.

 

3. How is the mobile coverage in Bhutan?

Mobile coverage is pretty good in the Paro and Thimphu region. As travelers enter central Bhutan, mobile coverage may become less consistent. Mobile coverage is also haphazard when trekking and travelling from one town to another town. Blackberry users who are using 3G network should have no problem receiving their data.
 

4. Can we access the internet from Bhutan?

Internet access is usually availalbe in hotels in the room and their lobby, only some hotels charges for internet usage.
In central Bhutan, tourists may have to pay for internet access in the hotels.
For a list of hotels with internet connectivity, please refer to our listing of recommended hotels in Bhutan.
 

5. How is Druk Asia different from other travel agency?

Druk Asia is probably the only outfit in Bhutan with overseas offices. The international team from Druk Asia are made up of both native Bhutanese and local staff who has first hand experience on Bhutan. They made numerous trips to Bhutan in order to know the country and its infrastructure better. Druk Asia’s international staff typically make a trip to Bhutan every quarter to catch up with the main operations and better understand the latest developments in the country.  Druk Asia is aslo the sole representative of Drukair in Singapore.
 

6. Who are Druk Asia’s Customers?

Druk Asia has been serving clients from all over the world. Some of our clients are from Ruassia, America, United Kingdom, Italy, Chinese, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Mayalsia, Philippines and more.
Besides working with direct customers, Druk Asia also use her knowledge of Bhutan to work with other travel agencies to assist them with trip arrangement. This is especially true since we are the only representative of Druk Air in Singapore and will be planning more offices aroudn the world.
Do check out our testimonial page to see a sample of our international travellers.
 

7. What if there’s a change of scheulde for Drukair flight? Or if flight is delayed?

For passengers heading to Bhutan, Drukair will ensure that you get on the next available flight to Paro.
For passengers who missed their flight due to late check-in, passenagers can pay Drukair an admin charge of US$50 to get on the next available flight.

For travellers returning from Bhutan, Drukair staff at Paro will assist you with all arrangement due to the flight delay.
Staff of Drukair will also attempt to contact you connecting flight airline to inform them of a delay.
Should you not be able to take your connecting flight on the same day, Drukair will arrange for your accomodation in say Bangkok.
Any other fees and charges incurred will typically have to be bore by the travellers.
Travellers are adviced to acquire their own travel insurance.

For more information, please refer to Drukair’s cancellation and change of schedule policy.
 

8. Is tipping expected in Bhutan?

Tipping is not an ingrained culture. Hotel & waiting staffs do not linger around expecting a tip.

However, following industry norms, tipping the driver and guide is more commonly accepted. The rule of thumb is $5/day for the driver and $8/day for the guide. This comes to $130/car for a 10 days trip.
 

9. What’s the cancellation policy for travel to Bhutan?

For Bhutan trip booked and subsequent cancellation, the following applies.

  • - More than 30 days before start of programme, administration fee per traveller only.
  • - within 30 days of start of programme ~ 15%
  • - within 21 days ~ 25% of rate
  • - within 14 days ~ 30% of rate
  • - within 7 days ~ 45% of rate
  • - less than 7 days or without notice ~ 65% of rate
  • - after arrival in Bhutan ~ 100%

A SGD120 administration fee will be payable for each traveller’s cancellation. 

For Drukair tickets issued and subsequent cancellation, the following applies.

  • - 100% refund permitted for tickets cancelled more than 30 days from the date of travel.
  • - 50% refund permitted for tickets cancelled between 30 - last 10 days from the date of travel.
  • - 25% refund permitted for tickets cancelled prior to 03 (three) days from the date of travel.

There will also be US$70 administration fee on each ticket cancelled. 

For Drukair tickets issued and subsequent reschedule, the following applies.

  • - USD40 or equivalent local currency for every flight reschedule less than 72hours prior to date of travel.
  • - No charges for business class passengers.

 

10. I’ve paid for my tour package. How long does it take to process my visa to Bhutan?

You should expect to get your visa only between 14 to 5 days prior to your departure. Remember to print out a copy of your visa so that you can present it at the Drukair Check-in counter and also at immigration points. 
Please visit our Bhutan Visa Application Procedures page.

 

 

 

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