Description
Bhutan is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many UK travellers: the climb to the Tiger’s Nest monastery, the fortress-monasteries of Paro and Punakha, prayer flags on mountain passes and colourful festivals. Many visitors follow a planned itinerary with a local guide, covering a week or two through the valleys.
A travel eSIM lets you send photos home, check the day’s route and stay in touch with family without depending on hotel Wi-Fi. It sits next to your UK SIM, so your usual number stays in the phone while the eSIM provides mobile data in Bhutan.
Choose your Bhutan data plan
There are 7 plans for Bhutan. Pick the one that matches the length of your stay and how much you stream, video call or share photos.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1GB – 7 days | £4.12 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £7.12 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £9.38 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £15.99 |
| 10GB – 30 days | £33.15 |
| 20GB – 30 days | £41.05 |
| Unlimited – 10 days | £51.68 |
- One-week tour of Paro and Thimphu: 1GB for 7 days covers messages and the odd photo upload.
- Longer trek or festival trip: 3GB or 5GB for 30 days gives room for photos and video calls in the towns.
- Heavy photo and video sharing: Unlimited for 10 days suits a typical tour if you want to post a lot.
How ordering works
- Choose a plan and place your order. Pay by UK bank transfer or PayPal.
- Once your payment is confirmed, we prepare your eSIM and send you the QR code by email or live chat. Orders are handled by hand, so we suggest ordering at least a day before you fly.
- Scan the QR code at home over Wi-Fi, then switch the eSIM on when you arrive in Bhutan.
Installing your eSIM
- iPhone: Settings, Mobile Service (or Mobile Data), Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
- Google Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM.
Install it before you travel, while you have a steady Wi-Fi connection. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so do not delete the eSIM from your phone until your trip is over. The phone makers also have step-by-step guides: Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel. When you land, turn on the eSIM line, set it as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that eSIM.
Using mobile data in Bhutan
International flights land at Paro International Airport, set in a narrow valley, with Thimphu around an hour’s drive away. Data is handy for messaging your guide, sharing photos from Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, and keeping family updated as you travel between valleys.
The country is very mountainous, and signal can disappear on high passes, along remote valleys and on trekking routes. Expect to be offline for parts of longer treks. The plan covers Bhutan only, so if you enter or leave overland through India, you will need a separate plan there.
Check your phone first
Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later can use one. Some models sold in certain countries have no eSIM, so look for an Add eSIM option in your settings. If you are not sure, ask us before you order.
Good to know
- Travel advice: before you go, read the GOV.UK travel advice for Bhutan, which covers entry requirements, safety and local laws.
- Data only: these plans give you mobile data, not a local phone number. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls and messages.
- For travel only: the plans work in Bhutan and are not meant for use in the UK.
- Your UK SIM: keep it in the phone to receive texts such as bank codes, but turn off data roaming on it so it does not use data abroad.
- Treks: on multi-day treks you may have no signal for long stretches. Let family know before you set off.
- Unlimited plan: as with most unlimited travel plans, a fair-use policy can apply.
More travel eSIMs
Visiting more than one country? We also have travel eSIMs for Bangladesh, Nepal and India. See all our travel eSIM destinations, or our UK eSIMs if you want a UK line on an eSIM too.
Questions
Will the eSIM work on the hike to Tiger's Nest?
It may work on parts of the trail, but signal on mountain paths is not reliable. Treat it as a bonus rather than something to depend on.
Does it cover India if I cross the border by road?
No. The plan is for Bhutan only. Order a separate plan if your route passes through India.
When should I buy my Bhutan eSIM?
A day or more before you travel is best. That leaves time to receive the QR code and install it at home.
When do the days start counting?
The number of days is how long the plan lasts once it is active. Install it before you go and switch it on when you arrive.
Can I cancel after the QR code is sent?
No. Like our other codes, an eSIM cannot be returned once the QR code has been sent. See our refunds and cancellations page.
