Traveling to Bhutan? You’ll want to make sure you have the right apps and tools to make your trip smooth and stress-free. From navigation to translation, booking, and transportation, there are plenty of tools that can help you make the most of your time in this beautiful country. Below, I’ve listed some of the best travel apps you can use during your visit to Bhutan, including a mix of free and paid options. Happy travels!
Google Maps
Cost: Free
Google Maps is a must-have for navigation, even though Bhutan’s road network isn’t as extensive as in larger countries. You can find key attractions, hotels, restaurants, and driving directions with ease. Download Bhutan’s offline map ahead of time, and you won’t have to worry about unreliable mobile signal while driving or walking through the countryside.
Why it’s useful:
It’s the most reliable app for navigation anywhere. Detailed maps, transport options, and point-of-interest searches work great even in remote parts of Bhutan. Plus, offline maps are a lifesaver where mobile data is limited.
Maps.Me
Cost: Free
Maps.Me is an excellent alternative to Google Maps if you’re looking for a fully offline navigation experience. The app provides detailed route planning with walking directions and driving routes, which are especially handy if you’re visiting the more rural and remote parts of Bhutan. This app works offline by default, making it awesome for areas with no signal at all.
Why it’s useful:

It’s perfect if you want a reliable GPS map when you’re going off the grid. Maps.Me provides highly accurate topographic maps, which can be fantastic for trekking and other outdoor activities in Bhutan.
Google Translate
Cost: Free
Though the main language spoken in Bhutan is Dzongkha, English is widely understood. However, having Google Translate on hand can help if you venture into remote areas where locals may not speak English. While Dzongkha isn’t always available for text-based translation, the English-to-Hindi options may be helpful, as many people understand Hindi as well. Plus, you can download language packs for offline use.
Why it’s useful:
For instant communication with locals, especially if you run into a language barrier in rural villages, Google Translate remains one of the most versatile and helpful tools you could carry with you.
DrukRide
Cost: Free to download; payments for bus tickets
DrukRide is essential for booking buses in Bhutan. This local app allows you to view available bus routes throughout the country, check bus times, and book tickets online. It’s a simple app to use, and it can save you time by avoiding the hassle of finding local ticket stations or dealing with cash.
Why it’s useful:
Bus travel is a primary means of getting around Bhutan, especially for long-distance routes between cities. DrukRide gives real-time updates on schedules and lets you pay securely online, so you’re not scrambling at the bus station.

XE Currency
Cost: Free
While Bhutan uses its own currency (the Bhutanese ngultrum), it’s pegged to the Indian Rupee, which is also widely accepted. However, it’s still important to keep a close eye on exchange rates. XE Currency allows you to quickly check exchange rates from all countries, including Bhutan. You can even download the exchange rates for offline checking, which is handy when traveling in areas with limited data or Wi-Fi.
Why it’s useful:
The convenience of having up-to-date currency conversions at your fingertips is invaluable, particularly when you’re deciding between paying in ngultrum or rupees.
Booking.com
Cost: Free

Bhutan doesn’t have a sprawling selection of hotels like other countries, but Booking.com is an easy platform to find accommodation options, from guesthouses to boutique hotels. You can check reviews, filter options according to your needs, and make reservations easily. It’s particularly helpful if you’re looking to refine your searches by price, location, or review scores.
Why it’s useful:
Easy to navigate and trusted globally, Booking.com allows you to conveniently book a range of accommodations without hassle, ensuring you have a place to stay before arriving at a new destination.
Bhutan Taxi
Cost: Free to download; payment for ride services

In cities like Thimphu and Paro, taxis are one of the main modes of transportation. Bhutan Taxi is a local app that connects you with nearby taxis. It functions much like ride-sharing apps in other parts of the world but tailored to Bhutan’s local taxi services. You can request a ride, see if the driver is nearby, and pay directly through the app.
Why it’s useful:
If you’re traveling around within cities and want the convenience of easily finding a taxi, this app makes getting around simple. It’s particularly helpful if you don’t want to haggle over the price of a ride.
Tripit
Cost: Free; paid version available for upgraded features
Tripit organizes your travel plans into one easy-to-read itinerary. You can add flight details, hotel reservations, rental car confirmations, and more all in one app. It syncs across devices, so you’ll always know what your schedule looks like and never lose track of your bookings.
Why it’s useful:
With multiple regions and restricted areas in Bhutan, Tripit helps you stay organized when organizing itineraries filled with different modes of transport or accommodation bookings. It reduces the need to carry printouts of your schedule and confirmations.
Trail Wallet
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Traveling in Bhutan can be affordable or expensive depending on your activities and accommodation, but it’s always a good idea to manage your travel budget. Trail Wallet helps you track your spending in a simple, easy-to-understand interface. You set a daily budget and input your expenses as you go.
Why it’s useful:
By tracking your expenses down to the bananas you buy on the street, Trail Wallet is key to keeping your spending within your budget, especially if you’re traveling in Bhutan for an extended stay.
Splitwise
Cost: Free
If you’re traveling with friends or family, Splitwise helps make sure shared expenses get tracked and split accordingly. Whether you’re splitting hotel costs, restaurant bills, or group tour fees, Splitwise keeps track of who owes what. You can even settle up payments with the app through various payment platforms.
Why it’s useful:
Because Bhutan offers group-based travel opportunities, this is a great app to help settle shared expenses among friends seamlessly without doing any manual calculations.
Rome2Rio
Cost: Free
Rome2Rio is a great planner when you’re figuring out how to get from one place to another in Bhutan. Whether you want to travel by bus, car, or plane, the app provides a range of travel options between cities and regions. You can also check travel durations and pricing estimates to help you decide on your best route.
Why it’s useful:
This app gives you a comprehensive view of your travel options, especially helpful since transportation infrastructure in Bhutan isn’t extensive. Seeing all your options at once will give you a clear idea of how best to get around.
WeatherBug
Cost: Free with ads; in-app purchases available
Bhutan’s climate varies greatly depending on the time of year and the region, from subtropical areas to mountainous zones. WeatherBug provides accurate, real-time weather forecasts so you can plan ahead for your outdoor adventures. Having up-to-the-minute forecasts can be helpful when deciding whether to trek or visit outdoor monasteries.
Why it’s useful:
Reliable weather updates are crucial for planning day trips, hikes, and general exploration. It also features severe weather alerts, which can help you avoid surprise downpours during monsoon season.
Google Lens
Cost: Free
Google Lens is a diverse app that lets you scan and identify landmarks, plants, animals, and more. Traveling through Bhutan, you may come across lesser-known sites, monasteries, or statues, and Google Lens can help you gather instant information without a detailed guidebook.
Why it’s useful:
If you’re a curious traveler, Google Lens gives you quick insights into Bhutan’s rich history and environment just by scanning something with your phone! Perfect for spontaneous learning on the go.
These apps will make traveling around Bhutan a lot easier. Whether you’re planning to visit temples, trek the mountains, or just explore cities, staying connected with useful tools on your phone will enhance your travel experience. Make sure to download them before your trip and pack the power of convenience with you!
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