The Bhutan Ngultrum (BTN) plays a vital role in the daily lives of the people of Bhutan. The official currency of the country facilitates all transactions, such as buying groceries and paying for services.

The Ngultrum reflects Bhutan’s unique culture and traditions through its design and denominations. 

Knowing the Ngultrum helps people appreciate Bhutan’s economy and how it connects with its neighbors.

What Is Bhutan Ngultrum (BTN)

The Bhutan Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency of Bhutan. It was introduced in 1974 to replace the Indian Rupee, which was previously used in the country. The Ngultrum is divided into 100 chhertum. 

The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan issues the currency, which includes various denominations in both coins and banknotes.

The Ngultrum pegs to the Indian Rupee, meaning its value closely links to the value of the Rupee.

The currency reflects Bhutan’s culture and identity.

How the Ngultrum is Represented

• Symbol: Nu (₼) or sometimes just BTN
• Code: BTN

The symbol “Nu” stands for Ngultrum. You might see it written next to prices, like “100 Nu,” which means 100 Ngultrum.

History of the Bhutan Ngultrum

Before the Ngultrum was introduced, the people of Bhutan used the Indian Rupee (INR) as their main currency. The Indian Rupee was convenient since Bhutan is located next to India, and many people in Bhutan were already familiar with it. 

Using a foreign currency meant that Bhutan didn’t have its own money that represented its unique culture and identity.

In 1974, the Bhutan Ngultrum was officially introduced. This was a big step for Bhutan because it allowed the country to have a currency that reflected its traditions, values, and identity.

The creators designed the Ngultrum as a symbol of Bhutanese pride and independence.

Designers included images and symbols that were important to Bhutanese culture when they created the Ngultrum.

For example, the banknotes include pictures of the King, national animals, and important landmarks. These designs not only make the Ngultrum beautiful but also remind people of their rich heritage and history.

By having its currency, Bhutan could better control its economy. The government was able to manage prices, taxes, and trade more effectively, helping to support local businesses and the overall economy.

Over the years, the Bhutan Ngultrum has become an essential part of everyday life for the people of Bhutan. 

Exchange Rate with Indian Rupee

One important thing to note about the Ngultrum is that it is closely linked to the Indian Rupee (INR). The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee, meaning that they are exchanged at the same rate:

• 1 BTN = 1 INR

This makes it easy for people in Bhutan and India to do business together.

Banknotes of the Ngultrum

The banknotes of the Bhutan Ngultrum come in different colors and sizes. Each note features important symbols and images that represent Bhutan’s culture and heritage:

• Nu 1: This is the smallest banknote and is green. It has an image of a monastery on it.
• Nu 5: The Nu 5 banknote is brown and features the National Flower of Bhutan, called the Blue Poppy.
• Nu 10: This banknote is blue and shows a picture of a traditional Bhutanese house.
• Nu 20: The Nu 20 note is purple and features the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin.
• Nu 50: The Nu 50 banknote is orange and shows the national tree, the Cypress Tree.
• Nu 100: This note is red and features the King of Bhutan.
• Nu 500: The Nu 500 banknote is grey and shows the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a famous statue located in Bhutan.
• Nu 1000: This is the largest banknote and is yellow. It also features the King of Bhutan and is used for larger transactions.

Coins of the Ngultrum

The Ngultrum also has coins in smaller denominations. People use these coins for everyday purchases, like snacks or local transportation. The coins include 1, 2, 5, and 10 Ngultrum.

Can you use US dollars in Bhutan?

In Bhutan, the official currency is the Bhutan Ngultrum (BTN). While the Indian Rupee (INR) is also widely accepted due to Bhutan’s close ties with India, the use of US dollars is not common for everyday transactions. 

You can find some hotels, tourist shops, and larger businesses that may accept US dollars, especially in popular tourist areas.

It’s important to note that if you plan to visit Bhutan, it’s best to exchange your US dollars for Ngultrum upon arrival or at currency exchange offices. Using the local currency will make transactions easier and more straightforward during your stay. 

Conclusion

The Bhutan Ngultrum is more than just a form of money, it represents the values and identity of the Bhutanese people and is also represented by the symbol “Nu.” 

It comes in colorful banknotes and coins, each showcasing Bhutan’s unique culture and heritage. 

Its use in everyday transactions highlights the importance of a stable currency in supporting the nation’s economy. 

As Bhutan continues to grow and develop, the Ngultrum will remain an essential part of its journey, symbolizing the country’s unique heritage and aspirations for the future.