How to make Bhutan Tour Payment?

Make Bhutan Tour Payment

Booking your dream trip to Bhutan with Best of Tours is easy — but sending money across the world, especially to a small country like Bhutan, can sometimes feel confusing. This guide is designed to help travelers from the United States, Canada, Europe, China, and beyond, to smoothly and securely send their tour payments to Bhutan.

Whether you are comfortable with modern online platforms, prefer traditional bank transfers, or need help with region-specific transfer requirements, we’ve got you covered.

1. Third-Party Transfer Using Wise (www.wise.com)

Why Use Wise?

  • Low Transfer Fees: Wise typically offers competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees.
  • Ease of Use: You can add funds to your Wise account using a debit or credit card, then send money directly to a Bhutanese bank account via SWIFT.
  • Fast Transfer Times: In most cases, the beneficiary (Best of Tours) can receive funds within a few business days.

Steps to Pay via Wise

  1. Create/Log In to Your Wise Account
    • Visit Wise.com (formerly known as TransferWise) and either create a new account or log in if you already have one.
  2. Add Funds to Wise
    • Click on “Add Money” and use your credit card, debit card, or bank account to deposit the amount needed.
  3. Initiate the Transfer
    • Click on “Send” or “Send Money”, then choose “An account outside of Wise.”
    • Select SWIFT as the transfer method. (Do not choose ACH or Fedwire, as these are primarily for U.S. domestic transfers and won’t work for Bhutan.)
  4. Enter Beneficiary (Best of Tours) Details
    • Beneficiary Name: Best of Tours
    • Bank: Bhutan National Bank
    • SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
    • Account Number: 642032821
    • Bank Address: Bhutan National Bank, P.O. Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
    • City: Thimphu
    • Country: Bhutan
  5. Confirm and Send
    • Double-check the details and complete the transfer.
    • You’ll receive a confirmation email from Wise once the money starts processing.

Tip: If you have a referral link from Wise (or from a friend), you can often reduce or waive transfer fees for the first USD 600 or so. Look out for any promotions that may save you money on transfer costs.

2. Online Payment Gateway / Credit Card Payment

Best of Tours partners with Bhutan National Bank to facilitate tour payments from outside Bhutan by using the bank maintained payment platform that rides on Stripe. Best of Tours will create a custom quote link that will be share you and which you can process using your favorite credit or debit cards.

Why Use an Online Payment Gateway?

  • Convenient & Instant Deposit: Great if you want immediate confirmation.
  • Use Your Preferred Card: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
  • Worldwide Access: Most online gateways work internationally, allowing you to pay in USD.

How It Works

  1. Request a Payment Link
    • Contact Best of Tours and ask for an online payment link or invoice.
  2. Fill in Your Card Details
    • Once you click on the link, you’ll be directed to a secure portal where you can enter your credit card information.
  3. Pay the 4.99% Surcharge
    • Important: There’s a 4.99% surcharge or bank processing fee for credit card payments in Bhutan. This fee will be added on top of your total invoice amount.
  4. Receipt & Confirmation
    • You should receive an immediate confirmation email or receipt once the transaction goes through.

Pro Tip: Online payment gateways are perfect if you value speed, simplicity, and peace of mind, but do account for the additional 4.99% service fee.

3. Traditional Bank-to-Bank Transfer (Wire Transfer)

Why Use a Traditional Bank Transfer?

  • Lower Transfer Fees (Sometimes): Some banks offer reasonable rates for international wires, especially if you have a premium account.
  • Reliability: Many travelers find direct bank-to-bank transfers dependable, as these are standard worldwide.
  • Familiar Process: If you’re used to visiting your bank in person, this may be straightforward.

Key Points to Note

  • Use SWIFT, Not ACH or Fedwire: For payments to Bhutan, you must select SWIFT.
  • Two SWIFT Codes vs. One: Some wire forms may ask for a correspondent (intermediary) bank. If your bank’s online system allows for direct transfers to Bhutan National Bank (BNBTBTBT), you can skip entering a U.S. intermediary bank.
  • Bank Visit: Many of our guests physically visit their bank to fill out a wire transfer form. Others use their bank’s website if international wire capabilities are available.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather Information
    • Primary Beneficiary (Best of Tours)
      • Account Name: Best of Tours
      • Account Number: 642032821
      • SWIFT Code (Bhutan National Bank): BNBTBTBT
      • Bank Address: Bhutan National Bank, P.O. Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
  2. Check If Correspondent Bank Details Are Needed
    • Some banks require an intermediary in the U.S. If so, you can provide:
      • Correspondent Bank: Standard Chartered Bank Ltd., New York
      • SWIFT Code: SCBLUS33
      • CHIPS ABA: 0256
      • FED ABA: 026002561
    • Important: If your bank offers Bhutan National Bank (BNBTBTBT) directly in their system, you do not need to include the correspondent bank details.
  3. Complete the Wire Transfer Form
    • Beneficiary Bank: Bhutan National Bank
    • SWIFT/BIC: BNBTBTBT
    • Recipient Name: Best of Tours
    • Account Number (IBAN in some cases): 642032821
    • Reason for Payment: Tour Payment or Bhutan Tour Payment
  4. Submit and Keep the Receipt
    • Hand the form to your bank teller or submit it online.
    • Get a copy of the transaction receipt or confirmation for your records.

Potential Delays: International wire transfers can sometimes take 3–5 business days. Holidays in Bhutan or banking holidays in the U.S. can cause additional delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which transfer method is cheapest?

Wise often has the most competitive rates, but it depends on your bank’s policies and currency exchange fees.

How long does each method take?

Wise/Third-Party Transfers: 1–3 business days, typically.
Online Payment Gateway: Instant confirmation, but settle time varies by card.
Traditional Wire Transfer: 2–5 business days, depending on intermediary banks and local holidays.

Do I have to pay in USD?

Yes. All payments to Bhutan National Bank for tours must be in U.S. Dollars (USD).

What if my wire transfer form only has space for one bank?

Just fill in Bhutan National Bank (BNBTBTBT) and the Best of Tours beneficiary details. If the bank form allows for a correspondent bank, only then add Standard Chartered Bank details.

Is there a possibility of additional bank fees?

Yes, some intermediary banks may deduct handling fees. Check with your bank to confirm potential extra charges.

Final Tips for a Smooth Transfer

  • Double-Check All Details: Typos in SWIFT codes or account numbers are the most common causes of failed or delayed transfers.
  • Keep Records: Always save your payment confirmation or transaction receipt.
  • Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about any field, contact Best of Tours directly or speak with your bank’s customer service.
  • Plan Ahead: Transfer times vary, so send your payment at least a week before your booking deadlines to avoid any last-minute stress.

Ready to Travel to Bhutan?

Whether you choose Wise, an online payment gateway, or a traditional bank wire transfer, Best of Tours strives to make your payment process straightforward and transparent. By selecting the method that best suits your preferences—considering factors like speed, cost, and convenience—you’re one step closer to exploring the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality that Bhutan is known for.

If you have any further questions regarding your tour payment or wish to confirm the transaction details, feel free to contact Best of Tours anytime. Safe travels, and see you in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

Best of Tours – Bhutan Travel Experts

  • Beneficiary Name: Best of Tours
  • SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
  • Account Number: 642032821
  • Bank: Bhutan National Bank, P.O. Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
  • Email: hello@bestofbhutan.com
  • Phone: +975-17563726