Sustainable Development Fee
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
Delayed Arrival/Departure
There will be no charges for delays in arrival and departures because of weather conditions disrupting flights or roads blocks or strikes (India). However, tourists must bear the cost of food, accommodation, transport and other services required. But we will always be there to assist you till you are able to depart/arrive.
Remittance of tour payment Tour payment must be settled minimum one month prior to date of arrival in Bhutan. During festival period, payments should reach 2 months in advance. Without tour payment, VISA will not be cleared/approved by the government and other services will not be confirmed either. Druk Air payment has to be made in advance (2 months during season and 1.5 months off season) in order to avoid cancellation of seats booked in advance.
Bank details
Please deposit or transfer the payment to the following Bank Account:
1. Bank Address : Standard Chartered Bank Ltd.,
(Correspondent Bank) One Madison Avenue, New York,
NY 10010-3603
SWIFT Code: SCBLUS33
CHIPS ABA: 0256
FED ABA: 026002561
2. Beneficiary Bank Account : 358-202-171-9001 (USD A/C)
3. Beneficiary Bank : Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439,
GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
4. Beneficiary/Ultimate Beneficiary: Account No 20573007
(of THOESAM TOURS & TREKKING maintained with BNB, Thimphu, Bhutan ( beneficiary must be mentioned )
Copy of the Bank transfer documents should be faxed to us to prove to the authorities concerned in order to clear VISA as well as for necessary follow up with the Bank.
Cancellations
Tours booked and subsequently canceled are subject to cancellation charges as follows:
. Within 30 days of the start of tour – Free . Within 21 days – 20 percent of the rate . Within 14 days – 30 percent of the rate . Less than 14 days – 50 percent of the rate . After arrival in Bhutan – 100 percent of the rate
Druk Air cancellations
Once the air tickets has been issued, you will not get any refund. Druk Air Corp. Ltd. will forfeit 100 percent of the airfare, unless cancelled one month before.
Royalty for filming
In addition to above international tourist tariff, if any tourists or professionals intend on filming, there will be extra royalties and security deposits depending on the nature and duration of the film. You can always contact us for further details.