Why an eSIM is Essential for Bhutan
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Bhutan does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Limited Free WiFi
Free WiFi is limited in Bhutanese hotels and lodges, especially in remote valleys and trekking areas:
- Availability: limited outside major cities and tourist areas
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, trekking, remote valleys)
- Coverage: WiFi absent in remote valleys and trekking routes
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity in cities and tourist areas, though coverage is limited in remote valleys and trekking routes.
Network Coverage in Bhutan
Bhutan has limited 4G coverage in main cities but very limited in remote areas thanks to two major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
4G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| B-Mobile |
70% (cities), very limited (rural) |
Yes |
55% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| TashiCell |
65% (cities), very limited (rural) |
Yes |
45% |
Holafly, Saily |
Coverage by destination
- Thimphu: decent 4G coverage in the capital
- Paro: decent coverage, gateway to Tiger's Nest
- Punakha: basic coverage around the dzong
- Bumthang: limited coverage in spiritual valleys
- Haa: limited coverage in preserved valley
- Tiger's Nest (Taktsang): no coverage during hike and at monastery
- Trekking routes: generally no coverage
- Remote valleys: very limited or no coverage
⚠️ Important: Coverage is very limited outside main cities. Download offline maps and guides before visiting remote areas or starting treks.
How to Install Your Bhutan eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Bhutan (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Bhutan eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Bhutan eSIM 2026"
countryCode="BT"
countrySlug="bhutan"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6",
highlight: "Global leader + B-Mobile network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$5",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$4",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), B-Mobile network (leader 55%), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: B-Mobile network, code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
- LinkeSIM: cheapest option
Conclusion
For all travelers to Bhutan, an eSIM is essential as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB) and free WiFi is limited, especially in remote valleys and trekking areas.
Best choice: GoMoWorld 3 GB at ~$5 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: LinkeSIM 3 GB at ~$4 remains very economical.
⚠️ Important: Coverage is very limited outside main cities (Thimphu, Paro). Download offline maps and guides before visiting remote areas or starting treks. Tourism in Bhutan requires mandatory daily fees ($200+/day) and visa.
Bhutan eSIM FAQ
