There is relatively little crime in Bhutan, besides occasional pick-pocketing and purse snatching. However other concerns can be the lack of infrastructure throughout the region. For instance, general road conditions outside of urban areas are poor, and emergency services generally are not available. Medical facilities in the populated areas in Thimphu are limited and typically do not meet Western standards. (This means that visitors should be careful about altitude sickness.) For more information on health for travelers, see http://www.who.int/ith .

Visitors are advised to carry cash or travelers’ checks, since credit cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan. (If they are accepted, there is often a significant service charge.

Bhutan customs authorities also has very strict regulations on what can be taken in and out of Thimphu. For instance, there is a strict policy on tobacco, as well as other drugs and wildlife products.

It is advised for western travelers to bring fairly conservative clothes to Bhutan. Also, one pair of formal clothes is advised, since sometimes dinners or some community events require more of a formal dress code. Women should remember that this culture is much more conservative than western cultural dress and it is generally frowned upon to wear more skin-baring clothes.