Q1: When is the registration deadline? The original deadline has passed; however, the APFC organizer has decided to postpone it to 15 May, 2010 as some participants couldn’t register in time. Since the travel arrangements to Bhutan are complex, participants are recommended to register and prepare visa application, flight tickets and hotel booking as soon as possible.

Q2: What accommodation options are available? We have identified suitable hotels and categorized into high cost, mid-level cost and low cost. For details please see Hotel Accommodation on our webpage.

Q3: What airline companies fly to Bhutan, and from where? All APFC delegates traveling to Bhutan by air will arrive at the Paro International Airport. Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines – is the only commercial airline serving Bhutan and flights are extremely limited. Most days of the week, Drukair operates three flights: one from Bangkok, one from Delhi and one from Kathmandu. Due to the limited number of flights to and from Bhutan, participants will need to book their travel by early May to ensure seats, particularly as flights may be heavily booked at this time of the year. Please confirm your flight bookings as early as possible.

Q4: How will participants get from the airport to the hotels in Thimphu? Participants arriving at Paro airport will be met and facilitated by protocol officers appointed by the Organizing Committee. Transport will be provided from Paro International Airport to Thimphu. The distance between Paro and Thimphu is about 57 km and takes about an hour.

Q5: How do I register for the event? Participants are requested to complete the enclosed enrolment form and return one copy to each of the addressees listed, preferably no later than 15 May 2010. For details please see Information Note.

Q6: Is it easy to travel within the Kingdom of Bhutan? Taxis are available at reasonable rates. However, you will be requiring route permits in addition to official visas. For specific requests, please contact the Liaison officer, Bhutan at [email protected].

Q7: May I extend my stay with additional days before or after the APFC Session? Yes, but it is necessary to inform in advance. For specific requests, please contact the Liaison officer, Bhutan at [email protected].

Q8: Can I pay with credit card in the country? Please note: You should not count on using a credit card in Bhutan. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at some handicraft shops and some of the larger hoteliers, but these transactions take extra time. The credit card companies charge high fees and the verification office is only open from 9 am to 5 pm. We recommend you bring enough amount of cash for your trip.

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Q9: What is the currency in Bhutan and where can I change money? The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency of Bhutan. The exchange rate is approximately 1 US Dollar = 46.50 BTN. The US dollar, Pound Sterling, Japanese Yen, and the Euro are most widely accepted and exchanged in Bhutan. Foreign currency exchange is available at most hotels and various other locations in Thimphu.

Q10: How do I apply for visa for Bhutan? For Visa applications, participants are requested to complete the visa application form and send the scanned copy along with a copy of your passport to the Liaison officer, Bhutan at [email protected].

Q11: Is it safe to drink the tap water in Bhutan? We recommend that you drink only bottled mineral water or boiled water.

Q12: Are there hospitals nearby, in case I get sick? Thimphu city is small and hospital is easy to reach. The Session will also have a medical team for the participants.

Q13: What clothes should I bring? The average temperatures in June in Paro and Thimphu may range from 15-25 degree Celsius. It is summer and hot during day. But you might expect rain and suddenly experience drops in temperature. So you may bring summer clothing, but allow for some warmer clothing as well. For field trips, you might need warm clothes.

Q14: Am I likely to suffer from altitude sickness? Both Thimphu and Paro are above 2000 meters above sea level, where mild altitude sicknesses are common. But most of the people overcome. Please consult your doctors, if you have health problems and would face altitude sicknesses.

Q15: What electrical system is used in Bhutan? Can I use my electrical appliances? In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, also pack appropriate adapter plugs.

Q16: How are the communication facilities? Can I use internet and/or mobile phone? Telephone facilities are reliable and available in hotels and town. Internet cafés also exist in the towns, and many hotels have these facilities. Some Indian mobile phones work in Bhutan. Please check with your local operators.

Q17: What languages do people speak in Bhutan? Is English widely spoken? Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan. However, most Bhutanese including children can speak good English since medium of education is English in Bhutan. Hotel staff can speak fluently English.

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