BTNBhutanese NgultrumBhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
The ngultrum is Bhutan's national currency and is used for local prices, public expenditure, salaries and domestic accounts.
- ISO code
- BTN
- Symbol
- Nu.
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- The Bhutanese ngultrum is maintained at one-to-one parity with the Indian rupee.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
BTN at a glance
Currency profile
How BTN works
The ngultrum is Bhutan's national currency and is used for local prices, public expenditure, salaries and domestic accounts.
The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan issues BTN. One ngultrum is divided into 100 chhertum and is maintained at parity with the Indian rupee.
- Bhutan introduced the ngultrum in 1974 as a decimal national unit.
- Indian rupee notes also circulate in Bhutan under the close monetary and trade relationship, but BTN remains a separate currency.
Context
Why this currency matters
BTN and INR have equal official unit values, yet they have different issuers, cash designs and legal identities. The distinction matters for accounting and for travelers carrying Bhutanese notes outside Bhutan. Hydropower trade, imports and the bilateral relationship with India make the parity arrangement central to understanding the currency.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
The Bhutanese ngultrum is maintained at one-to-one parity with the Indian rupee.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for BTN
Ngultrum introduced
Bhutan replaced the rupee-based domestic unit with the decimal ngultrum.
Royal Monetary Authority of BhutanRoyal Monetary Authority established
Bhutan created its central monetary authority to oversee currency and financial stability.
Royal Monetary Authority of BhutanINR parity maintained
The ngultrum continues to be maintained at equal value with the Indian rupee.
Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan
Usage and economy
How BTN is used
- Ngultrum denominate Bhutanese retail prices, wages and government accounts.
- INR, NPR, BDT and CNY provide useful regional comparison contexts.
Banknotes and coins
BTN currency units
Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan is the authoritative source for the current BTN banknote framework.
Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan is the authoritative source for the current BTN coin framework.
One Bhutanese Ngultrum unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Chhertum as its minor unit.
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Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
BTN questions
Is BTN equal in value to INR?
Yes. Bhutan maintains the ngultrum at one-to-one parity with the Indian rupee.
What is one ngultrum divided into?
One ngultrum is divided into 100 chhertum.
Are BTN and INR the same currency?
No. They have equal official unit values under the parity arrangement but remain separate currencies with different issuers.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.