| Bhutan
(The Kingdom of) History
of Relations || Diplomatic Representation || Travel
Info || Health Requirements || Climate Info
|| Currency Info || Trade Statistics ||
Visits and Meetings || Agreements || Interest
Groups/ Organisations History
of Relations The Republic of South Africa maintains contact with
the Kingdom of Bhutan through the South African Permanent Representative to the
United Nations in New York. The South African High Commission in New Delhi, India,
monitors developments in Bhutan. No diplomatic relations. Diplomatic
Representation South African Representation in Bhutan The
South African High Commission in New Delhi,
India, is accredited to Barbados:
HE Mr S F Moloi
High Commissioner
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Office Hours:
Monday to Friday:
9am - 5:30pm
(SAST -6 hours from April to October)
(SAST -7 hours from
November to March) Bhutan Representation in South Africa None Travel
Info Bhutan admits only about 5 000 tourists annually although
the number of tourists is expected to grow slowly but steadily. Bhutan has always
made it clear that it wants a small number of visitors who pay high daily rates
for the rare privilege of being admitted into the country, still one of the most
exclusive - and expensive - tourist destinations in the world.
Visa Requirements for South Africans
For more information visit
the web site of the Kingdom
of Bhutan.
Health
Requirements
Visitors from South Africa are required to
be in possession of a valid certificate of immunisation against yellow fever.
The lowland areas are high risk malaria areas. Immunisation against hepatitis
A & B as well as tetanus is recommended. Typhoid is present in some areas.
Altitude sickness also occurs. For further information go to Travelers' Health.
Climate Info
Days
are warm but nights are cold and require heavy clothing, especially in winter
(December - February). The monsoon occurs between June and August. The climate
is best in autumn, from late September to late November, when the skies are clear
and mountain peaks visible. This is the ideal time for trekking and travelling
throughout the country. From April to June rainfall is also at a minimum. Temperatures
range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius in the southern foothills to minus 10 to 35
degrees Celsius in Paro and Thimphu. The average relative humidity in the foothills
measures 85% and in Paro and Thimphu between 40 and 50 %. For up-to-date
weather information click here. Currency
Info The monetary unit is the Ngultrum (Nu). One Nu 1 =
100 chetrums. The current rate of exchange is about Nu 43 to the US dollar. The
Ngultrum has the same value as the Indian rupee which circulates at par with it.
Hard currency allocation is subject to approval by the Ministry of Finance and/or
issue of export licences. For current exchange rates click here. State
and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings None Bilateral
Agreements If you have any queries with regard to treaties please
contact the Treaty Section at 012 351 0892/0742 or send an e-mail to: jacobsm@foreign.gov.za Trade
Statistics Major imports into Bhutan include diesel, petrol,
rice, wheat, vegetable fats and oils, cotton fabrics, industrial machinery, tyres
(for buses and trucks), iron and steel and electrical energy. Exports include
calcium carbide, portland cement, particle board, plywood, logs, cardamom, wheat
and flour. For current information on trade statistics between South Africa
and Afghanistan, visit the web site of the Department
of Trade and Industry of South Africa Interest
Groups and Information None | 
