Planning a trip to India, Nepal, Thailand, China or Vietnam? Whether you are going for shopping, study, medical visits or a holiday, staying connected from the moment you land makes everything easier: maps, ride apps, hotel check-ins, payments and calls home. A travel eSIM from DrukBees helps you sort this out before you leave Bhutan.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of buying a plastic SIM at the airport and swapping cards, you install a data plan on your phone using a QR code or activation details. Your Bhutanese SIM can stay in the phone, so you can still receive messages on your home number if roaming allows it.
Why get a DrukBees eSIM before you travel
- Ready when you land: the eSIM activates on arrival, so there are no queues at SIM counters and no hunting for a shop in a new city.
- Pay in Ngultrum: you pay easily in BTN from Bhutan, without needing foreign currency or an international card.
- Your apps keep working: WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook and your other apps work as usual. This matters most in China, where many apps can be hard to use on local connections.
- Several destinations: plans are available for popular trips from Bhutan, including Nepal, India, China, Thailand and Vietnam.
Check these things before you buy
1. Is your phone eSIM compatible?
Most recent iPhones and many newer Android phones support eSIM, but not all models do, and some phones bought in certain countries have it disabled. On many phones you can check under Settings, in the Mobile Data or SIM section, for an option to add an eSIM. If you are unsure, ask us before you buy.
2. Is your phone unlocked?
A phone that is locked to one network may not accept another eSIM. Most phones bought outright are unlocked, but it is worth confirming.
3. Pick the right country and data amount
Think about how many days you will be away and how you use your phone. Maps and messaging use little data, while video calls, streaming and uploading photos use much more.
Tips for a smooth trip
- Install before you leave: set up the eSIM while you still have good Wi-Fi at home, then it will be ready to switch on when you arrive.
- Keep the QR code safe: save the activation details or a screenshot somewhere you can find it, and do not delete the eSIM profile from your phone by mistake.
- Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line: many phones need data roaming switched on for the travel eSIM to connect abroad.
- Turn off roaming on your home SIM: set your Bhutanese line so it does not use mobile data abroad, to avoid unexpected charges.
- Download offline maps: as a backup, save maps of the cities you will visit.
Shopping while you travel? DrukBees can help after you return too
If you see something you like abroad but cannot carry it home, you can still order it later through DrukBees. With Order For Me, send us the product link and we buy it, ship it and deliver it to you in Bhutan. Delivery takes about 7 days from India, 10 days from Thailand and 21 days from China. Shipping is BTN 650/kg from Thailand and BTN 990/kg from China.
Get your eSIM or ask a question
Read more about our International eSIM, or contact us before your trip. Call 330299 or email info@drukbees.com.
Want to shop from abroad? Place your request at order.drukbees.com, and manage your account and orders at my.drukbees.com.
DrukBees: your internet, always with you.