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Bhutan
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Contents
Preparing to Travel .................................................................................................................................. 3
Travel Documents ............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Visas .................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Vaccinations ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Travel Insurance ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Money ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Packing Essentials.............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Toiletries & Medication ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 First Aid Kit ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Flights & Luggage allowances ............................................................................................................................................ 7 Departure Taxes ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Welcome to Bhutan ................................................................................................................................ 7
Country Information ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Landscape ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Climate .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8 People ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Religion ............................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Cuisine ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9 History ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Language ......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Travelling in Bhutan .............................................................................................................................. 11
On Arrival (meeting your guide) ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Mobile Phones ................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Internet ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Electricity......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Health .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Eating & Drinking ............................................................................................................................................................ 12 Shopping ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Cultural Etiquette ............................................................................................................................................................ 13 Tipping ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Public holidays ................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Sustainable Tourism ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 Safety Tips ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Useful Phrases ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Booking Terms & Conditions ................................................................................................................. 16
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Preparing to Travel
Travel Documents We recommend that you carry photocopies of your passport plus at least 2 passport-sized photos.
When flying into or within Bhutan, you will be given baggage claim tags (they might be attached to
the back of your ticket). Please keep these as you may need to show them when leaving the airport.
Visas All nationalities (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) must be in
possession of a visa clearance letter prior to arrival in Bhutan. All tourists to Bhutan must book their
travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator (or international partner such as GetAboutAsia),
who will take care of visa arrangements on your behalf.
Visas are issued from Thimphu, Bhutan and are only issued to tourists booked with a licensed
Bhutanese tour operator directly or via an international partner. Visa clearance from Thimphu must
be obtained prior to arrival into Bhutan, and generally takes 72 hours to process by the Tourism
Council of Bhutan. Your tour must be paid in full before visa clearance can be granted. To obtain the
visa clearance letter, you must provide a copy of the photo page of your Passport.
Please ensure that you print off a copy of the visa clearance letter as you will need to show this
when you check in for your flight to Bhutan or at the border crossing if arriving by road from a
neighbouring country. At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter,
and your visa will then be stamped into your Passport.
Please make sure your passport is valid more than 6 months from the date of departure of each
country you are visiting. Also make sure you have enough blank pages - you may need up to 1.5
pages for each country you visit in Asia.
PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS
BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. GetAboutAsia cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused
entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation.
Vaccinations No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but please consult your doctor or travel clinic for current
information. As a guide we recommend the following:
Diphtheria
Hepatitis A and B
Tetanus
Typhoid
Yellow Fever if arriving from an infected area
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The risk of malaria is low in Bhutan - please consult with your GP for more information.
It is every client’s responsibility to have the necessary vaccinations for travel. GetAboutAsia will not
be held responsible for travel delays or refused entry into countries due to customers not having the
necessary vaccinations.
Other resources:
Specialist Travel Doctors in Australia for advice and receiving vaccinations:
www.traveldoctor.com.au
UK NHS Travel Vaccine web page:
www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Travelvaccines.aspx
Australian Government Immunisation web page:
www.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Handbook-travel
Australian, Victorian State Government health web page:
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Travel_vaccinations
We also recommend:
A dental check up prior to travelling
That you know your blood group in case of emergency
That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect you on tour, that you
make these known to your guide and to GetAboutAsia at the time of booking
Travel Insurance It is mandatory to have comprehensive travel insurance on our trips. We can recommend travel
insurance providers for the region that you are travelling in or you can research your own. Please be
diligent when choosing a provider and ensure that their policy provides adequate cover for personal
accident, medical expenses including hospital fees and medical evacuation, cancellation,
curtailment, repatriation, lost luggage as well as adequate cover for any activities or sports you may
take part in whilst travelling.
We recommend that you have a photocopy of your insurance document which you keep separately
from the original.
Money The currency in Bhutan is the Ngultrum (Nu or BTN). The exchange rate is around 60 BTN to the US
Dollar (check currency conversion websites such as www.xe.com/currencyconverter or
www.oanda.com/currency/converter for the latest exchange rates). Please note that the Bhutanese
Ngultrum is linked to the Indian Rupee which is accepted across Bhutan.
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Credit Cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan and payment by credit card is accepted only by a few
top class hotels and a few selected handicraft establishments only.
There are ATMs at the airport and in major cities such as Paro and Thimpu.
In Bhutan your tour cost is based on a daily tariff set by the Bhutanese government. It includes all of
your accommodation, land transport within Bhutan, services of guides and drivers, supply of porters
and/or pack animals on treks and cultural programs as appropriate. It also includes a US$65 tax,
which is used by the government to fund infrastructure, education, health and other programs.
As such you will not need excessive spending money whilst in Bhutan as you will need additional
money only for drinks, tips, laundry, phone and internet plus money for any souvenirs you may be
tempted to buy.
Packing Essentials What you take will depend on when and where you are travelling. The climate varies widely
depending on the elevation, with the southern border areas experiencing a tropical climate, whereas
in the high mountainous regions there is perpetual snow.
If trekking, you need to take all of your trekking gear with you, as there is no trekking gear available
in Bhutan. The trek operator will provide tents, foam mattresses as well as eating utensils and
kitchen equipment. Comfortable lightweight, loose fitting, cotton clothing and long-sleeved items for
protection from the sun are recommended, as well as a fleece jacket for colder conditions.
The following should act as a useful checklist of essential items:
• Passport - Ensure that it is valid, in good condition with empty pages available.
• Photocopy of Passport
• Travel Insurance - Ensure that it will be valid for the whole journey
• Passport Photos - 2 required for Visa on Arrival, & often needed for identification passes and
certain overseas visas
• Air tickets and Itinerary
• Foreign Currency (US$) and/or debit/credit cards
• Debit/credit card cancellation phone numbers
• Emergency contact numbers
• Money belt - Ensure that it is discrete and comfortable to wear
• Small daypack (for day, overnight or trekking trips)
• First Aid kit - Basic travel kit (if you are travelling by road consider sickness tablets as roads
are winding and windy)
• Personal Medication - with international doctors’ note to ensure easy passage of medication
across international borders
• Sun block - High UVA protection ideally
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• Sunglasses & sunhat
• Mosquito spray & insect repellent
• Comfortable walking shoes (wear these in well before your trip)
• Sandals - Useful when visiting temples and pagodas
• Long sleeve top and trousers - Useful to protect against the sun through the day
• Light weight clothing
• Jacket or fleece
• Camera with spare battery and memory cards
• Security code padlock
• Adaptor - 230v, 50Hz, round pin plugs
• Small torch
The following should act as a useful checklist of essential additional items for trekking:
• Comfortable trekking boots (wear these in well before your trip)
• Waterproofs
• Warm hat & gloves
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping bag liner
• Good quality socks (liner socks and thick socks)
• Shorts or lightweight trekking pants
• Long sleeve cotton shirts or T-shirts
• Thermals
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket
• Walking poles
• Plastic bags or dry sacks to keep packed items and clothing dry
• Toilet paper
• Gaiters (optional)
• Water Bottle with water purification tablets (Micropur recommended) (optional)
• Travel wash (for clothes) (optional)
• Binoculars (lightweight) (optional)
Toiletries & Medication While some imported beauty products may be available in Paro and Thimphu, you are advised to
pack staples like sunscreen, contact lens solution, tampons and mosquito repellent. Any prescription
medication should be in its original box with the label along with the prescription to avoid any
complications that may arise at Customs. Many medicines are available in Asia without
prescriptions. If you plan to purchase medication, choose a reputable supplier and read the labels
carefully, particularly paying attention to expiration date.
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First Aid Kit We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some
recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages
Laxatives
Anti-diarrhoea remedy
Panadol/Aspirin,
Rehydration remedy
Antiseptic cream/powder
Sterile dressing
Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills
Car sickness pills when travelling by road
If trekking the following additional items are recommended:
• Foot Blister Pack/Moleskin Pads
• Altitude sickness tablets (can be purchased in Kathmandu) (optional)
• Anti-fungal foot powder (optional)
• Broad spectrum antibiotics (can be purchased in Kathmandu) (optional)
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most travel clinics,
chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Flights & Luggage allowances Each airline has its own luggage allowance policy with most allowing 20kg checked baggage and 5kg
carry-on. Excess baggage is charged at a specific rate depending on the route and airline. You are
advised to check with your airline prior to travel. All airlines stipulate that liquids, gels and/or
aerosols in hand luggage must be in completely closed containers of 100ml or less (even if the
container is partially filled).
Departure Taxes Departure taxes must be paid at Paro Airport.
Welcome to Bhutan The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country hidden in the eastern Himalayas between India and
Tibet. This tiny Kingdom, practically unknown to the outside world, presents a fascinating untouched
natural beauty, a unique culture and many ancient traditions. Bhutan is a mythical country hidden
deep in the mountains. For centuries it was isolated, inaccessible and forbidden to outsiders, but
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now this beautiful Himalayan Kingdom has opened up its borders, giving travelers the chance to
explore.
Country Information Population: Bhutan has a population of about 750,000 people.
Time Zones: Bhutan operates on Greenwich meantime +6 hours. Bhutan does not observe
daylight saving hours.
Country Code: Country code for Bhutan is + 975.
Landscape The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country lying at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is
nestled between the two great Asian civilizations of Tibet (China) to the north and India to the south,
east and west. Further west, it is separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim, while further
south it is separated from Bangladesh by the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal.
Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan heights
in the north. Its geography consists mostly of steep and high mountains with rivers which form deep
valleys before draining into the Indian plains. The land rises from 200 metres in the southern
foothills to mountainous peaks that exceed 7000 metres. About 72.5% of Bhutan is forested, and the
law requires the country to maintain 60% forest cover at all times into the future.
Climate Bhutan’s climate ranges from subtropical to cold alpine. There are four main seasons: spring (March
to May); summer (June to August); autumn (September to November) and winter (December to
February). Temperatures in the far south range from 15°C in winter to 30°C in summer. In Paro the
range is from -5°C in January to 30°C in July, with 800mm of rain. In the high mountain regions the
average temperature is 0°C in winter and may reach 10°C in summer, with an average of 350mm of
rain. Snow remains all year in the high Himalayan regions, and although it does snow in northern and
central Bhutan, it melts fairly quickly. The monsoon period runs from end of June to September, and
from October to December there is very little rain. Though it doesn’t rain all day so good to travel
year around.
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People The population of Bhutan is approximately 750,000 people. The people of Bhutan are called
"Drukpas," a term which comes from Druk Yul, the name of the country in Dzongkha, the national
language. There are three main ethnic groups - the Ngalops in the north and west, the Sharchops in
the east and the southern Bhutanese of Nepali origin, also known as Lhotshampas in the south.
Religion The majority of Bhutanese (up to 75%) practice Drukpa Kagyupa or Ningmapa Buddhism, both of
which are disciplines of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan.
Approximately 25% of the population is ethnic Nepalese and practice Hinduism.
Cuisine Bhutanese cuisine is characteristically spicy with chilli being the predominant flavour. Chillies are an
essential part of nearly every dish, and are often eaten raw. Rice, usually red rice which grows at
high altitude, is the staple with every meal, as well as buckwheat and maize. Pork, beef, yak meat,
chicken and mutton are the meats that are eaten most often. Vegetables commonly eaten include
Spinach, pumpkins, turnips, radishes, tomatoes, river weed, onions and green beans. Soups and
stews of meat and dried vegetables spiced with chillies and cheese are common especially in the
cold season.
Ema datsh is known as the national dish of Bhutan. It is a spicy mix of cheese and chillies and can
have green beans, ferns, potatoes and mushrooms added. Momos are also popular - these are
Tibetan style dumplings stuffed with pork, beef or cabbage and cheese. Jasha Maru is a spicy minced
Average
Temp
Rain
(month)
Average
Temp
Rain
(month)
Jan 1°C 7mm 18°C -
Feb 1°C 15mm 20°C 30mm
Mar 4°C 26mm 18°C -
Apr 7°C 32mm 18°C 30mm
May 10°C 30mm 19°C 216mm
Jun 12°C 54mm 21°C 177mm
Jul 13°C 100mm 13°C 411mm
Aug 13°C 106mm 21°C 105mm
Sep 12°C 61mm 18°C 243mm
Oct 8°C 24mm 28°C 102mm
Nov 6°C - 23°C 48mm
Dec 4°C 0mm 20°C 10mm
Thimphu Chhukha
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chicken dish with tomatoes and other ingredients that is usually served with rice. Phaksha Paa is a
pork dish cooked with spicy red chillies.
Popular beverages include butter tea, tea, locally brewed ara (rice wine) and beer. Bhutan is the first
country in the world to have banned the sale of tobacco.
History Bhutan's early history remains obscure, not much being known until the arrival of Tibetan Buddhism
in the 9th century, when Tibetan monks fled the turmoil in Tibet. Bhutan and Nepal are the only
countries that have remained independent throughout their history.
In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an
annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was
set up in 1907. Ugyen Wangchuk was elected as the hereditary ruler of Bhutan and installed as the
head of state Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). Three years later the Treaty of Punakha was signed, British
India agreeing not to interfere in Bhutan’s internal affairs and Bhutan allowing Britain to direct its
foreign affairs. When India gained independence in 1947, the new Indian government recognized
Bhutan as an independent country. India and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Friendship in 1949 with
India agreeing not to interfere in Bhutan’s internal affairs, but guiding Bhutan on foreign policy.
Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971.
In December 2006, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck transferred power to his eldest son, the Crown
Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, giving him the title of the fifth Druk Gyalpo. The official
coronation took place in November 2008. The Fifth King was educated in Boston and Oxford and is
held in high esteem throughout the country.
Language Dzongkha (Bhutanese) is Bhutan’s national language and one of 53 languages in the Tibetan
language family. The written Dzongkha shares the Tibetan alphabet.
There are about 19 dialects and languages of Bhutan which can be divided into the following major
language groups:
Dzongkha - the mother tongue of most people residing in Western Bhutan, and the kingdom's official language.
Nepali – used mainly by people of the south – most Bhutanese can speak Nepali. Sharchopkha or Tshanglakha - the major regional language spoken in Eastern Bhutan. Bumthangkha - this language is spoken in the Bumthang region in central Bhutan. Lotshamkha - spoken by the people in the southern foothills English and Hindi - both languages are understood by most people in urban areas.
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Travelling in Bhutan
On Arrival (meeting your guide) On arrival you will be met by your guide or local transfer guide who will be carrying a signboard with
your name on it. At some airports there are restrictions on signboards in which case the
representative may just have your name printed on a sheet of paper.
If you are unable to find the transfer staff, please call the local emergency number listed on your
tour documentation.
Please keep a copy of your completed Immigration and Customs form as you will need to present it
at Immigration upon departure from Bhutan.
Mobile Phones Most of Bhutan has mobile phone coverage, which is smart phone capable. B-Mobile has
agreements with North American, some Asian and European countries on mobile roaming. Tashi Cell
is another mobile company based in Bhutan.
Internet Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet access is available in large hotels. Most of the larger towns have internet
cafes, although they are relatively expensive, and the connection is slow. Be careful to not save your
password or sensitive information on public computer terminals.
Electricity Electricity in Bhutan is 230V, 50Hz. The standard Indian round-pin sockets are in use but they come
in a variety of sizes and so adaptors may not always work. Protect sensitive electronic equipment
such as laptops from power fluctuations by using a surge-protector.
More information can be obtained from: www.electricaloutlet.org.
Health Please consult your doctor or travel clinic to discuss your particular health or immunisation
requirements and advice on travelling to Bhutan before departure.
Please be aware that your health can be at risk in Bhutan due to poor sanitation and lack of effective
medical facilities. Rural areas may not have pharmacies and hospitals so make sure you travel with a
full supply of any prescribed medicine you take. There are no private health clinics or physicians in
Bhutan, but all district headquarters towns have a hospital, and will accept travellers in need of
medical attention.
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If you have a medical condition or allergy that requires particular attention, carry a doctor’s letter
which describes the nature of the condition and treatment needed.
Eating & Drinking Drinking tap water is not advisable. Bottled drinking water is widely available for a reasonable price.
The majority of hotels and restaurants will use hygienic ice, however, if eating at a market or on the
street it may be best to avoid ice.
When eating at local restaurants or at street food stalls, select those which are frequented by locals
and where the food is freshly cooked. Avoid salads and unpeeled fruits unless they have been
washed in clean water.
Shopping Bhutan is still developing, and shopping is fairly limited. Markets are generally held on Saturday and
Sunday and are a rich source of clothing, jewellery and food. There are a few handicraft shops to be
found, some hotels have souvenir shops, and silversmiths and goldsmiths in the Thimphu Valley are
able to make articles to order. Bargaining is not customary.
The following are popular items to buy in Bhutan:
Woven Cloth – Bhutan is well known for its hand-woven fabric, and is available stitched into
clothing, wall hangings, table mats and rugs.
Yathra –woven material made from wool and dyed with natural colours. It is sold in pieces or sewn
into jackets, bags, rugs and wall hangings. Yathra is available in Thimphu and is a specialty of the
Jakar area.
Dappa –hand-made wooden bowls. The halves of the bowl fit tightly together so they can be used to
carry cooked food, which is their function in Bhutan. Dappa are a specialty of the Trashi Yangtse
region.
Bangchung – small bamboo woven baskets with two tightly fitting halves. They are a specialty of
southern Bhutan.
If you choose to ship items home, we highly recommend that you buy shipping insurance and check
the policy details. GetAboutAsia do not take responsibility for following up on merchandise that you
choose to ship home. Please be aware when returning home (particularly to New Zealand and
Australia), as some handicrafts are made of wood and may contain seeds and MUST be declared at
Customs.
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Cultural Etiquette • In Bhutan, revealing clothing is unacceptable. When visiting temples, remove shoes and
head gear and wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site. You
should wear trousers or for women, long skirts.
• The king and former kings are highly respected in Bhutan. It is wise to bear this in mind
when conversing with local people so that you do not cause offense.
• Sacred objects - Always pass mani stones, stupas and other religious objects with your
right side nearest to the object, and turn prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. Never
sit on mani stones or stupas.
• Donations - At monasteries it is customary to make a small donation to the monks as a
sign of respect, and also to the Buddhist statues as a means of developing a generous
and spacious mind. There are many places in each temple where you can donate, and it
is expected that you donate to each place. Remember to have small notes for this
gesture. However, this is not mandatory.
• Smoking - It is illegal to smoke at monasteries and in public places.
• Tobacco - Products containing tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco etc) are effectively
banned throughout Bhutan (which remains the only country in the world to do so) and
penalties for possession or use may be severe.
Tipping Tipping is officially discouraged in Bhutan, but it is becoming a more common practice and it is
acceptable to tip to reward for good service.
Generally you are accompanied by the same guide and driver throughout your visit to Bhutan, and
although it is against the official Department of Tourism policy to tip, it is very much appreciated. If
travelling in a group then it is best to take up a collection from the group members and hand it over
in one packet at the end of the tour.
On trekking trips it is appropriate to tip the guide, cook and waiter, as well as the horsemen.
Public holidays There are many public holidays and numerous festivals (tsechus) in Bhutan including the following:
Winter Solstice
Losar – Tibetan New Year – Feb/March
Paro Tshechu - March
Blessed Rainy Day – Sept
Thimphu Tshechu - Oct
Coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck – 1 Nov
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Black Necked Crane Festival – 12 Nov
National Day – 17 Dec
Sustainable Tourism At GetAboutAsia we try encourage sustainable touring from all our customers. Many of the places
you visit do not have Western class infrastructure and accordingly locals tend to use lower levels of
water and electricity than in the West. As tourism increases it places a large strain on the local water
reticulation, power supply and other resources. Take short showers in your hotel, turn out the lights
when you leave your hotel room, minimise your waste generally and if on a trek, make sure you bag
your rubbish while you are hiking. Also remember that all ecosystems in Asia are extremely delicate.
When in these rural areas please stay to the trails and do not damage or take any plants or flowers.
Bhutanese people are proud of their culture and ancestry. Although they are now accustomed to
international tourists, each region continues to maintain their identity and culture. Generally most
Asian people dress conservatively. Consider wearing trousers and long leave shirts to minimise any
potential offence.
Safety Tips • In general, Bhutan is extremely safe for travellers, and is probably one of the safest countries
in the world.
• Do not take unnecessary valuable with you when travelling.
• Do not leave valuables in a hotel room except in a safety deposit box. Alternatively leave
your valuables in the hotel safe and obtain a receipt listing each item. Remember to record
your traveller's cheque numbers and credit card information just in case.
• Do not leave your wallet or mobile phone in the back pocket of your trousers or anywhere
else that is easily reached (like an outer zip-up compartment on a backpack).
• Have a photocopy of the personal information section of your passport and the visa
page, and keep it separate from your passport. This makes getting a replacement much
easier if your passport is lost or stolen.
• Carry a list of emergency contact numbers with you and fill out the emergency contact
information section in your passport (if there is one).
• Products containing tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc) are effectively banned
throughout Bhutan (which remains the only country in the world to do so) and penalties for
possession or use may be severe.
• If, at the end of the day, you are unfortunate enough to be robbed – accept it as a travel experience. Ensure that you have good travel insurance and that you have read the small print so that you know what is required to make a successful claim. Don’t let it spoil your holiday and don’t suddenly believe that every Bhutanese is a thief. The overwhelming majority are kind, honest, hardworking people, who detest the thieves probably more than you do – if they are robbed, they usually have no insurance.
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Useful Phrases
English Bhutanese
Hello Kuzoozangpo La
Goodbye Log Jay Gay
Thank You Kaadinchhey La
Yes Ya ya tub
No Mengo
How are you? Ga Day Bay Zhu Yoe Ga?
I'm fine thank you Nga Leg shom Bay Rang Yoey
My name is …. Nga gi ming…………… ein
How much? Di gi gong ga dem chi mo?
Where is the toilet? Chhabsang Ga Ti Mo?
Water Chhu
Tea Ja
1 Chi
2 Ni
3 Sum
4 Shi
5 Nga
6 Du
7 Din
8 Gey
9 Gu
10 Chutham
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Booking Terms & Conditions
1. Parties
1.1 These terms and conditions form part of the contract between:
1.1.1 Chimu Adventures Pty Ltd (ACN 110 269 380) (“the company”); and
1.1.2 Any person wishing to travel on a tour provided or offered by the company (“the client”)
1.2 The person making the booking for the tour warrants that, before making the booking, he or she
has read and has agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.
1.3 Where the booking for a tour is made other than by all persons wishing to travel on the tour, the
person making the booking warrants that he or she has advised each person wishing to travel on the
tour of these terms and conditions and further warrants that each such person has agreed to be
bound by them.
2. Payment of deposit
2.1 At the time of booking, the client must pay a deposit of at least the following:
2.1.1 In respect of cruises, an amount equivalent to at least 20% of the estimated total cost.
2.1.2 In respect of land tours, transfers and accommodation, an amount equivalent to at least 25%
of the estimated total cost.
2.1.3 In respect of airfares, 100% of the estimated total cost.
2.1.4 In respect to some specific products, a deposit of a different amount (usually 100% of the
estimated total cost) may be required. This will be confirmed in the quotation provided. (hereafter
referred to as the “minimum deposits”)
2.2 The company shall be at liberty to give notice to the client of any variation to the minimum
deposits at any time before the minimum deposits are paid.
2.3 A booking shall not be deemed to have been accepted or to be binding until such time as the
minimum deposits, or any of them that are applicable, have been paid.
2.4 The acceptance by the company of payment of a deposit does not, by itself, constitute
acceptance of a booking. A booking will be deemed to have been accepted once the company has
confirmed its acceptance in writing.
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3. Payment of the balance of the tour price
3.1 The balance of the tour price, being the total estimated tour price less any deposits paid, must
be paid at least 95 days prior to the client’s departure date. For some specific product bookings the
balance of the tour price may need to be paid earlier than 95 days prior to the client's departure,
which will be confirmed in the quotation provided.
3.2 In the event that the balance of the tour price is not paid in accordance with 3.1 above, then the
company reserves the right to cancel the client’s booking. In that event, the client agrees that he or
she shall not be entitled to a refund of any deposit paid, such deposit to be retained by the company
by way of compensation for the time spent and work performed by it. The company shall however
retain a discretion, to be exercised entirely as it thinks fit, as to whether or not to refund all or part
of any deposit paid in the event of cancellation in these circumstances.
3.3 In the event that the balance of the tour price is not paid in accordance with 3.1 above, and the
company, at its discretion, determines not to cancel the client’s booking, then the client agrees to
pay to the company any additional charges, fees or expenses that have been or may be properly
incurred as a result of the balance of the tour price not having been paid by the stipulated time.
4. Variation by the client
4.1 In the event that the client wishes to vary his or her booking, the request for a variation must be
made in writing.
4.2 The company will use reasonable endeavours to try and satisfy the request for variation and will
advise the client if it can be satisfied.
4.3 If the request for variation can be satisfied:
4.3.1 The company will advise the client of any variation in the tour price; and
4.3.2 The client agrees to pay to the company an administration fee of $100 (plus GST) in respect of
each variation requested, payable within 14 days of confirmation of the variation.
4.4 If, despite the reasonable endeavours of the company, the request for variation cannot be
satisfied, then it is agreed that the booking sought to be varied shall remain in existence (if the client
seeks to cancel the booking, the cancellation provisions set out herein will apply).
5. Cancellation by the client
5.1 In the event that the client wishes to cancel a booked tour, then he or she must provide a
written notice of cancellation (“the cancellation notice”) to the company.
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5.2 The cancellation notice must be:
5.2.1 Delivered to an office of the company; or
5.2.2 Sent by facsimile transmission to the company’s facsimile number existing as at the date of the
cancellation notice; or
5.2.3 Sent by e-mail to the company’s e-mail address existing as at the date of the cancellation
notice.
5.3 In the event that the cancellation notice is received by the company more than 95 days before
the client’s departure date (or the number of days for bookings containing specialist products that
require full payment prior to 95 days where this is advised in the quotation), then the company shall
refund to the client all monies paid less any deposit as set out in 2.1 above and which deposit the
company shall be entitled to retain as compensation for the work done and time spent by it.
5.4 In the event that the cancellation notice is received by the company 95 days or less before the
departure date (or the number of days for bookings containing specialist products that require full
payment prior to 95 days where this is advised in the quotation), then the company shall not be
obliged to make any refund to the client. In this respect, the client acknowledges that, in addition to
the work done and time spent by it, the company will have paid monies to tour suppliers and it may
not be possible for the company to obtain a refund from these suppliers where the cancellation
notice is received within that period. Notwithstanding that, the company shall, if practical, and at its
sole discretion, make such refund as circumstances reasonably permit.
5.5 (This line intentionally left blank)
5.6 The company strongly recommends that the client take out and maintain a policy of insurance to
cover cancellation of any tours.
6. Variation or cancellation by the company
6.1 The company will make reasonable endeavours to provide any tour that is advertised or offered.
However, it may be necessary for the company to vary or even cancel some tours, whether due to
force majeure or otherwise. Where it becomes necessary for the company to vary or cancel a tour,
the company will use reasonable endeavours to provide an alternate tour that is substantially the
same or as similar as practical to the tour that is advertised or offered. The client acknowledges that
such a necessity may arise from time to time and the client warrants not to make any claim of any
nature, subject to these terms and conditions, against the company in respect of any such variations
or cancellations.
6.2 The client acknowledges that the company may, in order to provide maximum opportunities for
the client, propose flexible or alternate arrangements. Any flexible or alternate arrangements may
extend to routes, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport. The client accepts, at the
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time of booking, the possibility for and appropriateness of such flexible or alternate arrangements
and shall make no claim against the company in respect thereof. The information provided by the
company in its brochures is correct to the best of the knowledge of the company at the time of print
but the company does not, and cannot, guarantee that any item or amenity will be available at the
time requested by the client.
6.3 When it is necessary for the company to substantially vary or cancel a tour that it has advertised
or offered, the client shall be at liberty to request the company:
6.2.1 To refund to the client so much of the tour price paid by him or her that the company can
reasonably and properly refund, allowing for all the circumstances; or
6.2.2 To credit so much of the tour price paid by him or her as the company can reasonably and
properly credit, allowing for all the circumstances, to another tour offered by the company but shall
not be entitled to make any further claims against the company.
7. Unused services
7.1 The company shall not be liable to refund to the client any monies paid by the client for a tour,
part of a tour or for services not used by the client.
8. Prices
8.1 Prices quoted by the company prior to or at the time of booking are calculated by reference to a
number of factors, including exchange rates, Government charges, both in Australia and overseas,
transport costs including fuel charges, prices charged by suppliers in other countries and other
matters.
8.2 The company will use its best endeavours to ensure that prices quoted by it prior to or at the
time of booking remain valid until payment in full is made for the tour. The client acknowledges that
some of the variable factors affecting the cost of the tour, including but not limited to those referred
to in 8.1 above, may increase between the time of booking and the time of payment in full. In the
event of any such increases, the company reserves the right to pass on to the client any such
amounts, provided that, subject to term and condition 8.3 below, it does so at least 30 days before
the date of departure and the client agrees to pay same.
8.3 Once the client has paid in full for the tour, the company shall not be entitled to pass on to the
client any increases in the variable factors referred to above, save where any such increases are
imposed by Government regulation, or similar, whether in Australia or overseas, or where such
increases, wherever imposed, are solely as a result of fuel surcharges. In that event, the company
shall be entitled to require the client to pay such surcharges, and the client agrees to do so.
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9. Acceptance of risk
9.1 The client acknowledges that the tours offered by the company may be considered to be, in full
or in part, adventurous. That consideration is one taken into account by the client in making the
booking. The tours may involve personal risk, such risks to include illness, injury, disease, loss or
damage to property, discomfort and inconvenience. The client, in making the booking, accepts such
risks and agrees that he or she has made the booking upon the condition that he or she travels at his
or her own risk. The client warrants that he or she shall not make any claim against the company for
injury or loss, howsoever caused, arising out of the acceptance of such risk.
9.2 It is the responsibility of the client to be informed about any travel advisories or warnings issued
by any Government Department. If a travel advisory or warning is issued by a Government
Department in relation to a destination to which the client has booked to go, then the client may, at
his or her discretion, cancel the booking (and in which case the cancellation provisions herein
referred to will apply) or proceeding with it. If the client decides to proceed with the booking, then
the client acknowledges and agrees that he or she has decided to do so at his or her own risk and
will not make any claims against the company in respect thereof.
10. Insurance
10.1 The client shall, prior to or at the time of booking, take out, and maintain for the duration of the
tour, insurance that will provide indemnity to the client for at least the following:
10.1.1 Unlimited medical expenses; and
10.1.2 Unlimited repatriation expenses.
10.2 The company shall, at any time, be at liberty to request the client to produce to the company a
copy of a policy or certificate of insurance to show that 10.1 above has been satisfied. In the event
that the client fails to produce a copy of the policy or certificate within 48 hours after being so
requested by the company, then the company reserves the right to cancel the client’s booking, and
in which case any monies paid by the client shall be forfeited to and retained by the company by way
of compensation for the work done and time spent by it. The client acknowledges that the request
for evidence of such insurance is an important request in relation to the company’s business.
11. Authority on tour
11.1 At all times, the decision of the company’s tour leader or representative will be final on all
matters of or pertaining to the tour. The client agrees to comply at all times with any decisions or
directions of the company’s tour leader or representative as well as with the laws, customs
requirements, foreign exchange requirements and drug regulations of all countries to be visited.
11.2 Should the client fail to comply with a decision or direction of the company’s tour leader or
representative, unless same shall be manifestly unreasonable or unlawful, then the tour leader or
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representative may require the client to leave the tour and in which case the client agrees to do so.
In that event, the client shall not be entitled to make any claim against the company and warrants
that he or she will not do so.
12. Travel documents
12.1 The client acknowledges that it is his or her responsibility to obtain and maintain a valid
passport, any valid visas, permits or certificates, including vaccination certificates, for any tour
booked with the company. The client further acknowledges that it is his or her responsibility to
ascertain any requirements for such matters and to ensure that those requirements are satisfied.
12.2 Whilst the company will endeavour to notify the client of any changes to matters of the type
referred to in 12.1 above, the client acknowledges that the company has no legal responsibility to do
so and further acknowledges that it is the client’s responsibility to ascertain such matters.
13. Disclaimer of liability
13.1 The company will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that its obligations pursuant to the
contract with the client are satisfied. However, despite those reasonable endeavours, it is not always
possible for those obligations to be satisfied. Unless otherwise excluded or modified by law, the
company hereby disclaims liability for any loss of or damage to the client, including loss of life or
injury, and loss of or damage to any of the client’s property, however such loss or damage may be
caused. Unless such disclaimer shall be excluded or modified by law, the client warrants that he or
she will not make or pursue any claim against the company in respect of any such loss or damage,
however caused.
13.2 The client acknowledges that the provisions of 13.1 above are reasonable and necessary for the
business of the company having regard to a range of matters including but not limited to the
following:
13.2.1 The adventurous nature of tours offered by the company
13.2.2 The location where tours are conducted, and where services, amenities and facilities may be
of a lower standard than the standard to which a client is accustomed.
13.2.3 The tours or parts of them are supplied or undertaken by third party operators. Whilst the
company has undertaken due diligence on the quality of the services offered by such third party
operators, and has been satisfied as to the adequacy of that quality, it cannot be responsible for any
acts or omissions on their parts.
13.3 The client also acknowledges that there may be flight delays (due to circumstances beyond the
control of the company) that may lead to interference with a tour for which the client has booked.
The company will not be responsible for any flight delays or loss of flight connections whether such
loss is caused by the client, the company, any of its suppliers, an airline or other. In the case of any
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loss of flight connections, whilst reasonable effort will be made by the company to continue with the
booked tour, the company will not be liable to compensate clients for any lost part of their itinerary
and the company will not be liable to pay for any additional costs that may be incurred by the client
as a result of any loss. The company strongly recommends that clients have insurance that will cover
them for flight cancellations and delays.
13.4 The client acknowledges that it is the client’s responsibility to check-in on time for his or her
flight at any airport. The company will not be responsible for any flights that are not taken by the
client due to the client’s late arrival at any airport, or for any other reason the client does not take a
flight. It is also the client’s responsibility to contact the relevant airline companies at an appropriate
time before any flight departure to confirm that all details relating to their flights are correct.
14. Medical condition
14.1 The client warrants that he or she has disclosed or will disclose to the company prior to or at
the time of the booking of a tour any adverse medical condition from which the client has suffered
during a period of 2 years prior to the date of booking. The client acknowledges that such disclosure
is important and relevant because it may affect the willingness of the company to accept the client’s
booking and may affect any advice that the company would seek to give to the client in relation to
any proposed tour.
15. Allergies
15.1 The client warrants that he or she has disclosed or will disclose to the company prior to or at
the time of the booking of a tour any allergies, including food allergies, from which the client suffers.
The client acknowledges that such disclosure is important and relevant because it may affect the
willingness of the company to accept the client’s booking and may affect any advice that the
company would seek to give to the client in relation to any proposed tour.
16. Credit card merchants fee
16.1 The client acknowledges that payment by the client by credit card will attract a merchant fee
and which the client agrees to pay to the company. Currently, the merchant fee is 2% for any
amount debited by Visa or Mastercard and 3% for any amount debited by American Express card.
The credit card fee will be debited to the client’s credit card at the time of payment of the balance of
the tour price.
17. Conventions
17.1 The client acknowledges that there exists a number of international conventions governing
travel and specifically limiting liability and compensation in certain circumstances. These
conventions include by are not limited to: Warsaw Convention 1929 as amended by the Hague
Protocol of 1955; Berne Convention 1961; Athens Convention 1974; Paris Convention 1962; Geneva
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Convention 1973 and the Montreal Convention 1999. The client acknowledges that some or all of
those conventions may apply to any tour to be undertaken by the client.
18. Binding law
18.1 The contract between the company and the client, including these terms and conditions, are
subject to and are to be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New South Wales and,
as appropriate, the Commonwealth of Australia. In relation to any dispute between the parties, the
company and the client agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of New South
Wales.
19. Variation
19.1 These terms and conditions may only be varied with the prior written consent of the company.
20. Superseding effect
20.1 The terms and conditions set out herein supersede any previous understandings, arrangements
or terms and conditions that may previously have existed between the company and the client.
21. Binding effect
21.1 The contract between the company and the client, including these terms and conditions, shall
be binding upon the heirs and successors of the parties hereto.
22. Data Protection
22.1 The company will use its best endeavours to protect the client’s personal information.
However, the client acknowledges that the company will, in order to provide the services or
products in question, need to provide some or all of the client’s personal information to third
parties, including overseas tour suppliers.
