Tourists to Bhutan who pay the Sustainable Development Fee can buy duty-free gold in the capital, Thimphu, and at Phoent Shoaling.
According to Bhutan’s official media, the decision was made by the Department of Tourism jointly with Bhutan Duty Free on the occasion of the King’s birthday and the Bhutanese New Year.
Most of the Indian nationals can benefit from this new scheme as they are the largest number of tourists visiting Bhutan.
All tourists paying the Sustainable Development Fee will be entitled to purchase gold without paying taxes if they stay overnight at a hotel approved by the Department of Tourism.
From March 1, gold will be available for purchase in Thimphu and Point Shoaling.
The gold will be sold at duty-free stores in both cities, which typically sell luxury goods, and are owned by Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance.
Bhutan’s duty-free stores will not keep any profit on gold sales as they aim to promote tourism.