Bhutan leads the way with world’s first tourism crypto payment system
Bhutan has introduced the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system. On 7 May 2025, Binance announced its collaboration with Bhutan’s Department of Tourism and DK Bank to create a crypto payment system designed specifically for tourists.
How will Bhutan’s new digital payment system work?
Bhutan’s fully integrated crypto payment system allows tourists to use over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin, to pay for nearly every aspect of their trip—hotels, tickets, meals, guides, and souvenirs—all through a single app. This system supports major coins, stablecoins, and altcoins, accommodating crypto holders worldwide. To use this system, users need a Binance account with the Binance Pay feature enabled.
Binance’s announcement stated, “Bhutan’s model is the first to offer a fully integrated, end-to-end crypto payment system at the national level. It also addresses previous limitations by offering real-time confirmations, near-zero fees, and a fully licensed local bank handling settlements on the ground.”
The crypto payment system in Bhutan now covers a wide range of services. Tourists can use cryptocurrencies to purchase airline tickets, local flights, hotel accommodations, homestays, guided tours, trekking experiences, local handicrafts, souvenirs, food, drinks, and entry fees to attractions. Additionally, near-zero transaction fees make it cheaper and more efficient than traditional card payments.
“This is more than a payment solution — it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, director of Bhutan’s tourism department.
Experience #Bhutan with the world’s first national crypto tourism payment system!
Powered by Binance Pay and DK Bank, it offers seamless crypto payments for flights, hotels, local crafts, and much more.
Over 100 local merchants await on this cashless adventure. @tourismbhutan… pic.twitter.com/FUYVo4HYMe
— Binance (@binance) May 7, 2025
Benefits for tourists
With Bhutan’s new system, there’s no need for local currency or cash. Simply scan a QR code with your Binance App. This seamless, app-based experience eliminates the hassle of currency exchange and the need for a wallet. Even remote businesses that never had card machines can now accept crypto.
The announcement added, “Even Bhutan’s most remote businesses can now accept crypto through a phone, gaining access to international travellers with just a QR code.”
Binance CEO Richard Teng highlighted that the system enhances crypto payments in travel, setting a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies. He added that this initiative demonstrates Binance’s commitment to innovation and its belief in a future where digital finance fosters global connectivity and enriches travel experiences.
Teng stated, “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences.”
Bhutan’s crypto ecosystem
Bhutan’s state-run investment arm, Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), has been aggressively accumulating Bitcoin. Since officially beginning its mining operations in 2019, Bhutan has significantly ramped up its efforts by 2023. The country now possesses over 13,000 BTC, valued at more than $780 million, which constitutes approximately one-third of its GDP.
Bhutan ranks 4th globally in government BTC holdings, trailing only the US, China, and the UK. In 2020, Bhutan’s central bank issued a cautionary warning about cryptocurrencies like Pi. Although crypto remains in a legal grey area, the new system signals a shift towards acceptance and innovation.
DK Bank’s role in Bhutan’s tourism crypto payment system
Talking exclusively with AIBC News, DK Bank shared their thoughts on the development and implementation of Bhutan’s tourism crypto payment system.
“DK Bank is proud to serve as both the merchant acquirer and payment aggregator for Bhutan’s new tourism crypto payment system, launched in partnership with Binance Pay and the Department of Tourism. Our role was to facilitate seamless integration across the tourism ecosystem, enabling over 100 merchants to accept secure crypto payments from travellers.”
Further speaking on the expected impact of this new system on Bhutan’s tourism industry, DK Bank stated, “Bhutan currently offers tourists multiple payment method options. The introduction of Binance Pay complements this by benefiting tourists and merchants in Bhutan alike by offering an alternative blockchain-based payment method that is fast, seamless, and cost-effective. We believe it will also open new economic pathways for local vendors and artisans, particularly those in remote regions.”
Future of cryptocurrency in the tourism sector
Speaking on the future of cryptocurrency in the tourism sector, the bank concluded, “From our perspective, cryptocurrency has a growing role to play in the future of tourism. As adoption increases globally, it offers a compelling solution for countries like Bhutan to leapfrog traditional infrastructure challenges, empower small businesses, and appeal to a digitally savvy generation of travellers.”
