Thimphu, May 9: Bhutan has become the first country to roll out a national-level cryptocurrency-based tourism payment system, allowing international visitors to use digital assets across the entire tourism value chain, the country’s Department of Tourism announced on Thursday.
The system, launched in partnership with Binance Pay and Bhutan’s DK Bank, enables travelers to pay for services such as flights, visas, accommodation, transport, and local purchases using over 100 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Binance Coin (BNB), and USD Coin (USDC).
The initiative integrates more than 100 merchants across the Himalayan kingdom — from urban hotels to remote village vendors — using QR code-based payments via the Binance app. DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, facilitates instant local currency settlement, eliminating the need for traditional currency exchange or credit card usage.
“This is more than a payment solution – it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director at the Department of Tourism.
The move is aimed at promoting financial inclusion and empowering small and rural businesses, many of which previously lacked access to digital payment infrastructure. With a smartphone, vendors can now connect directly to a global customer base.
Binance CEO Richard Teng called the initiative a landmark step in the use of digital finance in the travel sector. “We are excited to partner with Bhutan… setting a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies,” Teng said. “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences.”
DK Bank, licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, said the platform supports both static and dynamic QR codes, ensuring secure, real-time crypto transactions.
The announcement comes amid reports that Bhutan recently sold 2,584 BTC (about $248 million), reducing its sovereign crypto holdings to 7,486 BTC, as the country continues to deepen its push into the digital economy.
