Catenaa, Tuesday, May 21, 2025-Bhutan has become the first country to roll out a national-level crypto-powered tourism payment system, partnering with Binance Pay and DK Bank to enable travelers to pay for every part of their journey using digital assets.
Announced this week, the initiative integrates Binance Pay into Bhutan’s entire tourism ecosystem, allowing visitors to pay for flights, hotels, visas, guides, and even local market goods via crypto.
More than 100 local merchants have been onboarded, making Bhutan a global pioneer in digital tourism payments.
Using Binance Pay, travelers can make real-time transactions in over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, BNB, and USDC, with QR codes.
Settlements are made in Bhutan’s local currency through DK Bank, the nation’s first fully digital financial institution.
“This is more than a payment solution – it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism.
Officials believe the system will benefit small businesses, especially in remote areas, by offering access to international customers with only a smartphone.
The project addresses long-standing issues in travel, including high fees, limited card acceptance, and currency exchange challenges.
By supporting over 300 cryptocurrencies and operating in more than 100 countries, Binance Pay is uniquely positioned to support this model at scale, company executives said.
Binance CEO Richard Teng called the project a “global precedent” for how digital finance can bridge cultures and economies. The program aligns with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness goals, emphasizing equitable development and cultural preservation.
