Bhutan launches world’s first crypto tourism payment in partnership with Binance Pay, enable crypto payments from flight tickets to hotel stays and local shopping

Bhutan has become the first country in the world to launch a national-level crypto tourism payment system; this policy is a partnership with Binance Pay and Bhutan’s fully digital DK Bank.

The initiative, officially unveiled on May 7, enables international travelers to pay for nearly every aspect of their Bhutan journey, from flight tickets and visas to hotel stays and local shopping, using over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), USDC, and Binance Coin (BNB).

Payments are completed through static and dynamic QR codes using the Binance app, delivering real-time confirmations with near-zero transaction fees.

“This is more than a payment solution. It’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.

“It enables a seamless experience for travellers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”

The system is integrated end-to-end across Bhutan’s tourism infrastructure including immigration, travel agents, hotels, tour guides, and retail vendors; providing a cashless, crypto-enabled experience throughout the visitor journey. More than 100 local merchants are already live with the system, accepting crypto payments via QR code.

A key aim of the initiative is to foster financial inclusion. Small businesses and rural artisans, previously unable to access traditional payment infrastructure like card terminals, can now accept crypto payments using just a smartphone.

“Even Bhutan’s most remote businesses can now accept crypto through a phone, gaining access to international travelers with just a QR code,” Binance stated.

DK Bank, licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, powers local settlements, ensuring prompt and secure financial transactions. As Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, DK Bank plays a central role in the country's drive to modernize its financial systems and improve accessibility for underserved populations.

Binance CEO Richard Teng called the launch a “milestone for the travel and finance industries,” noting that it sets a new standard for how technology can bridge cultures and economies.

“This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences,” Teng said.

The payment platform offers benefits far beyond convenience; from lower transaction costs and zero gas fees to encrypted payments, two-factor authentication, and real-time transparency for merchants and tourists alike.

The launch builds on Bhutan’s growing engagement with digital assets. The country has quietly been investing in and mining Bitcoin since at least 2019.

Its sovereign investment arm, Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), holds 12,000 BTC worth $1.18 billion, according to blockchain intelligence firm Arkham, and also maintains crypto holdings on Polygon, BNB Chain, and Base.

While crypto regulation remains a gray area in Bhutan — with past warnings issued by the Royal Monetary Authority — the country is clearly positioning itself as a forward-looking player in the digital economy.

Known globally as the “Kingdom of Happiness,” Bhutan emphasizes sustainability, cultural preservation, and Gross National Happiness over GDP.

With this launch, Bhutan not only modernizes its tourism payment infrastructure but also sets a global precedent for national-level integration of cryptocurrency in public-facing services.