Bhutan Launches the World's First National Cryptocurrency Tourism Payment System

This groundbreaking initiative positions Bhutan as a global pioneer in leveraging blockchain technology to enhance the travel experience.

Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and Druk Holding and Investments’ DK Bank to launch the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system.

The initiative, launched on Monday, positions the Asian nation as a global pioneer in leveraging blockchain technology to enhance the travel experience.

How It Works: International visitors can now use over 100 different cryptocurrencies—including Bitcoin (BTC), Binance Coin (BNB), and USD Coin (USDC)—to pay for a broad range of travel-related services in Bhutan.

From booking flights and hotels to securing travel insurance, visas, and hiring tour guides, tourists can complete transactions conveniently through the Binance app.

These payments are instantly converted into the Bhutanese Ngultrum and processed through DK Bank, minimizing foreign exchange risks and reducing the friction typically associated with international travel payments.

This real-time settlement mechanism also ensures transparency and reduces the reliance on intermediaries, providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution for both tourists and local merchants.

Expanding Access and Empowering Local Communities: More than 100 local businesses—including hotels, restaurants, cultural sites, and market vendors—have already integrated the new crypto payment system.

This broad adoption ensures that tourists can enjoy a fully cashless, streamlined experience throughout the country. For Bhutan, this aligns with its broader national goals of promoting financial inclusion, boosting local entrepreneurship, and using technology to drive sustainable development.

Importantly, this initiative opens up new economic opportunities in rural and remote areas. Artisans, farmers, and small-scale vendors—many of whom previously had limited access to traditional banking services—can now accept digital payments with ease.

By connecting these communities to the global crypto economy, Bhutan is fostering greater economic resilience and inclusivity.

According to government officials, this partnership also supports Bhutan’s vision of becoming a smart nation that combines cultural preservation with cutting-edge innovation.

The digital infrastructure behind the Binance Pay system complies with local financial regulations and is designed to protect user privacy and security, ensuring a safe environment for both domestic stakeholders and international visitors.

Setting a Global Precedent: Binance CEO Richard Teng expressed strong support for the partnership, describing it as a transformative model for the travel industry.“This collaboration sets a new standard for how technology can enhance real-world experiences,” Teng stated. “Bhutan is showing the world what’s possible when tradition and innovation come together.”

As the first nation to implement a crypto-enabled tourism payment system at a national level, Bhutan’s move could influence other countries exploring similar models.

Analysts suggest that this development could pave the way for more blockchain-driven public-private partnerships in the tourism and financial sectors.

With this pioneering step, Bhutan not only redefines digital travel but also strengthens its position as a forward-thinking destination that values sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.