Bhutan is the first country to implement a national-level crypto payment system for tourism, in partnership with Binance Pay and Bhutan’s fully digital DK Bank.
This initiative allows travellers with Binance accounts to make cashless transactions throughout their journey, with more than 100 merchants now live with DK Bank and Binance Pay.
Visitors can use cryptocurrencies to pay for a wide range of services, including flight bookings, tourist visas, Sustainable Development Fees, hotel bookings, tour guides, monument entry fees, and local shopping, with payments made securely and swiftly via static and dynamic QR code payments.
The system enables Binance Pay users to pay for nearly all aspects of their trip to Bhutan. Bhutan, which prioritises Gross National Happiness over GDP, seeks to balance sustainability, cultural preservation, and technological innovation. This partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank furthers that vision by offering digital solutions that enhance travel experiences and support local communities. The initiative includes a fully integrated system across immigration, travel agents, hotels, guides, and retail, and allows small vendors in remote areas to accept QR code payments.
The payment system, supported by Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, offers significantly lower fees than traditional payment methods, with no gas fees, and provides immediate, seamless crypto-powered transactions. It supports over 100 cryptocurrencies, including BNB, BTC, and USDC, and ensures secure transactions with encrypted payments, 2FA, and real-time confirmations via the Binance app.
This partnership marks the first time a national-level tourism product has accepted cryptocurrency, addressing common barriers to digital payments, such as high transaction fees and limited merchant acceptance. It offers low transaction fees, prompt settlements, and real-time notifications to ensure transparency for both merchants and visitors.
Binance CEO Richard Teng remarked: “We are excited to partner with Bhutan as we are not only advancing the use of cryptocurrencies in travel but also setting a precedent 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.”
“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.”
