Bhutan Embraces Crypto for Tourism with Nationwide Binance Pay Integration

Bhutan is setting a global precedent in travel innovation by becoming the first country to adopt a nationwide crypto payment system for tourism. Through a groundbreaking collaboration with Binance Pay and DK Bank—Bhutan’s first fully digital bank—the country now offers visitors a fully cashless travel experience using cryptocurrencies.Travelers with Binance accounts can now pay for nearly every aspect of their trip to Bhutan, including flights, visa fees, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), hotel stays, guided tours, monument access, and local shopping. More than 100 merchants across the country—from large hotels to small roadside vendors—accept crypto payments via static and dynamic QR codes.This seamless and secure payment system supports over 100 cryptocurrencies, including BNB, BTC, and USDC, and is designed to offer instant transactions with no gas fees. The initiative aims to eliminate common obstacles to digital payments, such as high costs and limited merchant coverage, while ensuring encrypted transactions, two-factor authentication (2FA), and real-time confirmation through the Binance app.Nicknamed the “Kingdom of Happiness,” Bhutan emphasizes Gross National Happiness over GDP, focusing on sustainable development, cultural integrity, and community well-being. This initiative reflects the nation’s continued commitment to harmonizing tradition with innovation.Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, stated:“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.”Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan, added:“This is more than a payment solution — it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience. It enables a seamless experience for travellers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”Bhutan’s national crypto payment initiative offers a fully integrated, seamless travel experience. Visitors can use crypto for everything—from booking flights, paying visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), and reserving hotels, to shopping locally and accessing monuments—through a simple QR code.The system is accepted nationwide across immigration, tour operators, hotels, and retail, including small vendors in remote areas. Transactions are completed instantly with over 100 supported cryptocurrencies, including BNB, BTC, and USDC, with zero gas fees and significantly lower costs than traditional payment methods. Real-time notifications, encrypted payments, and 2FA security ensure smooth, transparent, and secure processing across the journey.With this national rollout, Bhutan becomes a pioneer in merging digital finance with sustainable tourism, creating an inclusive model for others to follow.