Bhutan goes over the top pioneering Crypto Tourism Payment System

Bhutan is partnering with Binance Pay and DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital, state-owned bank, to launch a crypto tourism payment system. This marks the first time a fully integrated, end-to-end crypto payment solution has been implemented at a national level.

The system allows tourists to scan QR codes and use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and selected stablecoins to pay for services including visa fees, flights, accommodation, tour guides and market purchases. All transactions are processed through Binance Pay, a ‘contactless, borderless, and secure crypto payment technology’ that enables users and merchants to send and receive crypto internationally without gas fees using the Binance App.

The platform intends to reduce both transaction and currency exchange costs and eliminates the need for international credit cards. The system rollout includes over 100 merchants and is designed to simplify travel for crypto users while offering vendors alternative access to global payment networks.

In the official announcement, CEO of Binance, Richard Teng expressed his optimism over the project.

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 sentiment was echoed by Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism.

This is more than a payment solution – it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience.

The initiative is part of Bhutan’s broader strategy to harness blockchain technology in support of financial inclusion and to reduce dependence on traditional banking infrastructure. Bhutan reportedly holds the fifth-largest sovereign bitcoin reserve, surpassing El Salvador.

According to Binance, the system aligns with the country’s long-term economic development goals, which prioritise technology, self-reliance and innovation as drivers of sustainable growth. The launch of the crypto tourism system highlights the practical use cases of cryptocurrency as a tool for advancing digital payments and identity solutions.

By Steven Pettigrove, Luke Misthos and Emma Assaf