Bhutan Embraces Crypto Payments in Tourism Sector
Bhutan is taking a bold step in merging tourism and digital finance by enabling crypto payments for visitors across the country.
In partnership with Binance Pay and local lender DK Bank, the nation has introduced a system that lets travelers use over 100 cryptocurrencies—including Bitcoin, USDC, and BNB—to pay for everything from hotels to guided tours.
Instead of relying on cash or local currency exchanges, visitors with Binance accounts can now simply scan a QR code to make payments, simplifying travel logistics and unlocking new possibilities for local businesses. The move is being hailed as a groundbreaking model—the first nationwide crypto-based tourism payment system of its kind.
Bhutan’s tourism department emphasized that this isn’t just about convenience; it’s part of a broader push for financial inclusion. Artisans and merchants in remote areas, often excluded from traditional payment systems, can now transact using only a smartphone.
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Binance called the rollout a step forward in blending innovation with culture, enabling seamless global travel while promoting local economies. CEO Richard Teng noted that this kind of system shows how blockchain technology can bring communities closer together and improve real-world experiences.
The initiative fits within Bhutan’s wider crypto ambitions. The country has quietly amassed significant Bitcoin reserves and continues to explore blockchain-driven economic growth. Its sovereign investment arm, Druk Holding and Investments, reportedly added hundreds of BTC to its portfolio in recent months, with assets also spread across chains like Polygon and BNB Chain.
Despite its growing crypto involvement, Bhutan remains cautious. Authorities have warned in the past about the risks of unregulated digital assets, signaling that while innovation is welcome, oversight still matters.
Alexander Stefanov
