TLDR
- Bhutan now accepts crypto payments for tourism through Binance Pay.
- Tourists can use Bitcoin, BNB, USDC, and more to pay via QR codes.
- Local businesses get paid in Bhutanese ngultrum through DK Bank.
- More nations embrace crypto payments for tourism
Bhutan has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing its tourism industry by partnering with global crypto exchange Binance to enable seamless cryptocurrency payments for visitors.
Through a collaboration with local financial institution Druk Holding & Investments-backed DK Bank, the country has officially launched a system allowing tourists to pay for travel services using a wide range of cryptocurrencies via Binance Pay, as per a Wednesday announcement by Binance.
Partnership to Boost Tourism in Bhutan
This strategic move aims to simplify crypto transactions for tourists and boost Bhutan’s appeal as a destination for tech-savvy travelers. With over 100 merchants already onboarding, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and even local street food vendors, visitors can now pay using Bitcoin, Binance Coin (BNB), USD Coin (USDC), and nearly 100 other supported digital assets simply by scanning QR codes.
Experience #Bhutan with the world’s first national crypto tourism payment system!
Powered by Binance Pay and DK Bank, it offers seamless crypto payments for flights, hotels, local crafts, and much more.
Over 100 local merchants await on this cashless adventure. @tourismbhutan… pic.twitter.com/FUYVo4HYMe
— Binance (@binance) May 7, 2025
DK Bank serves as the bridge between digital and traditional finance, instantly converting the crypto payments into Bhutan’s local currency, the ngultrum. This ensures merchants receive payments in fiat without exposure to crypto price volatility, while tourists enjoy a frictionless experience without the burden of high foreign exchange fees or international card issues.
Bhutan’s Bitcoin Gamble
The implementation comes at a time when Bhutan is increasingly positioning itself as a forward-thinking economy in the digital asset space. The Himalayan kingdom is one of the few nations with a sizable government-held Bitcoin reserve, reportedly the fifth-largest globally at over 12,000 BTC. Bhutan’s digital reserves are further supported by its eco-friendly crypto mining operations, powered by the country’s abundant hydroelectric energy.
Binance emphasized that this rollout will particularly benefit small businesses, many of which lack access to traditional payment infrastructure. With just a smartphone and QR code, vendors can now accept international payments with ease. For tourists, this removes the hassle of exchanging currency or worrying about their cards being declined in a foreign country.
“Our goal is to make Bhutan not only a destination of natural beauty and culture but also a model for modern financial innovation,” said a representative from Bhutan’s Department of Tourism. “By integrating crypto payments, we’re catering to a new generation of travelers and supporting local businesses with cutting-edge tools.”
That said, Bhutan is not alone in this pursuit. Other countries are increasingly adopting similar models to enhance their tourism sectors. Thailand, for example, launched a pilot program in January 2025 allowing tourists to use crypto in Phuket. El Salvador’s decision to make Bitcoin legal tender in 2021 set the stage for crypto tourism, and Malta continues to serve as a haven for digital asset users with many crypto-accepting establishments.
