From visas to street fruit vendors, tourists in Bhutan can now pay with Bitcoin and over 100 cryptocurrencies, thanks to a national crypto payment system.
THIMPHU, BHUTAN — In a global first, Bhutan has launched a fully integrated national crypto payment system for tourists, enabling visitors to pay for virtually everything — from flights and hotels to monument entry and fresh fruit at roadside stalls — using digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
This bold move positions the Himalayan kingdom as a trailblazer in digital finance, linking its tourism economy to the global cryptocurrency ecosystem while empowering local merchants, including those in the most remote areas.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
A Seamless Travel Experience Powered by Crypto
The new payment system is the result of a landmark collaboration between Binance Pay, DK Bank — Bhutan’s first fully digital bank — and the Department of Tourism. As of May 2025, more than 100 merchants across the country have been onboarded. Through Binance’s app, travelers can use over 100 cryptocurrencies to pay for:
- Flights and visa fees
- Hotel bookings
- Guided tours and monument entry
- Local experiences and small vendors in rural communities
“This is more than a payment solution — it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism. “It enables a seamless experience for travelers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”
Bhutan’s Big Bet on Crypto
While the move to enable crypto payments for tourism is groundbreaking, it’s part of a broader national strategy. Bhutan quietly holds 13,029 Bitcoins — the fifth-highest government store globally — valued at over $1.35 billion at the time of publication. The country has clearly signaled that it sees blockchain and digital assets not just as financial tools, but as foundational to its economic transformation.
DK Bank, which is licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, handles all merchant settlements in local currency, minimizing the volatility risks typically associated with crypto transactions. Payments are made using QR codes, with real-time confirmations and near-zero transaction fees.
Reviving Tourism Through Digital Innovation
Tourism plays a crucial role in Bhutan’s economy. Still recovering from the pandemic, the country has faced challenges in attracting foreign visitors. To reignite interest, Bhutan halved its sustainable development fee from $200 to $100 per night in recent years. Yet, the country’s self-imposed cap of 300,000 visitors a year remains unmet, with only 143,000 arrivals in 2024, albeit up from 103,000 in 2023.
The crypto integration is expected to streamline logistics for international travelers and boost tourism in underserved areas by improving financial access for small business owners.
Globally, Bhutan’s new system marks a first-of-its-kind use of cryptocurrency on a national scale across an entire tourism ecosystem.
“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,” said Richard Teng, CEO of Binance.
In an age where climate, economic inequality, and digital transformation collide, Bhutan’s vision is both symbolic and practical. It blends ancient heritage with cutting-edge technology — a fusion that could inspire other nations to rethink how tourism, finance, and local development intersect.
Lead image courtesy of RabenWelt FromPixabay
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