Bhutan has become the first country to launch a nationwide tourism payment infrastructure powered by cryptocurrency, marking a significant milestone in national-level blockchain adoption. The initiative, officially announced on May 7, 2025, is a collaboration between Binance Pay and Bhutan’s state-owned DK Bank, a subsidiary of Druk Holding & Investments.
Bhutan Enables Crypto Payments Across Its Tourism Sector
The new system allows international tourists to use cryptocurrencies—including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), BNB, and select stablecoins—to pay for a wide range of tourism-related services. These include visa fees, air travel, accommodations, tour guides, and even purchases at local markets. All transactions are processed through the Binance Pay platform.
The rollout spans over 100 merchants, including businesses in Bhutan’s more remote regions. The integrated digital payment system is intended to simplify travel for crypto users while offering vendors alternative access to global payment networks.
Digital Inclusion and National Policy Objectives
The initiative is part of Bhutan’s broader strategy to leverage blockchain technology to support financial inclusion and reduce reliance on traditional banking infrastructure. By enabling crypto transactions at scale, the project also offers small and medium-sized enterprises access to global capital flows.
DK Bank’s leadership stated that the system aligns with Bhutan’s long-term economic development plans, which prioritize technology, self-reliance, and digital innovation as tools for sustainable growth.
Global Implications for Crypto Adoption
Bhutan’s crypto-enabled tourism system is a rare example of state-level integration of digital assets in public infrastructure, potentially setting a precedent for other countries exploring blockchain for national payment solutions. It arrives amid growing global interest in cryptocurrency's utility for cross-border payments, digital identity, and economic empowerment.
