Bhutan has become the first country globally to fully integrate cryptocurrency payments into its tourism sector, launching a national-level crypto payment infrastructure in collaboration with Binance Pay and the state-owned DK Bank. This groundbreaking initiative enables travelers to use over 100 cryptocurrencies to pay seamlessly for a wide array of travel-related expenses, including flights, visas, hotel accommodations, tour guides, monument entry fees, and even purchases at local markets and roadside vendors.
The system operates through QR code payments-both static and dynamic-via the Binance app, allowing tourists to complete transactions instantly and securely without the need for cash or cards. Payments made in digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), and stablecoins are automatically converted into Bhutan’s local currency, the Ngultrum (BTN), ensuring merchants receive stable and immediate settlements.
More than 100 merchants across Bhutan, including those in remote and rural areas, have adopted the platform, empowering small businesses and artisans who previously lacked access to traditional card payment infrastructure. This initiative not only simplifies the payment process for international visitors but also promotes financial inclusion and digital innovation throughout the country.
Bhutan’s approach aligns with its broader national development goals emphasizing technology, self-reliance, and sustainable growth, while maintaining its unique focus on Gross National Happiness (GNH). By leveraging blockchain technology at a national scale, Bhutan sets a precedent for other countries considering blockchain integration in public infrastructure and cross-border payment solutions.
This pioneering crypto-powered tourism payment system marks a significant milestone in the global adoption of digital currencies, showcasing how blockchain can enhance travel convenience, support local economies, and foster innovation in emerging markets.
