Bhutan and Binance Pay have launched the world's first national tourism payment system. This allows tourists to make payments using digital assets and cryptocurrencies.

Main TakeawaysBhutan is the first country to enable crypto payments across its entire tourism ecosystem, powered by Binance Pay and DK Bank.Visitors can now pay with crypto for flights, visas, accommodation, guides, and even street market goods, using a network of over 100 supported merchants.This initiative helps small businesses in remote areas go digital, showcasing how crypto can drive both inclusion and innovation.Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom known for its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system. This initiative enables travelers with Binance accounts to pay for virtually every part of their journey in Bhutan using digital assets, from airline tickets and visa fees to hotel stays, monument entry, tour guides, and even fresh fruit from roadside stalls.Thanks to more than 100 local merchants already onboarded by DK Bank and Binance Pay, tourists can now enjoy a truly cashless, cardless experience in one of the world’s most unique travel destinations.One Wallet, One Seamless JourneyWhether you’re flying in, checking into a hotel, or picking up handmade crafts in a village shop, the entire Bhutan travel experience can now be powered by crypto.With the Binance app, travelers can use dynamic or static QR codes to complete secure transactions in real time. The system supports over 100 cryptocurrencies, including BNB, BTC, and USDC, and settles instantly in local currency through DK Bank.This approach not only simplifies travel logistics but also removes some of the most persistent pain points in cross-border tourism, such as high transaction and currency exchange fees, and limited acceptance of international cards.And because Binance Pay already supports more than 300 cryptocurrencies and serves tens of millions of users across 100+ countries, it’s uniquely positioned to power an experience like this at national scale – reliably, securely, and without gas fees.Technology That Empowers PeopleThis partnership does more than modernize payment systems. It creates new economic pathways for Bhutanese communities, especially small vendors and rural artisans who may never have had access to card terminals or payment infrastructure before. As Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, explained, “This is more than a payment solution – it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience.”Even Bhutan’s most remote businesses can now accept crypto through a phone, gaining access to international travelers with just a QR code. This kind of inclusion aligns with the country’s broader goals of sustainability, equitable development, and cultural preservation.Leading with VisionBinance is proud to support this world-first initiative, which reflects a shared belief in the power of technology to connect people, cultures, and economies.“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,” said Richard Teng, CEO of Binance. “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences.”Bhutan’s model is the first to offer a fully integrated, end-to-end crypto payment system at the national level. It also addresses previous limitations by offering real-time confirmations, near-zero fees, and a fully licensed local bank handling settlements on the ground.DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, is licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan. Its mission is to deliver accessible financial services across all segments of Bhutanese society, including those who have historically been excluded from the traditional banking system. This partnership helps bring that mission to life in a high-impact sector: tourism.Final ThoughtsCrypto can do more than move value: it can move people. In Bhutan, it now powers an entire travel experience that’s both seamless and inclusive. This project is a model for how digital finance can unlock real-world opportunities, uplift local economies, and bridge traditional industries with innovative solutions and infrastructure. From the moment you land in Bhutan to your final meal before departure, crypto and Binance Pay have you covered.Further ReadingBinance Pay Travel Route: Exploring the Rhythm of ArgentinaBinance Pay Travel Route: Georgia, Gem of the CaucasusBorderless by Nature: Explore The Intersection of Crypto and Travel on World Tourism Day