Bhutan has launched what is described as the world’s first integrated national crypto payment system for tourism, enabling international visitors to use crypto for a wide range of travel-related expenses.
The initiative is a collaboration between Binance Pay, DK Bank, and Bhutan’s Department of Tourism.
DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, manages settlement for merchants in local currency.
Under the system, travelers with Binance accounts can pay for services such as flights, visa fees, hotel bookings, monument entry, guided tours, and even goods from roadside vendors using digital assets.
Over 100 merchants across Bhutan have been onboarded.
Transactions are completed using dynamic or static QR codes via the Binance app.
The system supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and offers real-time confirmations with near-zero fees.
Officials say the project aims to simplify travel logistics and improve financial access for local businesses, especially small vendors in remote areas who may lack access to traditional payment systems.
Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, said,
“This is more than a payment solution – it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience.”
Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, added,
“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.”
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Faraz Ali via Freepik
