Bhutan Unveils World’s First National Crypto-Based Tourism Payment Platform.

In May 2025, Bhutan launched the world’s first national cryptocurrency-based tourism payment system, in partnership with Binance Pay—a unit of Binance Holdings Limited—and DK Bank of Bhutan, the country’s first fully digital bank.

      - This pioneering initiative allows tourists to seamlessly use cryptocurrencies for making payments for services during their stay, aiming to enhance transaction convenience and promote broader financial inclusion across Bhutan.

      - Bhutan’s new national cryptocurrency tourism payment system offers a fully cashless experience for visitors. Tourists holding Binance accounts can pay for a wide range of services using over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Binance Coin (BNB), and United States Dollar Coin (USDC). This includes airline tickets, visa fees, hotel accommodations, monument entries, tour guide services, and local purchases—streamlining the entire travel process.

      - The payment system operates using both static and dynamic Quick Response (QR) codes, enabling real-time crypto transactions without the need for traditional card terminals. This innovation simplifies payments, particularly in regions where digital infrastructure is limited, while ensuring fast and secure transactions for both tourists and merchants.

Main Point :-   (i) To ensure stability for local vendors, all cryptocurrency payments are instantly converted into the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), the official currency of Bhutan. This conversion process is managed by DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, which guarantees that merchants receive consistent, reliable payouts despite the volatility of digital currencies.

      (ii) Over 100 Bhutanese businesses—including those in remote and underserved areas—have already adopted this crypto-based system. This allows them to tap into the global cryptocurrency market, valued at over USD 3 trillion, and actively participate in modern digital commerce, contributing to Bhutan’s broader financial inclusion goals.

(iii) The system provides several key benefits. For international travelers, it significantly reduces foreign exchange hassles and transaction fees. On the other hand, Bhutanese merchants gain access to a global digital finance ecosystem, opening up new business opportunities. Powered by Binance Pay, the platform reflects a major step in integrating cryptocurrency into national economic and tourism strategies.
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