DAWA ZANGMO
Thimphu
Bhutan has taken a bold leap into the future of financial innovation by launching the world’s first nationwide cryptocurrency-based tourism payment system. In a landmark initiative, the Royal Government of Bhutan, through its investment arm Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) and its newly launched DK Bank, has partnered with Binance Pay to enable tourists to pay for services across the country using digital currencies.
The platform, unveiled in May 2025, positions Bhutan as a trailblazer in integrating blockchain technology into national economic infrastructure, particularly in the tourism sector. Through this new system, visitors can use more than 100 types of cryptocurrencies to make payments throughout their stay from airline bookings and visa fees to accommodation, local transportation, meals, and even small roadside purchases.
Marketed under the tagline “One Wallet, One Journey,” the initiative aims to provide a streamlined, cashless travel experience for international tourists. With the help of Binance Pay’s QR-based transaction system, travelers can now use crypto currency such as Bitcoin (BTC), Binance Coin (BNB), Ethereum (ETH), and USD Coin (USDC) to pay for nearly all tourism-related expenses within Bhutan.
Whether booking a boutique hotel in Thimphu, purchasing handicrafts in Bumthang, or buying fresh fruits from a street vendor in Punakha, the digital payment system is designed to be intuitive, secure, and universally accessible. According to officials from the Department of Tourism, the new system has already been adopted by over 100 vendors, with plans underway to onboard over 1,000 merchants across the country.
“This isn’t just a technological upgrade it’s a complete rethinking of how tourism can operate in a digital world,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism. “We’re creating an ecosystem where convenience, inclusion, and innovation work together to elevate the travel experience.”
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the project is its commitment to financial inclusion. The digital payment system is not limited to large businesses or urban areas. It is being implemented across all tiers of the tourism supply chain, including small scale vendors in rural areas who have traditionally been excluded from the formal financial system.
Through DK Bank, Bhutanese merchants many of whom are operating without traditional bank accounts can now receive real time payouts in the local currency, the Ngultrum (BTN). This minimizes the risks associated with crypto volatility and ensures that vendors benefit directly from crypto-based transactions without needing to manage digital assets themselves.
“Now even a weaver in a remote village can accept payments from a tourist visiting their home and receive the funds instantly in their bank account,” said Sonam Yangchen, CEO of DK Bank. “This is about empowering communities and bringing rural Bhutan into the global digital economy.”
The national rollout of the crypto tourism platform has received strong backing from the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA), Bhutan’s central bank. As part of the country’s broader digital transformation strategy, the RMA has taken a progressive stance on the use of digital assets. The initiative aligns with the government’s long-term vision of building a resilient, inclusive economy while enhancing Bhutan’s reputation as a forward-thinking nation.
Bhutan’s pioneering foray into crypto currency is not new. The country has previously made headlines for harnessing its abundant hydroelectric power for sustainable Bitcoin mining. This existing infrastructure, combined with its cautious regulatory approach, has laid the groundwork for broader adoption of block chain based financial systems.
By launching a nationwide crypto payment platform specifically tailored for tourism, Bhutan has once again positioned itself at the forefront of technological experimentation this time, with a direct and immediate benefit for both visitors and citizens.
The partnership with Binance Pay, a division of the world’s largest crypto currency exchange, has been instrumental in developing and deploying the system. Binance Pay’s global expertise in secure, zero-gas fee transactions ensures that the platform is scalable, user-friendly, and reliable.
Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, praised Bhutan’s vision during the platform’s global announcement. “Bhutan is setting an example for how countries can use digital finance to enhance economic participation and national branding,” Teng said. “This partnership is not just about payment infrastructure. It’s about creating a globally admired use case for crypto adoption.”
The system allows payments through static and dynamic QR codes, and all transactions are completed within seconds. This level of speed and security offers peace of mind to both tourists and vendors, while also reducing dependency on traditional banking networks and foreign exchange intermediaries.
Industry analysts suggest that Bhutan’s embrace of crypto payments may also attract a new category of travelers, the high-spending, tech-savvy crypto tourist. According to a 2024 global survey by Deloitte, crypto currency users tend to spend up to three times more than the average tourist and are more inclined to seek unique, off the beaten path destinations.
Bhutan’s new system is well positioned to cater to this growing demographic. With its strict sustainable tourism policy, which includes a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), Bhutan already attracts a smaller number of tourists who are willing to pay a premium for authentic and responsible travel experiences.
“With crypto-based payments, we eliminate the friction associated with currency exchange, card fees, and cross border banking,” said Damcho Rinzin. “We’re offering simplicity and exclusivity, which is a powerful combination in the tourism market.”
To ensure the system’s success, DK Bank and the Department of Tourism have launched nationwide training workshops for merchants. These sessions focus on digital literacy, use of the Binance Pay app, QR code setup, and basic cyber security. The goal is to empower even the most tech-averse business owners with the skills needed to operate confidently in the new system.
Infrastructure improvements have also been prioritized. Efforts to expand mobile connectivity and ensure reliable internet access are underway in areas with high tourist footfall but low digital penetration. These enhancements will support both the crypto payment platform and broader government goals for digital inclusivity.
Bhutan’s crypto payment platform also dovetails with the nation’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). By designing a system that promotes economic equity, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, the initiative reinforces Bhutan’s unique approach to progress.
Crypto payments reduce the need for physical currency printing and transportation, while instant settlement prevents accumulation of cash in high-volume tourist sites. These changes enhance transparency, reduce administrative overhead, and align with Bhutan’s environmental values.
“Tourism is one of the pillars of our economy, and how we manage it matters,” said an official from the Gross National Happiness Commission. “This system enables us to preserve the integrity of our culture while embracing modern tools for growth.”
The global tourism industry has taken notice of Bhutan’s bold step. Several countries, particularly those reliant on tourism and grappling with digital payment infrastructure challenges, are watching closely. International observers are hailing Bhutan’s initiative as a possible blueprint for integrating block chain in public sector service delivery.
For Bhutan, however, the success of the platform will ultimately be measured not by international headlines but by its impact on local livelihoods and visitor satisfaction.
As the first phase of implementation gains momentum, the government has indicated that the crypto payment platform could be expanded to other sectors, including transport, education, and health services. Such expansion would further solidify Bhutan’s status as a global leader in inclusive, tech-enabled development.
For now, tourists arriving in Bhutan can expect a travel experience unlike any other where ancient monasteries meet modern QR codes, and a single digital wallet unlocks a journey through one of the world’s most unique and peaceful nations.
