Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national crypto-based tourism system. The initiative allows travellers with Binance accounts to pay for services like hotels and tickets using over 100 crypto assets.
Visitors to Bhutan can pay for accommodation, flights, visas, and guides using a network of over 100 crypto assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), USDC, and Binance-backed BNB.
Advancing the Use of Cryptocurrencies in Travel
The Kingdom of Bhutan is furthering its crypto involvement with a landmark partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank. According to a recent announcement, Bhutan partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system. The initiative enables travellers in Bhutan with Binance accounts to pay for nearly every part of their trip in the country using digital assets. Through the partnership, travellers can pay for airline tickets, visa fees, hotel stays, tour guides, monument entry, and roadside stalls using the Binance app.
DK Bank and Binance Pay have onboarded more than 100 local merchants, allowing travellers to enjoy Bhutan in a cashless experience.
The announcement details that with the “Binance app, travelers can use dynamic or static QR codes to complete secure transactions in real time.” The initiative supports over 100 cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin (BTC), USDC, and the Binance-backed BNB and instantly settles transactions in the local currency through DK Bank.
The newly introduced system aims to ease the financial aspects of travel, including high transaction and foreign exchange fees, and the limits on international bank cards.
Vital to Bhutan’s Economy
The tiny Asian nation is heavily involved with and dependent on crypto, and Bitcoin (BTC) mining plays a significant role in the country’s economy. Bhutan’s BTC reserves represent nearly 30% of its GDP and were all accumulated entirely through mining operations controlled by the state-owned Druk Holdings. Bhutan’s move to cryptocurrencies was driven by economic necessity following years of declining tourism and fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through its partnership with Binance Pay, new economic pathways for Bhutanese communities will be created, granting small vendors and rural artisans who previously could not access payment infrastructure a lifeline to participate in the tourist economy. Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, commented on the new initiative, stating:
“This is more than a payment solution – it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience.”
Connecting People, Cultures and Economies Through Cryptocurrency
This initiative is the first of its kind and reflects Bhutan’s broader goals of inclusion, sustainability, equitable development and cultural preservation. The fully integrated end-to-end crypto payment system addresses previous financial limitations by offering real-time confirmations with minimal transaction fees from a fully licensed local bank. DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, is licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan and aims to offer accessible financial services throughout the country.
By partnering with Binance to power the system, the Bhutanese society will benefit from the company’s “shared belief in the power of technology to connect people, cultures, and economies.”
Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, commented on the revolutionary project. He stated:
“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.”
Adding;
“This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences.”
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Source: https://cryptodaily.co.uk/2025/05/bhutan-partners-with-binance-pay-and-dk-bank-to-launch-the-worlds-first-national-crypto-based-tourism-payment-system