Bhutan and Binance Pay Partner to Launch World’s First National-Level Crypto Tourism Payment System

In a groundbreaking development for the global tourism and cryptocurrency industries, Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay to launch the world’s first national-level crypto payment system tailored for tourism. This partnership with Binance Pay and Bhutan's fully digital DK Bank marks a transformative step in modernizing the travel experience through secure, seamless, and decentralized transactions.
The newly launched system enables tourists with Binance accounts to conduct cashless transactions across Bhutan. From booking flights and paying visa fees to purchasing local goods from remote vendors, travelers can now enjoy an end-to-end crypto-powered experience. Over 100 merchants across Bhutan are already equipped to accept Binance Pay via static QR codes, making even small roadside transactions effortlessly digital.

Binance Pay, the cryptocurrency payment feature integrated into the Binance app, supports more than 300 cryptocurrencies and serves over 40 million active users globally. It enables real-time, gas-free transactions and is integrated across 32,000 merchants worldwide.

Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, stated: “We are proud to partner with Bhutan in this pioneering initiative. This collaboration not only advances the use of cryptocurrencies in travel but also bridges cultures and economies through technology.”

Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, emphasized the inclusive nature of the initiative: “This is more than a payment solution; it’s a commitment to innovation and empowerment. It allows even the smallest vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”

The initiative aligns with Bhutan's “high-value, low-volume” tourism model, designed to prioritize Gross National Happiness (GNH), sustainable development, and cultural preservation. Local settlement and backend operations are powered by DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan.

This forward-thinking move is also part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, reflecting Bhutan’s broader strategy to integrate technology and tradition to enhance livelihoods and visitor experiences.

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Bhutan Goes Big on Crypto: Travel the Country Using Only Binance Pay

In a major win for tech-savvy travelers and crypto enthusiasts, Bhutan just became the first country in the world to launch a national-level crypto tourism payment system — and it’s a total game-changer.

Thanks to a partnership between the Royal Government of Bhutan, Binance Pay, and Bhutan’s own DK Bank, visitors can now plan and enjoy their entire trip using cryptocurrency. That includes everything: flights, hotels, visas, shopping, guides, entry fees to attractions — even buying fruit from a roadside vendor — all paid in crypto.

No need to exchange cash or carry cards. Just scan a QR code using Binance Pay and you’re set. Over 100 local merchants have already gone live, making Bhutan the first country to fully integrate crypto into its national tourism infrastructure.

“It's not just a payment system,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism. “It's a step toward a more inclusive, innovative, and efficient tourism experience — for both guests and locals.”

Binance Pay supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, with zero gas fees, and already serves 40 million users globally. The backend of this ambitious rollout is handled by DK Bank — Bhutan’s first all-digital bank — ensuring locals in even the most remote parts of the country can benefit.

The move also supports Bhutan’s unique tourism philosophy: high-value, low-volume. Instead of mass tourism, the country focuses on offering meaningful experiences while preserving culture and environment — all under the lens of its core philosophy, Gross National Happiness.

Binance CEO Richard Teng put it simply: “This partnership is about more than payments. It’s about building bridges through technology and creating memorable travel experiences in one of the most special places on Earth.”

Bhutan just made traveling with crypto not just possible — but practical, beautiful, and seamless.

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