Bhutan Pioneers National Crypto Payments in Tourism Sector

Bhutan has officially implemented a national cryptocurrency payment system across its tourism industry, partnering with Binance and DK Bank, effective May 7, 2025.

This initiative positions Bhutan at the forefront of digital currency adoption, potentially stimulating its tourism sector.

The Royal Government of Bhutan, DK Bank, and Binance Pay have collaborated to accept cryptocurrencies across Bhutan’s tourism-related businesses. The intention is to make crypto payments mainstream for local and international visitors. The main cryptocurrencies supported include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin, enhancing financial access for over 100 businesses.

Binance CEO Richard Teng highlighted Bhutan’s pioneering role in crypto integration. The initiative aligns with Bhutan’s vision for economic innovation through technology. There has been no public resistance from financial regulators within Bhutan.

The partnership’s potential outcomes include encouraging broader crypto adoption among merchants and small businesses. The setup supports significant transaction volumes for BTC, ETH, BNB, and stablecoins. As such, Bhutan’s initiative may serve as a model for future national blockchain projects.

Local merchants now experience reduced foreign exchange risks and simplified cross-border transactions. Experts anticipate that Bhutan’s venture could raise tourism revenues, offering cashless transactions via Binance Pay’s QR code-based system.

The initiative may inspire global tourism industries to consider similar implementations. Historical trends such as El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin highlight the importance of crypto-friendly environments. Bhutan’s success may further influence regulatory stances on digital currencies, encouraging their acceptance.

The system aligns with Bhutan’s long-term economic development plans, which prioritize technology, self-reliance, and digital innovation as tools for sustainable growth. – DK Bank leadership