Bhutan Introduces Cryptocurrency Payments for Tourists

The government of Bhutan, in collaboration with local digital bank DK Bank, has implemented the Binance Pay service to accept cryptocurrencies in the tourism sector.

Experience #Bhutan with the world’s first national crypto tourism payment system!

Powered by Binance Pay and DK Bank, it offers seamless crypto payments for flights, hotels, local crafts, and much more.

Over 100 local merchants await on this cashless adventure. @tourismbhutan… pic.twitter.com/FUYVo4HYMe

— Binance (@binance) May 7, 2025

Users will be able to pay for flights, hotels, tours, and even street food via QR codes, using Bitcoin, BNB, USDC, and 97 other assets.

Payments are converted into the local currency, the ngultrum, through DK Bank. According to Binance, more than 100 local merchants have already joined the system. The solution simplifies payments for small businesses lacking card terminals: a smartphone with a QR code suffices.

Binance noted that the integration will reduce currency conversion fees and address the issue of international card acceptance refusals.

According to Bitcoin Treasuries, Bhutan ranks fifth globally in Bitcoin reserves, holding 12,062 BTC.

The kingdom is actively increasing its reserves through mining, utilizing its abundant hydroelectric resources.

Earlier this year, in Bhutan’s Special Administrative Region, digital assets, including Bitcoin and BNB, were included in strategic reserves.

Back in October 2024, the country’s government transferred approximately 935 BTC to a Binance deposit address.