Bhutan has launched the world’s first national cryptocurrency-based tourism payment system in partnership with Binance Pay and local digital bank DK Bank. This innovative system enables travelers using Binance Pay to pay for nearly all aspects of their trip, from hotels to restaurants, using cryptocurrencies. This initiative positions Bhutan as a leader in digital finance innovation, streamlining travel for tech-savvy tourists and enhancing the nation’s appeal as a forward-thinking destination.

The collaboration allows travelers with Binance accounts to experience cashless journeys. Over 100 merchants are now integrated with DK Bank and Binance Pay, allowing visitors to enjoy the convenience and efficiency of digital transactions, from booking flights to purchasing local goods. Binance Pay users can use supported cryptocurrencies for airline tickets, tourist visas, Sustainable Development Fees (SDF), hotel bookings, tour guides, monument entry fees, local shopping, and more, all settled securely via QR code payments.

Bhutan, known as the "Kingdom of Happiness," prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, focusing on sustainability, cultural preservation, and societal well-being. This partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank furthers that vision by leveraging digital innovation to enhance travel experiences, empower local communities, and blend tradition with technology.

Key highlights of the system include seamless use of crypto for all travel-related expenses, a fully integrated system across immigration, travel agents, hotels, guides, and retail, and inclusive reach, enabling small vendors in remote areas to accept QR code payments. The system is powered by DK Bank, Bhutan's first fully digital bank, and offers lower fees than traditional payment methods with immediate transactions.

The system also provides comprehensive support for over 100 cryptocurrencies, including BNB, BTC, and USDC, and features secure transactions with encrypted measures, 2FA, and real-time confirmations via the Binance application.

Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it advances the use of cryptocurrencies in travel and sets a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies. Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan, emphasized the commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience, enabling a seamless experience for travelers and empowering small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.

This partnership marks the first instance of a tourism product accepting cryptocurrency at a national level, addressing common barriers to digital payments by offering low transaction fees and prompt settlements. Real-time notifications ensure transparency for both merchants and visitors. DK Bank, licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, brings modern technology to deliver accessible financial services, especially to marginalized and unbanked populations.

Binance Pay is a secure cryptocurrency payment feature on the Binance app, supporting over 300 cryptocurrencies and catering to millions of users and merchants globally. The Department of Tourism of Bhutan promotes sustainable tourism, sharing the Kingdom's experiences with conscious travelers, guided by high-value, low-volume tourism principles.