Bhutan has become the first country in the world to implement a fully integrated national cryptocurrency payment system for tourism.
On 7 May 2025, Bhutan announced the collaboration between its government and Binance Pay – the payment arm of the world’s largest crypto exchange. Apart from Binance Pay, the Royal Government of Bhutan has also partnered with the local DK Bank, which will manage the crypto settlements on the ground.
“Whether you’re flying in, checking into a hotel, or picking up handmade crafts in a village shop, the entire Bhutan travel experience can now be powered by crypto,” said Binance. “This approach not only simplifies travel logistics but also removes some of the most persistent pain points in cross-border tourism, such as high transaction and currency exchange fees, and limited acceptance of international cards.”
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
Netizens have lauded the move. “The world is steadily moving toward mass crypto adoption — one country at a time,” said X user Tom Tucker. Many hailed the move by Bhutan as a “game changer” for crypto, travel and financial inclusion. Crypto users specifically are hoping this would make travel smarter, easier and future-ready.
Furthermore, the move is expected to empower local businesses, even in remote villages, to go digital, a real-world example of how crypto fuels inclusion and innovation.
Changpeng Zhao (CZ) himself took to X to celebrate the move. “Pay in crypto with Binance in Bhutan!” he said.
Bhutan And Its Unique Bitcoin Strategy
ARKHAM GOVERNMENT BITCOIN HOLDINGS LEADERBOARD
1. United States – $12.16B
2. United Kingdom – $3.67B
3. Bhutan – $782.46M
4. El Salvador – $351.75MHonorable Mention – Germany – ZERO (down from $3.56B) pic.twitter.com/hHo7v1QYgC
— Arkham (@arkham) September 19, 2024
Bhutan has emerged as a significant player in the cryptocurrency world.
With over 13,000 Bitcoins now identified on the blockchain analysis platform Arkham Intelligence.
Valued at $750 million, Bhutan’s Bitcoin reserves place it among the largest governmental Bitcoin holders. Unlike most countries, where Bitcoin holdings often result from law enforcement asset seizures, Bhutan’s accumulation stems directly from its state-backed Bitcoin mining operations through Druk Holdings, the country’s investment arm. As this development unfolds, questions arise about how Bhutan’s crypto strategy will impact Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency industry.
According to Arkham, Bhutan’s mining facilities are located in various locations, with the largest mining site built on the now-defunct Education City project.
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Key Takeaways
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Tourism generates a major chunk of revenue for Bhutan, and the country is now looking to make it more economical for visitors and travellers.
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Notably, no digital assets are currently recognised as a legal tender in Bhutan.
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