Bhutan launched the world's first national-level cryptocurrency tourism payment system in partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank, the country's first fully digital bank.

This initiative enables international travelers to use over 100 cryptocurrencies—including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), and USD Coin (USDC) - to pay for a wide range of services during their visit, such as flights, visas, accommodations, local transportation, and even street market purchases.

Key Points

• The system allows international tourists to use over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin, to pay for services such as flights, visas, hotels, transportation, and local purchases.
• The initiative is a collaboration between the Bhutanese government, Binance Pay, and DK Bank, Bhutan's first fully digital bank.
• Tourists can make instant payments using dynamic or static QR codes, with the transactions settled in Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) through DK Bank.
• The system operates without any gas fees, making transactions cost-effective for both tourists and local merchants.
• Small businesses, especially in remote areas, can now accept digital payments using smartphones, promoting financial inclusion and expanding market access.
• Bhutan has been investing in Bitcoin since 2019 using hydroelectric power, and now holds an estimated 12,000 BTC, placing it among the top sovereign holders of Bitcoin.
• This pioneering move positions Bhutan as a global leader in merging tourism with blockchain technology in a secure, government-supported environment.