Bhutan: First country to adopt crypto payments in tourism

Why in News?

In May 2025, the Bhutan government has launched a revolutionary crypto-based tourism payment system in partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank.
With this move, Bhutan becomes the first sovereign nation in the world to officially integrate crypto payments into the national tourism policy.

Key Features and Objectives:-

This initiative sets a historic precedent globally, as it marks the confluence of blockchain and tourism sectors.
The system facilitates payments through over 100 cryptocurrencies, ensuring a cashless and seamless travel experience for international tourists.
Along with promoting the participation of rural vendors, the initiative also promotes financial inclusion.

Element	Details
Project Launch	May 2025, by the Government of Bhutan
Partner Institutions	Binance Pay and DK Bank
Payment Areas	Flight tickets, hotel bookings, visa and SDF fees, monument tickets, local shopping
Payment System	QR code-based (static and dynamic), no need for card terminals
Automated Currency Conversion	Crypto payments are immediately converted to BTN (Bhutanese Ngultrum)
Participating Businesses	Over 100 local businesses, including in rural areas
Main Objectives	Cashless tourism, financial inclusion, reduction in transaction costs, technological leadership
Key Benefits	Reduction in foreign exchange costs, faster and safer transactions, digital innovation

Bhutan has led the way in technological innovation by adopting cryptocurrency in tourism services at the national level.
This initiative not only promotes digital convenience but also positions Bhutan as a global leader in smart and sustainable tourism.
It will increase participation in the $3 trillion dollar global crypto market and support Bhutan’s economic diversification.
Binance CEO Richard Tseng termed it “technology connecting cultures”, while Damcho Rinzin, director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, called it a symbol of the country’s digital commitment.

Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
Crypto Investments: Bhutan already holds 12,062 Bitcoins (BTC), worth an estimated $1.17 billion.
- Bhutan has already been an active player in the field of crypto mining.

Capital: Thimpu
Official language: Dzongkha
Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
Political system: Constitutional monarchy
King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel WangchuckPrime Minister: (Confirmation required for update in 2025)
Official religion: Vajrayana Buddhism
Population: ~7.5 lakh
Important policy: Gross National Happiness (GNH)

The Indian states that share a border with Bhutan are as follows: