Experience a seamless crypto-powered journey — from flights and visas to local purchases in Bhutan
Bhutan is setting a new global standard in travel by becoming the first nation to implement a national-level crypto payment for tourism. This groundbreaking innovation allows travellers with Binance accounts to enjoy a completely cashless journey through Bhutan. Developed in partnership with Binance Pay and Bhutan’s fully digital DK Bank, the system offers a seamless, secure, and flexible end-to-end crypto payment experience. More than 100 merchants across the country, even those in remote areas, are now working with Binance Pay and DK Bank, enabling everything from booking flights to buying fresh fruit from roadside vendors to be paid for digitally, ensuring a seamless experience.
The partnership marks the first time a tourism product has accepted cryptocurrency at a national level. It addresses common barriers to digital payments, such as high transaction fees and limited merchant acceptance, by offering a low transaction fee with zero gas fees and prompt settlements. Real-time notifications further ensure transparency for both merchants and visitors.
Travellers using Binance Pay can now cover almost every aspect of their Bhutan experience with supported cryptocurrencies. This includes airline tickets, tourist visas, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), accommodation, tour guides, monument entry, local shopping, and more, all through static or dynamic QR code payments via over 100 cryptocurrencies, including BNB, BTC, and USDC.
Known as the “Kingdom of Happiness,” Bhutan champions Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, placing sustainability, cultural preservation, and societal well-being at the heart of its development. This forward-looking collaboration with Binance Pay and DK Bank aligns with that philosophy, using digital innovation to enhance travel experiences, empower local communities, and harmonise tradition with technology. It is also security assured with encrypted payments, 2FA, and real-time confirmations via the Binance app.
Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, said, “We are excited to partner with Bhutan as we not only advance the use of cryptocurrencies in travel but also set a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences.”
“This is more than a payment solution — it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience. It enables a seamless experience for travellers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”
To find out more, please visit bhutan.travel
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For any inquiries, please contact media@tcb.gov.bt or pr@binance.com
For more information about Bhutan, visit bhutan.travel or follow on Instagram // Facebook
For media enquiries, please contact Paul Charles / Mel Paxton / Marty Ruczynska / Scarlett Fraser / via Bhutan@pc.agency or 020 7768 0001
About The Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism of Bhutan is dedicated to promoting sustainable travel to the Kingdom. Guided by the country’s high-value, low-volume tourism strategy, it works to share Bhutan’s unique places, people, and experiences with mindful travellers.
About DK Bank
DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, is powering the local settlement mechanism. Licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, DK Bank brings modern technology and innovation to deliver seamless, secure, and accessible financial services to all strata of society, especially those marginalised and unbanked. Learn more at Digital Kidu.
About Binance Pay
Binance Payis a secure, borderless crypto payment feature within the Binance app, enabling users and merchants to send, receive, and spend crypto globally with zero gas fees. Supporting over 300 cryptocurrencies, it serves more than 40 million active users and 32,000 merchants. With over 270 million users across 100+ countries, Binance remains the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users.
Bhutan Believe
Bhutan Believe is Bhutan’s national identity, which showcases an evolution and a spirit of optimism, destined to inspire pride and spark the imagination of citizens and visitors alike.
As part of the revamped identity, the nation developed policies and plans for the country’s advancement, in particular, for how it can invest in creating sustainable opportunities for its young people. Bhutan Believe goes beyond simply creating a new identity but aims to leverage the power of branding to connect Bhutan and the stories it wants to tell with a global audience.
Bhutan Visas and SDF
Applying for a visa (or permit) to Bhutan is simple. All visitors must have a visa and permit before travelling to Bhutan (except for tourists from India who can obtain a permit on arrival and those from the Maldives and Bangladesh who can also obtain a visa on arrival). Visitors apply online for a visa or permit, or via a Bhutanese Tour Operator. It takes around five days to process a visa.
All guests must pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night (Concessionary rates apply for children) and a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of USD 40. Indian guests pay SDF of Nu/INR. 1,200 per person per night. The SDF funds important cultural, environmental, health, and educational projects across Bhutan. More information is available at: www.bhutan.travel
About the PC Agency
The PC Agency is one of the world’s most sought-after luxury travel PR and trade marketing consultancies. Firmly independent and passionately proactive, we deliver high-impact consumer, corporate, crisis, and digital campaigns for luxury travel and tourism brands. Our team of 35 experts advises distinctive hotels, airlines, tourism boards, tour operators, and luxury cruise lines, providing in-depth strategic insight, PR, trade marketing, and digital and events support. Founded by former BBC News presenter and Virgin Atlantic director, CEO Paul Charles, was named the 2022 winner of the TravMedia PR Professional of the Year Award. The PC Agency team has been recognised for eight years running as The Most Influential Travel PR Consultancy in the annual PR Week Powerbook and has also been shortlisted for Best PR and Trade Consultancy at the TTG Awards.
