Cryptocurrency may still be the coin of the future for many nations, but the mountain kingdom of Bhutan is now seeing cryptocurrency in use as a payment option for travellers through its partnership with Binance Pay.
Blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider Binance’s chief executive Richard Teng was in Bhutan last month for the official launch of the partnership.
At the same time, a group of international influencers from key markets also travelled to Bhutan to experience Binance Pay in action and explore its potential to transform travel through seamless, cashless transactions.
The group will explore Bhutan using only their Binance Pay wallets, with curated itineraries designed to highlight the best of the kingdom, from luxury lodges and family-run farmstays to Buddhist monuments, handicraft markets, cafés, and off-the beaten-path adventures.
The future is here
Since announcing its partnership with Binance Pay in May of this year, Bhutan has witnessed a tenfold increase in crypto-enabled merchants across the country from just 100 at launch to over 1,000 as of today, 10th July.
Visitors can now use cryptocurrency to pay for nearly all aspects of their journey, making Bhutan one of the most crypto-accessible destinations in the world.
According to Teng: “This remarkable progress in such a short time reflects Bhutan’s openness to innovation and its people’s readiness to embrace new possibilities. This is not just about numbers; it’s about building an ecosystem where technology empowers people, connects communities, and enhances everyday experiences. Bhutan is showing the world how digital finance can enrich travel, simplify transactions, and build stronger connections.”
This partnership likewise highlights Bhutan’s bold approach to innovation in tourism, merging technology with cultural authenticity to create seamless, future-ready travel experiences.
Indeed, the initiative supports Bhutan’s broader goals of financial inclusion, rural upliftment, and tourism diversification, with the new Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region playing a key role to enable digital technologies that will support these goals.
