#Digitalcurrency

Bhutan has emerged as a global leader in tech-savvy tourism by launching the world’s first nationwide, government-backed crypto payment system, aiming to fundamentally reshape the visitor experience in this Himalayan kingdom. As of May 2025, nearly every aspect of a traveler’s stay in Bhutan – from visa fees and flights, to hotels, meals, and even entry into centuries-old dzongs – can now be paid for with digital currencies like Bitcoin via a seamless service jointly launched by Binance Pay and Bhutan’s state-owned DK Bank, as detailed in a recent SCMP exclusive.

Bhutan is redefining travel payments with a government-backed crypto system. By May 2025, visitors could pay for visas, flights, hotels, meals, and dzong entries using digital currencies like Bitcoin. The service is developed by Binance Pay in collaboration with Bhutan’s state-owned DK Bank. This marks a bold shift in how tourism finances are managed in the Himalayan kingdom.

For Thailand and the wider Southeast Asian region, Bhutan’s approach shows how technology and finance reshape travel. Governments compete to attract tech-savvy visitors while supporting economic recovery after the pandemic. Bhutan’s model demonstrates that a strong payment ecosystem can drive growth without compromising cultural and environmental priorities.