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Bhutan has become the world’s first country to roll out a national-level crypto payment system for tourism, thanks to a partnership between Binance Pay and the country’s first fully digital bank, DK Bank.

Travellers can now book flights, pay visa fees, cover the Sustainable Development Fee, book hotels and guides, and even buy fruit from roadside stalls using cryptocurrency through Binance Pay. More than 100 merchants across the Kingdom have already signed up.

The system accepts over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, BNB, and USDC, with zero gas fees and instant QR code payments. Even remote vendors can participate, marking a huge step towards financial inclusion.

Binance CEO Richard Teng said the partnership sets “a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies,” while Bhutan’s Department of Tourism described it as a “commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience.”

DK Bank, licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, manages local settlements, ensuring real-time confirmations and encrypted transactions for a seamless experience.

The collaboration aligns with Bhutan’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness, blending tradition with cutting-edge digital infrastructure to enhance the travel experience.