Bhutan embraces crypto payments system in partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank, allowing travelers and locals to pay for flights, visas, hotels, fees, and even street food using BTC, BNB, USDT, and more across ~1,000 merchants nationwide. This marks a shift from the kingdom’s largely cash-based economy to embracing crypto-powered tourism.
Binance Pay & DK Bank Integration
- Binance Pay integration enables crypto spending across the tourism value chain—from hotel stays to services—all settled instantly in ngultrum via DK Bank.
- Bhutan’s Department of Tourism chief, Damcho Rinzin, noted that crypto tourists typically spend ~$1,000 each, nearly three times the average tourist expenditure.
Bhutan’s Green Bitcoin Mining
- The country has used its abundant hydropower since 2019 to mine Bitcoin, amassing over 12,000 BTC (~$600 million) as part of its economic reserves.
- This “green crypto” initiative funnels mining revenue into public salaries and infrastructure, promoting sustainability.
Gelephu Mindfulness City: Crypto at Scale
- The planned Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) aims to incorporate Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB into its strategic reserves.
- GMC will operate as a Special Administrative Region spanning ~2,500 km², weaving blockchain and digital assets into its economic infrastructure.
Connectivity: A Real-World Challenge
- Many rural and even urban locations still lack reliable internet, hampering crypto payment usability.
- However, Starlink satellite internet, launched in Bhutan in February 2025, is expected to bring reliable 100–200 Mbps speeds—unlocking the rollout’s potential.
Why This Matters
- Tourism impact: Instant settlements and no forex fees have helped boost tourist spend and vendor revenue.
- Financial inclusion: Rural builders and small sellers now accept global payments via QR codes on phones.
- Sustainability alignment: Crypto-mined hydropower capital supports Bhutan’s carbon-neutral vision and tech-forward identity.
Risks & Considerations
- Connectivity issues may lead to failed or delayed transactions in rural areas .
- Regulatory clarity around crypto payments remains limited—though early pilots show promise.
- Sustainability scaling: Hydropower operations must expand significantly to meet GMC’s target of ~15 GW capacity .
Looking Ahead
- Starlink rollout will improve internet access and transaction reliability.
- Ethereum-kind reserve building in GMC could establish Bhutan as a model for ecological, inclusive digital cities.
- Bhutan may provide a plan for other tourism-focused, eco-conscious nations exploring crypto payments.
Conclusion
Bhutan’s crypto-powered payment system exemplifies innovation through sustainability and tourism—an initiative where tradition meets technology. By combining its green mining, mindful urban planning, and global access, Bhutan stands at the forefront of inclusive fintech in tourism. Follow developments like GMC’s rollout and Starlink’s expansion to see how crypto transformations unfold firsthand.