Bhutan is steadily expanding cryptocurrency payments across its tourism sector.
This is a part of a broader push toward digital-first infrastructure and sustainable growth, positioning itself as a crypto-friendly destination for global travelers.
The Himalayan kingdom, often ranked as the world's happiest country, has rolled out Binance Pay across hotels, airlines, guides, and even farmhouses.
Related: Video: How I survived a week using only crypto in Bhutan
Education and infrastructure drive adoption
Speaking to TheStreet Roundtable 's Mehab Qureshi , Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan, stated that the adoption of cryptocurrency payments aims to address long-standing issues with cross-border transactions and limited credit card access.
Traditional payment rails have posed challenges for international visitors, particularly due to delays and reliance on foreign banks, he explained.
Rinzin acknowledged that education remains a key factor in accelerating crypto usage.
"I think certainly there is a need to educate more because people need to understand and be convinced that Binance is a solution for some of the challenges we have especially online payment,"he said.
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He also added that adoption has also come organically, with more than 1,000 users joining within the first month of rollout.
While Rinzin declined to share regulatory specifics, he said the country's policies align with a national vision focused on digital transformation and environmental sustainability.
That strategy includes the development of a domestic digital currency and broader digitization initiatives, reinforcing Bhutan's image as a green, tech-forward economy.
"Going digital is very environmentally friendly," Rinzin said, adding that the approach fits closely with Bhutan's tourism philosophy.
"Our country is pro crypto,"Rinzin said.
Crypto tourism targets long-term visitors
Bhutan's crypto payment network is already live across major tourism touchpoints.
Travelers can pay visa and sustainable development fees, book flights, reserve hotels, hire guides and transact with local merchants using Binance Pay, according to Rinzin.
The country hopes the move will attract long-term and repeat visitors from the global crypto community.
Rinzin said Bhutan is targeting crypto holders who are interested in staying longer.
"Stay longer, know, repeat, come back again and again. This is exactly what Bhutan is looking for,"he said.
As more destinations experiment with digital assets, Bhutan's nationwide approach stands out for its integration across both public and private services.
With airlines, immigration authorities, and rural businesses already on board, the country is positioning itself as one of the most crypto-accessible tourism markets globally.
Related: Bhutan partners with Binance to launch first tourism crypto payments
This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Innovation section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
