Bhutan Launched First Crypto-Tourism Payment | 16 May 2025

Source: FE 

Bhutan has become the first country to launch a national cryptocurrency tourism payment system in partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank, enabling fully cashless travel using cryptocurrencies. 

• The system supports over 300 cryptocurrencies like Binance Coin (BNB), Bitcoin (BTC), and USD Coin (USDC), facilitating seamless QR code-based real-time payments.  
• This initiative seeks to lower transaction costs, boost tourism, and improve financial inclusion in Bhutan. 

Cryptocurrency: 

• Cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital or virtual currency secured by cryptography. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger using blockchain technology and maintained by a global network of computers.  
  • Eg: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. 
• In India, cryptocurrency is not a legal tender, but not banned either.  

Bhutan: 

• Bhutan (capital Thimphu), also called “Land of the Thunder Dragon” is a landlocked Himalayan country between India and China. 
• The Manas River, over 376 km long, is Bhutan’s longest river and a transboundary river shared with India. 
• Bhutan is the world’s first carbon-neutral country and prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP.