Bhutan Bets Big on Crypto Tourism—Partners with Binance Pay for Global First

Bhutan just flipped the script on travel payments. The Himalayan kingdom is rolling out the world’s first national crypto tourism payment system—powered by Binance Pay. No more fumbling with currency exchanges or dodgy ATM fees.

Why it matters: This isn’t just another ’crypto adoption’ headline. Bhutan’s move directly targets high-value tourists who’ve been stacking sats—finally giving them a seamless way to spend digital assets in paradise. Think luxury resorts, trekking permits, and artisan purchases—all settled in crypto.

The fine print: While the partnership screams innovation, let’s see how many tourists actually whip out their Binance apps instead of good old-fashioned plastic. After all, even in 2025, most ’crypto believers’ still cash out to fiat the second prices dip 10%.

Bhutan And Its Unique Bitcoin Strategy

ARKHAM GOVERNMENT Bitcoin HOLDINGS LEADERBOARD

1. United States – $12.16B
2. United Kingdom – $3.67B
3. Bhutan – $782.46M
4. El Salvador – $351.75M

Honorable Mention – Germany – ZERO (down from $3.56B) pic.twitter.com/hHo7v1QYgC

— Arkham (@arkham) September 19, 2024

Bhutan has emerged as a significant player in the cryptocurrency world.

With over 13,000 Bitcoins now identified on the blockchain analysis platform Arkham Intelligence.

Valued at $750 million, Bhutan’s bitcoin reserves place it among the largest governmental Bitcoin holders. Unlike most countries, where Bitcoin holdings often result from law enforcement asset seizures, Bhutan’s accumulation stems directly from its state-backed Bitcoin mining operations through Druk Holdings, the country’s investment arm. As this development unfolds, questions arise about how Bhutan’s crypto strategy will impact Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency industry.

According to Arkham, Bhutan’s mining facilities are located in various locations, with the largest mining site built on the now-defunct Education City project.

Key Takeaways

• Tourism generates a major chunk of revenue for Bhutan, and the country is now looking to make it more economical for visitors and travellers.

• Notably, no digital assets are currently recognised as a legal tender in Bhutan.