Bhutan has become the first country in the world to offer a national-level cryptocurrency payment system for the tourism industry.

Binance Pay and Bhutan’s fully digital DK Bank will collaborate on the new payment system, with more than 100 merchants already live.

Binance Pay is a borderless crypto payment feature on the Binance app, allowing users and merchants to pay, send, and receive crypto worldwide without incurring gas fees.

It supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, with 40 million active users and 32,000 merchants.

The new model will enable Binance Pay users to pay for nearly every part of their Bhutan journey using supported cryptocurrencies.

This includes airline tickets to Bhutan, tourist visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), hotel bookings, tour guides, monument entry fees, and local shopping, which can all be settled through static and dynamic QR code payments.

"We are excited to partner with Bhutan as we are not only advancing the use of cryptocurrencies in travel but also setting a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies," said Richard Teng, chief executive of Binance. "This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences."

Damcho Rinzin, director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan said that the new model is more than simply a payment solution, describing instead as a "commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience."

"It enables a seamless experience for travellers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy," continued Rinzin.

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