Bhutan, known as one of the happiest countries on Earth, has taken a major leap in digital innovation by launching a nationwide cryptocurrency payment system in partnership with Binance Pay and the local DK Bank. 

The system is specifically designed to enhance the travel experience by allowing visitors to pay for goods and services using crypto.

Announced on May 7, this marks the first-ever nationwide integration of crypto payments. Travelers visiting Bhutan can now pay using over 100 supported cryptocurrencies — from flights and hotels to restaurants and government services — as long as they use a Binance account.

According to Binance, payments will be processed instantly in local currency via DK Bank, using QR code scanning within the Binance app.

More than 150 merchants and service providers across Bhutan have joined the system, including airlines, hotels, tour operators, and even government agencies.

Bhutan’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserves

As reported by Arkham Intelligence, the Bhutanese government holds the third-largest Bitcoin portfolio among national governments, with 12,061 BTC (worth over $1.2 billion). 

Unlike the U.S. and U.K., who seized most of their holdings, Bhutan acquired its Bitcoin through government-supported mining.

The country began mining Bitcoin in 2018, utilizing hydropower infrastructure and seasonal glacial meltwater to generate electricity for mining — especially during summer months.

"A Financial Battery"

Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of Druk Holding and Investments, described this process as a form of energy banking:

“So theoretically, you could mine Bitcoin in summer, and that value can support your energy security in winter,” Dahal said. “For us, it's a currency reserve.”

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