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In Bhutan, where monks walk past mountain temples, crypto payments are making noise.
As part of Binance’s crypto tour, Cointelegraph visited the capital Thimphu and touristy Paro. They saw people buying snacks and paying hotel bills with Bitcoin and USDT—yes, crypto for dumplings.
Binance teamed up with DK Bank on May 7. Since then, Bhutan users can pay for hotels, flights, and even street food using Bitcoin, BNB, or USDT. Over 1,000 local businesses are already onboard.
Locals are still figuring out how this “crypto stuff” works. Tour guide Kuenley Dorjee says cash is still king but change is coming. “It’s easier and cheaper,” he adds.
King Jigme, also called the “Dragon King,” is backing tech moves. Bhutan even mines Bitcoin using hydropower—way back since BTC was only $5K. They now hold over 12,000 BTC. In 2023, Bhutan launched a crypto reserve project.
But here’s the rub: internet in Bhutan can be sloooow. Spotty WiFi in Thimphu and Paro frustrates crypto users. One Redditor called it “tedious torture.”
Hope is on the horizon though. Starlink launched in February, offering satellite internet with speeds up to 200 Mbps. DK Bank’s Ugy Gelephuin called it a blessing. “Speed is crucial for crypto,” he said.
