Home » El Salvador Travel News » United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Japan, United States, El Salvador And Malta Lead The Way In Crypto-Friendly Tourism As Thailand Launches New Sandbox To Accept Bitcoin From Tourists
Friday, July 18, 2025
As global tourism rapidly evolves to meet the expectations of tech-savvy travelers, countries like the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Japan, El Salvador, and Malta are embracing cryptocurrency to enhance the tourist experience. Now, Thailand is joining this movement with a pioneering crypto sandbox initiative that allows foreign visitors to convert Bitcoin and other digital assets into Thai baht for local spending. This strategic move not only reflects growing global demand for flexible, digital-first payment options but also highlights how forward-thinking nations are leveraging crypto to boost tourism, simplify cross-border transactions, and stay competitive in the digital economy.
Key Highlights
Thailand has unveiled plans for a national cryptocurrency sandbox that will let international travelers convert digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, into Thai baht for use within the country.Several other nations—including El Salvador, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, and Japan—are also making progress in adopting crypto-friendly policies within their tourism industries.The global tourism landscape is witnessing a growing interest in digital asset integration, with countries striking various balances between regulatory control and technological advancement.Thai financial authorities are positioning the country as a forward-thinking destination by enabling the use of digital currencies in everyday tourist transactions.
Thailand’s financial leaders have introduced a groundbreaking proposal to create a nationwide crypto sandbox designed specifically for international visitors. This initiative would allow travelers to seamlessly convert cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin into Thai baht, enabling easier and more convenient spending during their stay.
This progressive step reflects Thailand’s broader ambition to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for digitally native tourists. By bridging the gap between cryptocurrency and practical travel use, the country hopes to appeal to tech-oriented travelers seeking seamless financial experiences abroad.
However, Thailand is not the only country paving the way for crypto in travel. A growing number of destinations are embracing the use of digital assets in tourism:
El Salvador has officially adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, positioning itself as a global pioneer in crypto-tourism.Malta continues to brand itself as the “Blockchain Island,” attracting investors and travelers with crypto-centric services.UAE is rolling out blockchain-based systems and promoting crypto transactions in hospitality and luxury travel.Portugal offers a favorable regulatory environment for crypto users and digital nomads.Japan has integrated cryptocurrency payments into select tourist services, particularly in tech-forward districts.
Despite these developments, the global approach to crypto in tourism varies significantly. While enthusiasm is shared, regulatory frameworks differ from country to country. Some nations offer more freedom to innovate, while others emphasize strict oversight to prevent financial misuse.
Thailand’s proposed crypto sandbox is a strategic move that blends innovation with regulatory oversight. If successfully implemented, it could serve as a model for other nations seeking to enhance their tourism industries through digital finance.
This forward-looking proposal highlights the country’s commitment to digital transformation within the tourism sector, reflecting a desire to stay competitive in an increasingly tech-savvy global travel market.
Thailand’s Crypto Sandbox Initiative Seeks to Blend Innovation and Regulation
Thailand is moving forward with an ambitious plan to integrate cryptocurrency into its tourism infrastructure through a proposed national crypto sandbox. Currently open for public feedback, the initiative is designed to evaluate the practical use of converting digital currencies into Thai baht within a tightly regulated framework.
Under this pilot program, licensed digital asset service providers—including approved cryptocurrency exchanges and brokerage platforms—will be authorized to operate, subject to regulatory clearance. The sandbox will enable visiting travelers to exchange cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin into Thai baht for use throughout the country via electronic spending methods.
Notably, the initiative does not support direct crypto payments for goods and services. Instead, it focuses on conversion to local currency to preserve transparency and align with financial monitoring standards. This approach reflects Thailand’s attempt to embrace emerging technologies without compromising its regulatory priorities.
By facilitating crypto-to-fiat conversion rather than allowing decentralized currencies to function as a direct payment mechanism, the Thai government is signaling a cautious yet progressive stance. This careful balance between innovation and oversight positions the country to attract a new wave of digitally inclined tourists while maintaining economic security.
The sandbox framework is a response to the rising global trend of digital assets being used to support tourism growth and ease cross-border transactions. As more travelers seek seamless financial solutions, nations around the world are reevaluating how cryptocurrencies can be part of the tourism experience.
Countries Embracing Cryptocurrency in Tourism
Several countries have already begun integrating cryptocurrencies into their tourism sectors, offering inspiration and models for others like Thailand to follow:
El Salvador
El Salvador made headlines in 2021 by becoming the first nation to officially recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. This historic decision allowed both locals and tourists to make everyday transactions—including dining, retail, and transportation—using the cryptocurrency.
However, El Salvador’s aggressive crypto push faced pushback from international institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As a result, the government scaled back certain components of its Bitcoin strategy, such as reducing its promotional support for the state-operated Chivo wallet and eliminating the universal requirement for businesses to accept Bitcoin.
Despite these regulatory adjustments, El Salvador has continued investing in Bitcoin and remains closely monitored by the IMF. The nation’s bold move has positioned it as a global case study for crypto integration in both public finance and tourism.
Malta
Often referred to as the “Blockchain Island,” Malta has carved out a reputation as one of Europe’s most crypto-progressive destinations. The country began embracing digital currencies early, with widespread merchant acceptance of Bitcoin dating back to 2016.
Today, travelers visiting Malta can use cryptocurrencies to access a range of services, including booking flights, hotels, and other travel-related experiences. This digital payment flexibility has made Malta particularly appealing to tech-savvy tourists and digital nomads looking for seamless financial interactions abroad.
The nation’s government has also established robust regulatory frameworks for blockchain technology and cryptocurrency enterprises, helping to solidify its standing as a safe and attractive location for crypto-based tourism and investment.
Malta
Malta has long positioned itself as a frontrunner in cryptocurrency regulation, thanks to its Virtual Financial Assets Act (VFAA), which came into force in 2018. This legislation offers a streamlined and transparent process for crypto-related businesses to obtain operational licenses and aligns closely with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
Despite these advancements, some regulatory experts have flagged concerns about potential loopholes and areas where oversight may be lacking. Nonetheless, Malta continues to attract top-tier crypto firms. In early 2024, OKX—one of the world’s major cryptocurrency exchanges—secured preliminary approval for an EU-wide license based in Malta, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in digital finance.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai, has rapidly emerged as a crypto-forward hub in the Middle East, embracing digital assets across multiple sectors such as retail, hospitality, and real estate. Leading property developers including Emaar and DAMAC now accept Bitcoin and Ethereum for real estate transactions, further encouraging crypto adoption among international buyers and tourists.
In the tourism and travel sector, the UAE has continued its digital expansion. Many hotels and luxury service providers in Dubai now accept cryptocurrency for reservations and services, offering convenience to crypto-savvy visitors.
A major step forward came in July 2025 when Emirates Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com. This agreement sets the stage for integrating digital currency payments into the airline’s booking platform. By 2026, passengers are expected to be able to pay for flights and onboard services using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other popular cryptocurrencies—solidifying the UAE’s position as a global leader in crypto-powered tourism.
Portugal
Portugal has steadily gained a reputation as one of the most accommodating European destinations for digital asset enthusiasts. Though cryptocurrencies are not designated as legal tender, the country has promoted their use through favorable tax structures and light-touch regulation.
Numerous local businesses—especially in tourist-heavy regions like Lisbon and coastal towns—readily accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies for payment. From cafés and boutique shops to beachside restaurants, crypto is becoming an increasingly common method of transaction.
Additionally, platforms such as Bitrefill allow travelers to purchase gift cards using digital assets, making it easy to indirectly use crypto at major retailers across the country. This flexibility makes Portugal an attractive destination for crypto-friendly travel.
Japan
As one of the earliest adopters of Bitcoin regulation, Japan formally recognized the cryptocurrency as a valid form of payment back in 2017. While Japanese consumers still rely heavily on cash, a growing number of forward-thinking businesses are offering crypto payment options.
Major retail brands, including electronics giants like Yamada Denki, began accepting Bitcoin in 2021. Select travel agencies and retailers now allow crypto transactions, particularly in tourist-friendly areas.
Though the use of digital currencies is still somewhat limited and remains within highly regulated channels, Japan continues to pave the way for responsible crypto usage. Licensed exchanges and regulated businesses are slowly expanding their crypto offerings, especially for international tourists seeking digital payment solutions.
United States
The United States remains a major player in the global cryptocurrency landscape, but widespread use of digital currencies for travel and everyday purchases is still evolving. While regulatory discussions continue to shape the industry, tourists can already find selective ways to use crypto during their visits.
Online travel platforms such as Travala.com enable users to book hotels, flights, and activities with more than 100 types of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. This gives crypto holders some level of access to travel-related services.
However, direct crypto payments remain rare in brick-and-mortar establishments. A few businesses accept Bitcoin through services like BitPay, which instantly converts crypto to U.S. dollars at the point of sale, but adoption is far from widespread. As regulatory clarity improves, broader implementation of crypto in U.S. tourism may gradually follow.
Tags: Bitcoin payments in tourism, crypto regulations, Crypto tourism, digital currency travel, El Salvador Bitcoin tourism, Japan Bitcoin adoption, Malta blockchain travel, Portugal crypto-friendly, Thailand crypto sandbox, Travel Tech Innovation, UAE digital payments
