The Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) will soon introduce an updated online payment gateway for tourists. During today’s National Assembly question hour, the Prime Minister said the gateway will tackle growing concerns about unregulated cash transactions, tax evasion, and the outflow of foreign currency in the tourism industry.
Currently, tourists can only pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and visa fees online. However, expenses on transport, guides, and hotels remain untracked, leading to tax evasion and foreign currency leakage.
Lamgong-Wangchang MP Sonam Tashi asked the government if there is a plan to establish a mandatory online payment system to address these issues.
Lamgong-Wangchang MP Sonam Tashi said, “One way to address this is by introducing a mandatory card or online payment system to track their expenses. This approach would not only enhance transparency and generate revenue, but also align with our tourism policy of High Value, Low Volume. If we are committed to our national brand, Bhutan Believe, then a secure and standardised online system will support that vision and benefit everyone in the tourism industry.”
In response, the Prime Minister said RMA is currently developing a clear and accessible online payment gateway for all tourists.
He said, “Besides credit card services, RMA is also engaging with various countries to look into their payment systems and discuss establishing an effective online payment gateway in the country.”
He acknowledged current challenges in facilitating online payments beyond SDF and visa fees, citing the country’s limited digital infrastructure and lack of card payment machines.
“While using these payment cards, an additional 4 per cent service charge is incurred, which is in line with international norms. However, this charge is typically borne by sellers or business owners. In our country, it is instead passed on to the buyers or customers, which discourages tourists from using online payment systems,” said the prime minister.
The Prime Minister assured that the government is willing to cover the service charge if necessary.
He added that once the updated gateway is implemented, it will benefit industry workers and help retain the country’s foreign reserves.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sangay Chezom
