Effortless Cryptocurrency Journeys: Discover 6 Nations Offering Higher Coin Value
In a world where digital currencies are becoming increasingly mainstream, the travel industry is embracing this shift with open arms. Crypto-friendly travel destinations are expanding globally, integrating cryptocurrency payment systems into everyday tourism and commerce, offering practical opportunities for travelers to spend digital currencies in real-world scenarios.
One such destination is Buenos Aires, Argentina, which hosts over 130 businesses that accept Bitcoin. Tourists can now pay for dining, shopping, and local experiences directly with crypto. Argentina's new regulatory framework, known as VASP rules, enhances security and trust for users engaging in crypto transactions while traveling [1].
Thailand is another destination jumping on the bandwagon. A new government-backed system called TouristDigiPay will allow tourists to convert cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin into Thai baht electronically, facilitating spending at numerous merchants without the need for them to accept crypto directly [3].
In the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan launched the world’s first nationwide state-backed "crypto-tourism" scheme. This initiative aims to enable small-scale and rural businesses to receive payments from international crypto users via familiar mobile payment infrastructure, reducing the need for costly card terminals or cash [5].
These destinations and systems offer several practical benefits:
- Direct payments in crypto at local merchants (e.g., restaurants, shops, tours)
- Booking travel services and accommodations with cryptocurrencies
- Converting crypto into local fiat currency electronically for broader acceptance
- Supporting rural and small businesses to participate in the tourism economy using crypto
- Reducing transaction fees and barriers associated with traditional financial services
- Providing financial access in areas with limited ATM or banking availability for travelers
Japan, the UAE, and Germany are among the destinations embracing digital currencies every year. Japan recognizes cryptocurrencies as official payment methods under the Payment Services Act, making it safe and easy for travelers to use digital currencies during their visit [2].
Germany is quickly becoming a hotspot for crypto travel in Europe, with businesses accepting cryptocurrencies for various experiences such as hotel stays, meals, museum visits, and local services [4]. The UAE offers a secure and forward-thinking environment for using digital currencies while traveling, with regulatory frameworks like the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) ensuring safe acceptance of cryptocurrency payments [6].
Using crypto while traveling can make payments faster, simpler, and more borderless, allowing travelers to focus on their adventures instead of currency exchange. Dubai Duty Free is exploring ways for travelers to shop using crypto, creating new opportunities for spending digital assets at the airport [7]. Major airlines in Dubai have started partnering with crypto payment platforms, allowing passengers to pay for tickets and in-flight services with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins [8].
Platforms like Travala.com enable crypto holders to book flights, hotels, and activities worldwide using over 100 different cryptocurrencies, rewarding users with travel incentives and simplifying itinerary planning [1]. With such advancements, the adoption of cryptocurrencies in the travel industry is expanding, giving travelers more ways to pay seamlessly for accommodations, meals, flights, and experiences in various countries.
References:
[1] Travala.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://travala.com/
[2] Payment Services Act (Japan). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mof.go.jp/english/services/financial/psa/index.html
[3] TouristDigiPay. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.touristdigipay.com/
[4] Coinmap.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://coinmap.org/de/
[5] Bhutan Crypto Tourism. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bhutancryptotourism.com/
[6] Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.virtualassets.ae/
[7] Dubai Duty Free. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dubaidutyfree.com/
[8] Major airlines in Dubai partner with crypto payment platforms. (2021, June 21). Retrieved from https://cointelegraph.com/news/major-airlines-in-dubai-partner-with-crypto-payment-platforms
- In Germany, businesses are now accepting cryptocurrencies for various lifestyle experiences, such as hotel stays, meals, museum visits, and local services, making it a growing hotspot for crypto travel in Europe.
- The Thailand-backed system TouristDigiPay facilitates spending cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin electronically across numerous merchants, by converting crypto into Thai baht.
- Argentina's new regulatory framework, known as VASP rules, enhances security and trust for users engaging in crypto transactions while traveling, attracting more tourists to migrate to crypto-friendly destinations for travel.
