The adoption of Bitcoin can happen in the unlikeliest of places. Taiwan is one such place where the growth of digital currency has taken outsiders by surprise.
Being a truly global currency, there are no borders preventing the usage of digital currency across boundaries. The decentralized nature of Bitcoin also makes it impossible for the governments to directly interfere with the transactions. This very nature of bitcoin also makes it a favored currency among international travellers as they can avoid the hassles of currency conversions and the hefty fees associated with it. But in order for them to use the digital currency at any destination, there should be enough merchants accepting it.
Taiwan is becoming a travel hotspot for Bitcoin lovers mainly because of the high adoption rates. It is not just the travellers, even the locals use the digital currency on a regular basis to pay for purchases. People can even go to a supermarket and buy Bitcoin over the counter in Taiwan.
In a recent blog post, the Japanese cryptocurrency exchange CoinCheck has mentioned about the surge in the usage of bitcoin among the Taiwanese. According to the author, there are at least 3000 FamilyMart convenience stores where bitcoin can be bought round the clock. These shops also accept Bitcoin payments from its customers. People can also buy vouchers with bitcoin and use these vouchers to pay for goods at shops.
Tourists also have a handful of options when it comes to accommodation. However, there are no fancy hotels listed among these options. These tourist accommodations are more like hostels than hotels. Bitcoin House Taiwan is apparently one of the popular ones among backpackers and tech-nomads. There are also places that conduct tours and special trips for bitcoin. And then there are bitcoin events held on a regular basis where one can drop in and meet members of the Taiwanese bitcoin community.
If a tourist wants to further explore the country, then he/she may need Taiwanese Dollars, which can be easily procured from sites like Local Bitcoins. All these factors make it easier for tourists and backpackers to visit Taiwan and pay for most of their trip with just bitcoin. it is not only advantageous for the tourists as it will help them reduce costs, but it is also good for tourism as many members of the bitcoin community from across the world would like to visit the place just to be able to plan their whole holiday with bitcoin.
Ref: CoinCheck Blog | Image: LonelyPlanet
