Cryptoast - Le média Crypto - J'ai visité la capitale du Bitcoin et voici ce que j'ai découvert...
Lugano, a city in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, is increasingly adopting Bitcoin and stablecoins like USDT and Luga for transactions. Since 2022, many local merchants have started accepting these digital currencies, and by late 2023, residents can even pay taxes using them. This shift is partly due to the Swiss population's higher economic and financial literacy, which makes them more aware of the benefits of deflationary currencies like Bitcoin. However, the adoption is uneven; merchants in less touristy areas are less familiar with processing Bitcoin payments, often requiring more time to complete transactions. In contrast, businesses in central or tourist-heavy areas are more accustomed to and efficient at handling such payments, indicating a growing but varied acceptance of cryptocurrency in the region.
Key Points:
- Lugano merchants accept Bitcoin, USDT, and Luga for payments.
- Residents can pay taxes with Bitcoin and stablecoins.
- Higher financial literacy in Switzerland aids cryptocurrency adoption.
- Adoption varies; central areas are more familiar with Bitcoin payments.
- Less touristy areas show slower adoption and familiarity.
Details:
1. 🇨🇭 Discovering Lugano During Bitcoin Week
- Lugano is a picturesque city in Switzerland, notable for its Italian-speaking population, offering a unique cultural blend.
- Bitcoin Week in Lugano is a significant event attracting cryptocurrency enthusiasts from around the world.
- The visit during Bitcoin Week highlights a variety of Bitcoin-related events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Lugano's strategic importance for Bitcoin Week is due to its progressive stance on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
- The city's involvement in Bitcoin Week underscores its commitment to becoming a hub for digital finance and innovation.
2. 💡 Swiss Financial Insight and Bitcoin's Role
- The Swiss have access to the Swiss Franc, considered the most stable currency globally, which diminishes their immediate reliance on Bitcoin as a financial hedge.
- Despite the stable currency, there is a trend in Switzerland towards understanding and embracing Bitcoin, spurred by a higher level of economic and financial literacy compared to countries like France.
- This financial literacy allows the Swiss to recognize Bitcoin's potential benefits, such as decentralization and protection against inflation, thereby highlighting its strategic role in a diversified financial portfolio.
- The Swiss perspective acknowledges Bitcoin not just as an alternative currency but as a valuable tool for financial innovation and economic resilience.
3. 🏙️ Lugano's Embrace of Crypto Payments
- Since 2022, many merchants in Lugano have started accepting payments in Bitcoin and stablecoins such as USDT and Luga.
- Luga is a stablecoin pegged to the Swiss Franc, enhancing local financial integration.
- By the end of 2023, Lugano residents can pay their taxes to the city in Bitcoin, USDT, or Luga, illustrating governmental acceptance of cryptocurrency.
- The integration of crypto payments is expected to attract tech-savvy tourists and boost local businesses by providing more payment options.
- Local businesses such as cafes, restaurants, and retail stores have reported an increase in customer engagement after adopting crypto payments.
4. 🛍️ Experiencing Bitcoin Transactions in Lugano
- Merchants in central and tourist-heavy areas, such as near the main square or the lake, are more familiar with Bitcoin transactions, allowing for quick and efficient payments.
- In contrast, in less tourist-frequented areas, merchants are less accustomed to processing Bitcoin payments, leading to longer transaction times and occasional confusion.
- The non-custodial Lightning Phenix wallet was used for transactions, and it performed effectively globally.
- Specific experiences included a smooth transaction at a popular cafe near the lake, showcasing merchant readiness and technology adoption.
- A bookstore in a quieter part of town exemplified the challenges, with staff requiring guidance to complete the transaction, reflecting varying levels of Bitcoin adoption across different areas.