As the cryptocurrency revolution carries itself into 2018, Brisbane airport becomes the first airport to accept cryptocurrency as a mode of financial transactions. While it may have got all the tech savvy people excited, what remains to be seen is this mode of payment a viable option for the long-term future?
In its fight for legitimacy and acceptance as a valid currency, crypto coins have received a massive boost as Brisbane becomes the first airport to accept cryptocurrency as a mode of payment at the shops on its terminals. The news brings forth a lot of cheer from the people who have banked on cryptocurrencies as the future of financial transactions.
A partnership with TravelbyBit
After successfully engineering a partnership with TravelbyBit, a local cryptocurrency trading exchange, the retail stores at the airport will be equipped with famous cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, and Steem.
The airport authorities in Brisbane are looking at this move with a lot of pride and optimism as they aim to trendsetters for airports around the world.
“Many people around the world have made money investing in cryptocurrencies and a lot of these people travel internationally, so it makes sense to offer a digital currency experience within our terminals,” Roel Hellemons, a general manager at the Brisbane Airport Corporation
On the other hand, the TravelbyBit CEO Caleb Yeoh considers this move as a big step in the recognition of digital currency in the travel industry. He goes on to say:
“Whenever you travel overseas you have to deal with multiple currencies and you never know what exchange rates the banks are charging you,” Yeoh said. “Here at TravelbyBit, we are promoting the Bitcoin travel movement. Digital currency for worldwide travel. It’s simple, safe and there’s no bank fees.”
Another drop in the ocean of the rising popularity
Although this move by Brisbane to become the first airport to accept cryptocurrency won’t cause a major shakeup in the financial system, this move is surely going to turn a few heads and make many airports around the world consider the viability of using cryptocurrencies.
As of now, more than 1,00,000 merchants around the world across multiple industries have started to accept crypto coins as a method of payment for goods and services.
As the cryptocurrency wave is slowly gathering momentum, the world looks on to other big moves that further solidifies digital currency into the travel domain. Let us know your opinions and how digital currencies can change the face of how we travel around the globe.
Pranav combines his love for languages, storytelling, and traveling to make a life out of it. A travel writer by profession, he believes in traveling with a purpose and sharing unheard stories through the perspective of the people and places he encounters along his way. When he’s not traveling, he likes to spend time watching sports, and binging on Netflix.
