Editor’s note: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fall/Winter 2022-23 edition of Luxus+ magazine. Click here to see the entire issue.
Bitcoin, Ethereum or even Dogecoin have become commonplace, literally. Today, and for some time now, it is possible to pay in cryptocurrency, invest in real estate or even go to a store and pay with a card that contains crypto assets. We will explain to you what it is possible to buy with the currencies and how to do it.
Several services and sectors today offer their users and customers to pay in Bitcoin or other virtual currency. Starting with the technology and computer industry. This is actually one of the areas where the use of Bitcoin has been strongest. Companies like Microsoft, Dell and Apple has joined the Bitcoin payment via its digital platforms. For those who didn’t know yet, it is now possible to buy an iPhone or computer by paying in cryptocurrency.
Another very common purchase via Bitcoin is VPN subscriptions that brands like ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN participate in. One of the big benefits for consumers is that transactions are made more anonymously and surfing is more secure. Similarly, it is possible to buy domains on platforms such as WordPress.
There is also the world of video games, which are increasingly dynamic and important in our society today. In this case, Bitcoin or any other virtual currency can be used to purchase video games, but not only. It is also possible to trade characters, buy items or even trophies. It is as if the real world has become virtual.
On the travel side, if you have dematerialized savings, now is the time to use them. More and more travel agencies and hotels accepts Bitcoin as a payment method. The travel platform Destinia was the first to allow it. After this success other companies like Expedia has also begun to do so, thanks to a partnership with Coinbase. Airlines also enters the loop as Air Lituanica or Norwegian.
Many other sectors are interested in this field and allow their users (customers) to pay in BTC (Bitcoin) or other virtual currency such as some hotels or charities.
Property Seduced by Crypto Assets
As surprising as it may seem, the real thing the property sector is now conquered by this virtual world. Since January 2021, US companies have offered potential buyers and tenants the option to pay in cryptocurrency. The first to introduce this is called Caruso. It is one of the largest US property groups, which has allowed tenants to pay in BTC for over a year. Another company called Arte Surfsidewhich offers luxury real estate in Miami sold a villa for the sum of 22.5 million dollars. The transaction had been paid in full in cryptocurrencies, but the name of the cryptocurrency was not disclosed. More recently, the real estate company Harbor Custom Development decided to include these currencies among the payment options. Since last January, their customers can pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.
France: crypto conquers the heart of Beaugrenelle
While the use of cryptoassets remains unclear in France, Beaugrenelle shopping centre decided to tackle it. Since June last year, it has offered consumers to pay in virtual currency in its 115 stores. Going into more detail, it is in the form of a gift card that customers will be able to pay for. The principle remains simple. All they need to do is enter an amount in euros Lyzi application, which displays the equivalent in crypto and generates a QR code. A total of 21 electronic currencies can be used. This is the first in France and therefore another step towards understanding and marketing this ecosystem.
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Selected image: © Presse
