ZoneBitcoin EditorialThe holidays are fast approaching and even if the furnace will be there, we will certainly take advantage of it. Once the lockdown period is over, many people want to get some fresh air abroad. So now is a good time to travel with bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for your next trip.
Indeed, the use of cryptocurrencies is becoming increasingly popular and there are even more and more countries which accept bitcoin as legal tender. Likewise, more and more services (surf rental, apartment rental) can be paid for in cryptocurrencies.
In short, traveling with cryptocurrency has become much simpler (and cheaper) when you pay in bitcoin! You will see that this does not require you to have advanced knowledge or to be a computer scientist at heart. Everyone can travel in crypto today!
So, if you want to take the plunge this year and travel with your cryptocurrencies, here is the guide you need!
1/ First step: Book your plane ticket
You should know that there are many flight booking sites that now accept cryptocurrencies as a means of payment.
In fact, the principle is very simple. Very often, prices are displayed in fiat currencies, in euros for the rest of us. It is simply when paying for the ticket that you can choose the “pay in cryptocurrency” option.
Thus, these flight booking sites use payment processors that accept multiple cryptocurrencies. It is then possible to pay in BTC, ETH and even stablecoins.
Which reservation sites should you use? There are several but not all are equal.
Luckily, we think we've found the best flight booking site. . This is the site Travala.com. We were completely satisfied with our purchase because the site and we paid less for our tickets than competitors!
Since you can book a flight, a hotel and even activities on the Travala.com site, then here is how the site works. (You can read our tutorial in detail on Travala.com).
In fact, you can use the site like a regular site and pay only in crypto. You can also use the site more completely with your decentralized crypto wallet. Intermediate level required.
✈️ — > Read the full tutorial on Travala.com.
2/ Second step: Reserve your accommodation with cryptocurrencies
To book accommodation, again, more and more sites accept cryptocurrencies. You can find them on a case-by-case basis depending on your destination and a Google search ;).
Otherwise, you have the site again Travala.com. You can certainly book flights but also hotels. That's the good news! For the moment, there is no functional homestay type site yet. Airbnb had announced that it would accept cryptos, but this has still not been the case.
For the moment, the choice of hotels is still limited. The site is constantly adding new hotels.
Rent accommodation on Flatio
It is also possible to book Airbnb-style short stays on the Flatio website and pay in bitcoin. You can also opt for the AirBtc site which, as its name suggests, also allows you to book accommodation in bitcoin.
You can read our article on Flatio to know more.
3/ Third step: Pay in crypto as much as possible with your cashback cards
With debit cards, payment is identical to traditional bank cards.
Exactly the same. Many crypto cards are neo-banks. This means that you will also have a European IBAN account for example. These are perfect alternatives to traditional bank cards (often expensive and less responsive than their fintech counterpart). The other big advantage with crypto cards is that when you pay, you immediately get back a certain percentage of your expenditure.
Moreover, if crypto bank cards have had rapid success, it is certainly thanks to the cashback program. Indeed, most crypto cards include cashback. This involves recovering part of the money you spend. (If you use services like iGrail, then, it's the same principle, in cryptocurrencies. If you buy online, it is).
Understanding the cash back system with cryptos
For example, if you spend €100, you immediately receive €5 in your account if the cashback is 5%.
Of course, this may seem low, but if you add up all your expenses or calculate your cashback on large sums, it quickly becomes interesting. If you spend, for example, €10,000, with 5% cashback, you get €500 back. It actually goes up quickly.
You may wonder which crypto card to choose?
In our case, we use several crypto bank cards (Yes, we have several for each type of expense). However, one is more than enough.
You should know that the choice is immense and each card has advantages and disadvantages.
(I.e. —-> You can read our comparison of crypto bank cards here.
4/ Fourth step: Pay in cryptocurrency directly.
Even though it is very convenient to pay with crypto cards, there is nothing better than paying directly with your cryptocurrency wallets.
There are two big advantages to paying directly in crypto:
- In some parts of the world there are few ATMs. This saves you from having to look for ATMs in places where there aren't any.
- In these same regions, bank card payment terminals are not as common. In fact, your bank card will be of no use. This equipment is expensive for small merchants in certain developing countries. Paying in crypto seems ideal.
- Exchange rates may be more expensive with some brokers. Likewise, you will have to wait for these counters to open. It can be troublesome and expensive to exchange currencies abroad.
Additionally, you will save money if you plan to travel with cryptocurrencies.
Indeed, crypto bank cards remain VISA or Mastercard cards for the most part. Thus, there are transaction costs inherent to their uses.
It's different with direct crypto payments. These “only” have network costs. In general, it remains cheaper.
Avoiding exchange rates and currency conversions
In fact, when you see stores with the poster “Bitcoin Accepted“, then, bingo, you can pay in bitcoin directly. (Besides, these stores can often also accept other cryptos). Don’t hesitate to also ask around for services payable in bitcoin.
The other advantage with crypto payments abroad is certainly the saving on conversion fees. When you withdraw money from ATMs for example, very often you have to pay commission fees. Sometimes, the amounts are set by the ATMs themselves. You can pay up to 4 euros on each withdrawal (even if you withdraw $20).
Ideally, to avoid conversion fees and abusive exchange rates, favor payments in cryptos.
How to actually pay in cryptocurrency?
At first glance, you might think that paying with bitcoin is complicated. Now, it's very easy.
- There will be a QR Code displayed. This is the equivalent of the payment address.
- All you have to do is scan the QR CODE with your mobile crypto application. Most have this feature. (You can read our article on the best crypto mobile apps to pay)
- So, you scan and enter the amount of your choice and click “send”.
- Congratulations your payment has been sent!
Note: Online crypto payment may differ slightly. Online, in general, on a computer for example, we will use a reception address directly. We will copy and paste it and make a transfer from your crypto wallet.
However, some variations in the process, but it is still simple to understand. No?
For crypto payments, we personally recommend applications like Coinbase. For beginners, it's ideal. We recommend Wallet of Satoshi to pay in bitcoin. (The app also allows you to pay in lightning).
Final word on the advantages of traveling with cryptos
As you have just read, there are tons of possibilities for those who want to travel with cryptos. In fact, depending on the country and destination you choose, the options will be greater.
Let us briefly recall here the advantages of traveling with your cryptos:
- ✅You are your own bank and do not need an intermediary.
- ✅You no longer need to look for an exchange counter or even an ATM or payment terminal.
- ✅You save on transaction fees and exchange rates.
- ✅You can pay anywhere in the world without any geographic restrictions.
- ✅The world belongs to you. You are contributing to the popularity and mass adoption of bitcoin.
- ✅ You help local populations to become financially emancipated.
This article would not be complete if we did not talk about the disadvantages:
- ❌ You will need to follow crypto prices. Sometimes it won't be the right time to spend your cryptos. Unless you spend on stablecoins or buy them at checkout.
- ❌ You will necessarily need a smartphone and an internet connection.
It is by traveling that we realize the power and usefulness of cryptocurrencies. In some parts of the world, you will discover how useful Bitcoin is. Some villages like Bitcoin Beach are building local economies using Bitcoin.
Thanks to the many advantages of traveling with cryptos, more and more people are embarking on the adventure.
And you? Are you going to do it?
Here is the video version:
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Note: No financial advice is given in this or any other article on zonebitcoin. This is information of which you are the sole judge and master. Be responsible with your investments and only invest as much as you are willing to lose.
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