In the picturesque Swiss city of Lugano, nestled by a lake and surrounded by mountains, paying with Bitcoin has become a reality. At a local McDonald’s, a customer orders coffee and asks, “Can I pay with Bitcoin?” Instead of a typical card machine, the cashier uses a device specifically designed for cryptocurrency payments.
The city council has provided these machines free to local businesses, allowing customers to pay contactlessly from their Bitcoin wallets. For example, a coffee costing roughly $8.80 can be paid as 0.00008629 BTC.
While Bitcoin is often seen as an investment, in Lugano it’s becoming part of everyday life. About 350 shops and restaurants accept Bitcoin, and even municipal services, like pre-school childcare, can be paid with cryptocurrency.
French resident Nicolas, a devoted Bitcoin enthusiast, says, “Paying with Bitcoin gives you a feeling of freedom. You’re not dependent on the traditional financial system or its fees.”
