The rise of cryptocurrencies marks a notable moment in history. For a good many, crypto is a game-changer, chucking out the old economic models and altering our view and use of money. All over the world, Bitcoin – and all the other cryptocurrencies that have come about since – have slowly made their way into the wallets and the good books of the early adopters, pushing for a fundamental shift as industries and even countries find themselves having to adapt to these new financial truths.
Just like with most tech developments, some countries are quick off the mark to embrace them, while others might have a bit of a hard slog accepting it. Crypto is no different. Places like El Salvador, sometimes dubbed the Bitcoin capital of the globe, are leading the charge when it comes to nationwide adoption, laying down crypto-friendly laws and even naming Bitcoin as legit currency. Australia is hot on their heels, ranking among the top nations worldwide for crypto acceptance, with a take-up rate of roughly 25%. They’ve also got a good 453 Bitcoin ATMs dotted around their cities.
Given its high level of acceptance and adoption, would it be possible to plan an entire trip to or within Australia with just Bitcoin? We set out to find out for ourselves. Suppose you’re a Bitcoin holder and have plans to travel to the Down Under. In that case, this post will serve as your travel guide, exploring how convenient — or difficult — travelling around Australia might be without selling your precious Bitcoin. So pack your imaginary bags and join us on our Bitcoin-exclusive discovery journey.
Accommodation
For those flying into Australia, the international airline AirBaltic offers package deals, including accommodation at your travel destination. Since AirBaltic accepts Bitcoin as a payment method, taking advantage of their accommodation plan is an excellent way to get your trip started. You’ve got a flight and a place to stay upon arrival — zero dollars spent.
There are other viable options if you were not lucky enough to get a packaged deal from your airline. One such option is TravelByBit, an Australian travel agency that combines travel with cryptocurrency. Through TravelByBit, you can pay Bitcoin to any local business that offers accommodation services, and they will receive the payment either in cryptocurrency or Australian Dollars.
Touring and Booking
You have arrived in Australia with a digital wallet filled with Bitcoin and a physical wallet filled with lint. The next most important thing would be to find a way to move around within the city. For this, you can use Uber gift cards purchased with Bitcoin. While the popular ridesharing app doesn’t support direct cryptocurrency payments, numerous 3rd party applications and exchanges like Bitrefill and Coinbase let you purchase gift cards.
If you don’t fancy ridesharing services like Uber, there are various other alternatives, it’s still possible to get car hires with Bitcoin. One noteworthy motoring and transport business that accepts Bitcoin in Australia is Alpha Car Hire, located in Brisbane. They would readily accept your Bitcoin in exchange for exclusive car hire services.
Australia has four major local airlines scattered across seven cities. As of writing, however, none accept direct bookings with cryptocurrency. Nevertheless, online travel agencies, such as Alternative Airlines and CheapAir, allow you to book flights and pay using Bitcoin.
Meals And Feeding
We had our fingers crossed for this one, as it would be a shame to miss out on the incredible Australian cuisine due to our resolution to spend only Bitcoin. Thankfully, there was no cause for alarm. Many local businesses, including several restaurants, allow — and even encourage — payment in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
In West Australia, restaurants like the Bar Biscotti collect payments in Bitcoin and even offer discounts for payments made in Bitcoin. In Victoria, a state in the southeast of Australia, restaurants like The Little Mule, The Third Wave Cafe, and Giuseppe Pizza also accept payment in Bitcoin. In New South Wales, eateries like The SG, The Owl House, and Green Peppercorn also receive Bitcoin.
Other Australian states, such as Queensland, have numerous eateries and restaurants that accept and transact in Bitcoin, so be assured that you have multiple options and will not starve on the streets.
Shopping
In Australia, shopping for your needs with Bitcoin is commonplace as numerous shopping outlets readily accept Bitcoin. These stores range from utilities to clothing, groceries, and even pharmacies.
Some physical stores like IGA X-Press and BUDA Organic Foods in Bowen Hills and Sunshine Coast, Queensland, respectively, sell groceries and accept payment in Bitcoin. Also, electronic stores like Dream Vision Sound Melbourne, Victoria, and medicinal stores like Lugarno Pharmacy, Tamworth Heart Clinic, and Quality Dental also collect Bitcoin as a payment method.
Safe to say you won’t run low on supplies while travelling around Australia, as there are more stores than we could count where you can buy just about anything with Bitcoin.
Lifestyle and entertainment
If you are all about Australia’s buzzing nightlife and want to revel in its scenery and experiences, don’t fret. Crypto still has you covered. There are various locations where your Bitcoin can afford you an excellent time, Businesses like The SG, The Cellar By Bouche, and Since I left, you are wine and cocktail bars all located in Sydney, New South Wales, where you can kick back and relax, knowing they let you settle your tabs in Bitcoin. If you prefer to sip your drink while playing table games, visit The Star in Sydney. It’s known for its high-end restaurants and bars coupled with great casino rooms. Just be aware that cryptocurrencies are highly regulated in Australia, and laws can change quickly. Some of these places might not accept cryptocurrencies at the time of your visit.
Worldwide Bitcoin acceptance isn’t too far off
Admittedly, travelling around Australia with Bitcoin is much easier than we expected. For anything else you may want to buy or experience, there’s a good chance they accept Bitcoin. And if they don’t, Australia has several Bitcoin ATMs scattered around its cities that could come in handy. You can even use platforms like Living Room of Satoshi to pay utility bills and Bitrefill to buy gift cards and pay any of the thousands of businesses and merchants it supports.
Even though it might not be seen as an official currency in Australia, Bitcoin is definitely acknowledged by local Aussie businesses and merchants as a legit way to swap value, and the government is working on making a legal crypto framework. As of now, we’re chuffed to say that getting around Australia using just Bitcoin is not only doable but handy and completely available for most parts of life.
