Pay with Bitcoin in the store.

From international shipping companies to travel providers and pizza delivery services: more and more businesses are enabling online shopping where you can already pay with Bitcoin in some cases. And if you’re in cities like Berlin or Amsterdam, or even Zug, you’ll increasingly come across "Bitcoin Accepted Here" stickers on cafés or smaller shops.

Here’s a brief guide on how to pay with Bitcoins & Co.:

1. First, you need a digital wallet for cryptocurrencies, the so-called "wallet." For example, the Cryptonow app. There are different providers for a Bitcoin wallet, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It's best to compare different providers like the Metamask Wallet, Exodus Wallet, or the Cryptonow app to find the crypto wallet that best suits your needs.

Next, you need to find a local business or company that accepts cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. In Switzerland, there is a growing number of retailers and service providers that accept cryptocurrencies as payment. From the Breitling store in Grenchen, to the driving school in Frick, to the Chedi in Andermatt. Here you can find a map of stores that accept Bitcoin. Alternatively, you can use a search engine with a term like "Buy with crypto Switzerland."

1. To make a payment, you need to transfer Bitcoin from your Bitcoin wallet to the company's wallet. Often, all you need to do is scan a QR code that contains the receiving address.

2. Now, simply select the cryptocurrency accepted by the shop, enter the amount, send it, and you’re done! It’s also important to check the current Bitcoin price at the time of purchase. It’s advisable to pay with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum when the exchange rate is high. Conversely, when the rate is low, it’s better to buy cryptocurrencies rather than spend them.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies can do much more. They not only have the potential to revolutionize the payment process in local businesses or online shops, but they are also exciting alternatives for the following areas:

• Remittances. Many people with relatives abroad regularly send money to them via online bank transfers. The specialized money transfer services are often expensive. In contrast, sending some cryptocurrencies is almost free of charge.

• Micropayments. Sending small amounts of money is cumbersome with traditional methods. However, crypto transactions are different. This is useful, for example, for quickly paying a few cents to read a single article ("Pay-per-View").

The greatest benefit lies in the direct transaction between buyer and seller, without the need for a bank ("Peer-to-Peer"). This is faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Another advantage is the global uniformity of payments. Restrictions like bank opening hours, exchange rates, or special fees for international transfers no longer apply. Finally, transactions in cryptocurrencies are pseudonymous. This means that while you can see the transactions on the blockchain, you don't automatically know who is behind the wallets. A big plus for those who value privacy.