Cryptocurrency is actively used in a wide range of different countries for business, investment, and household transactions. According to Chainalysis, the greatest spread of digital money is observed in South and Central Asia, Oceania, America, and some European countries, including the UK.
The high speed of transactions, independence from sanctions and the ability to be used to make household payments have made cryptocurrencies one of the means of payment that tourists turn to when traveling abroad. Let's take a closer look at which countries you can pay with cryptocurrency and why it's convenient.
Cryptocurrencies: Basic Information
Cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital currency. It is based on cryptography which is a way of encrypting data.
Unlike most digital assets, cryptocurrency has no single storage location. Instead of a centralized cloud, funds are stored in a blockchain, a decentralized database. Information about all transactions made in the blockchain is stored on the computers of all network participants. This excludes hacking, changing information about transactions after they have been made, and canceling payments (chargebacks).
Another feature of cryptocurrency is its independence from real assets. The rate of digital currency is determined by the interest of market participants, which leads to high volatility. An exception is stablecoins that are pegged to fiat (traditional) currency and other assets.
Top Countries Where Tourists Can Pay with Cryptocurrency in 2025
Germany
While many EU countries consider cryptocurrency as a legal means of payment, Germany stands out among them as one of the most favorable countries for crypto holders. This applies to both tax incentives for crypto investors and the prevalence of digital. Travelers can pay with digital currencies for goods and services, restaurant bills and other purchases. All payment transactions are transparent and secure.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the leading Asian countries in the fintech sphere. The banking system actively supports cryptocurrency in this jurisdiction: Singapore encourages innovation. Crypto payments are regulated at the legislative level, increasing safety for tourists using digital coins to pay for goods and services.
Estonia
Estonia is home to a range of cryptocurrency projects, and the Estonian government is actively supporting the development of blockchain technology, even with plans to launch a national cryptocurrency. Many establishments accept digital currencies as a means of payment. Users who want to withdraw cash can use convenient crypto machines - cryptocurrency ATMs which have been installed in many cities across the country.
Netherlands
There is no regulation of crypto transactions in the Netherlands: the legislation in this country is in the development stage. At the same time, the government is friendly to cryptocurrencies, considering them an opportunity for the economy's growth. Digital currencies are freely used to pay for purchases.
El Salvador
El Salvador was the first country in the world to recognize cryptocurrency as a means of payment, and Bitcoin was assigned this role in 2021. A state cryptocurrency wallet is available to both citizens and tourists. The use of cryptocurrency is encouraged, and you can get bonuses and discounts if you choose this method of payment.
Malta
Malta is another country where the state encourages the development of the crypto sphere. Many major crypto exchanges are registered here, and several crypto ATMs operate to exchange digital coins for cash. The cryptocurrency ecosystem is regulated by legislation, which increases the security of payments. Many establishments allow you to pay for your goods and services with cryptocurrency. There is no VAT on crypto transactions.
US
The approach to cryptocurrency in the US largely depends on the state, but in general, transactions in digital currencies are legal and can be used to pay for goods and services. Tourists are advised to clarify local cryptocurrency legislation when traveling to a particular state. For example, Wyoming and other high-tech states allow the active use of cryptocurrency, but other states may regulate such transactions more strictly.
Portugal
Portugal is another country where cryptocurrency transactions are not subject to VAT. Although the state's work on cryptocurrency legislation is far from finalized, digital coins are actively used for household transactions. For tourists, this becomes an opportunity to avoid converting fiat currency and save on commissions when making payments.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the leading countries in finance and innovation, which makes it attractive to the crypto community. There are several crypto projects (including giants like Ethereum) and crypto banks, and cryptocurrency is accepted in a number of stores, cafes, and other establishments. The crypto sphere is regulated by legislation, increasing such settlements' security.
Canada
Although cryptocurrency legislation in Canada is currently developing, cryptocurrency is used quite actively in the country. Thus, there are more than 1500 crypto ATMs in Canada, allowing the exchange of digital coins for cash. Many establishments in major cities accept cryptocurrency payments, which simplifies payments for tourists.
Top Countries by Digital Currency Adoption
Chainalysis estimates that in 2024, the top 10 nations in terms of cryptocurrency adoption include:
- India,
- Nigeria,
- Indonesia,
- United States,
- Vietnam,
- Ukraine,
- Russia,
- Philippines,
- Pakistan,
- Brazil.
In most of these countries (India, Nigeria, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan), cryptocurrency is used mainly for household transactions, including cross-border transfers, access to financial organization services, and payment for purchases.
In countries with high inflation, citizens are turning to digital to protect their savings from depreciation. In Vietnam and the Philippines, users are interested in Play-to-Earn games with rewards in digital currency.
In the US, Brazil, and Indonesia, interest in cryptocurrency is more closely related to business activities: crypto-users focus on investing, trading, and various crypto projects.
Users from Indonesia make transactions predominantly through DeFi protocols, while the US and Brazil are more centralized. The growing interest in the crypto sphere in the States is due, among other things, to the launch of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (Bitcoin ETFs).
In Russia, sanctions have affected the popularity of digital money. Crypto payments have become an opportunity to freely use foreign services, send money abroad, and make purchases in foreign stores. This opportunity is used by both private users and businesses working with clients abroad.
Using Cryptocurrency Abroad
Cryptocurrency is a useful tool for several reasons, including speed of payment processing, security, and minimal commissions. Many users turn to this tool when traveling abroad.
Cryptocurrency can be used to pay for purchases and services in many countries such as Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Malta and many others. Using digital currencies makes it possible to avoid currency conversion, reduce the cost of commissions and increase the convenience of traveling.
