Stories about how to live on bitcoins for a week or two, nobody will be surprised. But cryptocurrency can be used in everyday life and in much longer periods in different countries of the world, even considered to be technologically backward.
A German programmer named Felix Weiss (Felix Weis) for the half year was attended by 27 countries and 50 cities using only bitcoins. His journey, Weiss wanted to prove that Bitcoin is not dead, as was stated by the opponents of cryptocurrencies in late 2014. On the other hand, he wanted to prove the possibility of using Bitcoin as an international currency while traveling around the world.
Weiss has set for itself a goal to spend only bitcoins, cash was used to exchange for cash. To find people willing to exchange bitcoins for cash, he used by the website LocalBitcoins.com.
Needless to say that various small expenses Weiss often required cash. Depending on the country, the percentage of need for cash ranged from 20 to 80. Less cash needed in North America, mostly in Asia, in South America the ratio of cash spent and cryptocurrencies were about the same.
No banks and credit cards
During his 18-month journey Weiss completely abandoned Bank accounts and credit cards. By the way, the journey Weiss did not start in the best time is shortly after the start, the price of Bitcoin fell to $ 200.
To find accept bitcoin restaurants, he enjoyed the website coinmap.org. All hotels and flights Weis also paid bitcoins.
First stop: SatoshiLabs
The first thing the traveler went to Prague and visited SatoshiLabs, the manufacturer of the purse best wallet. Weiss used the best wallet for storing bitcoins, in which he transferred all his savings. For the small cost of the traveler used a mobile wallet, as needed, replenishing it with the best wallet. According to Weiss, even in the event of loss best wallet, the private key can be restored without the use of the device.
During the trip, Weiss met and talked with representatives of various cryptocurrency startups. The journey was very exciting, but not simple. It was necessary to constantly look for places that accepts bitcoins, or where they can be exchanged for cash. According to Weiss, travel for bitcoins is possible, but inconvenient.
Additional time is required
In order to explore the possibilities of Bitcoin in the country, you may want the whole day. Initially, Weiss had planned for 365 days to visit 21 countries, but in the end he managed to visit only in 17 countries. In his words, to move from country to country is quite inconvenient, because every time you have to look for places that accept bitcoin, places to obtain cash, and, of course, of the "bitminer".
Arriving each time to the station or to the airport, he had to find someone willing to accept bitcoin. However, he notes that some airports have Piccolomini.
Grexit forced to return to Greece
Weiss visited Greece before the crisis, Grexit. However, learning about the Grexit and the closing of the banks, he decided to return to the country. People were allowed to spend 60 euros, wire transfers were also banned. Under this restriction were not included, however, Piccolomini. Weiss taught people how to shoot 60 instead of 120 euros. For that people transferred money from his Bank account, bought bitcoins on the Greek stock exchange, and then withdraw money via Piccolomini.
Ancient money, reminiscent of Bitcoin
Anniversary of his journey Weisz met on the Islands of YAP, between GUAM and the Philippines, where people use the ancient equivalent of money, which by its characteristics reminded Weiss of Bitcoin and the blockchain.
"Coins" are made of limestone on the island of Palau, which is 200 miles from YAP. They are huge stones, which the inhabitants of the island of YAP for many years used as money, but due to their size they cannot be used interchangeably. The stones do not change their location when the owner changes. Just as in the case of Bitcoin, transactions are public.
The lesson of inflation: Venezuela
To understand what are the advantages of Bitcoin in a country beset by inflation, Weiss decided to visit Venezuela. Venezuelans sell bitcoins, so they do not lose their value, in addition, Bitcoin is the only way to transfer money abroad.
The advantage of Venezuela is cheap electricity. Weiss met with the miners, who do not need to pay for electricity at the market price. ASIC miners are right at home.
Cuba and Romania: lack of Bitcoin
To get to Cuba traveler managed only with the help of the person who made the announcement that he wants to buy bitcoins. According to him, bitcoins no one on the island. The man agreed to take Weiss from the airport and allowed him to stay for a week at his house.
Weiss is not found in Cuba not a single cryptocurrency companies, Bitcoin, and very little is known. Most people don't even have access to the Internet.
Once Weiss had to go on cheating. In Romania he could not find anybody who wanted to buy bitcoins, so he didn't have any cash. The hotel was only paid for Breakfast, and he had to steal a few apples. Then Weiss learned about the website Groupon-like accepting bitcoin as payment for vouchers.
The most friendly to Bitcoin – San Francisco
The easiest and most comfortable place to use bitcoins was San Francisco. There are many restaurants and hotels to accept bitcoins.
During his travels, Weiss has learned many ways to use Bitcoin. In Hong Kong and the Philippines, people use it to send money to relatives. In Venezuela they use them as protection against inflation and benefit from cheap electricity. In new York people are interested in getting profit from its trade. In Austin with Bitcoin people are protected from high taxes.
According to Weiss, Bitcoin has all the characteristics of money. He was able to sell and buy bitcoins in 27 countries and came to the conclusion that Bitcoin really has a chance to become a world currency.