SMALL TOWNS TURNING TO BITCOIN
Smaller towns have always been known for being a step behind larger towns, but things are about to change.
Witsand, the tiny coastal town in the Western Cape, has adopted Bitcoin as legal tender.
The town is known for its beautiful beaches and landscape, and now it’s also making a name for itself as one of the towns in South Africa becoming a hub for Bitcoin.
Most merchants in the town have started to accept Bitcoin with one resident even saying the town has embraced the digital currency.
Although the town can’t change legal tender, which is still the rand, it can use Bitcoin as a means to transact legally.
Locals have started to use Bitcoin for every day things like buying food, having their cars serviced and paying for water sports.
Because the town adopts Bitcoin and it’s small population, Bitcoin is used per person in Witsand more than almost anywhere else in the world.
According to resident Eldry Hill, tipping staff in Bitcoin is normal.
“You can even tip staff in Bitcoin; they all have their own Bitcoin wallets.”
Other towns along the Garden Route are also adopting Bitcoin, with more than 70 places in Plettenberg Bay accepting Bitcoin.
“In Plettenberg Bay, the trend is accelerating rapidly. Three weeks ago, they had 20 shops, then 40, then 50. Now they’re on 75 today, but it keeps changing.”
Image credit: The Independent
