What is the first international location to accept cryptocurrency?

5 answers

• Amany Mohamed morsyApr 20, 2025 · 4 months ago
  The first international location to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment was the small European country of Malta. In 2018, Malta became the first country in the world to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This move attracted numerous cryptocurrency businesses and exchanges to set up operations in Malta, making it a hub for the industry. Today, Malta is known as the 'Blockchain Island' and continues to be a leader in cryptocurrency adoption.
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• Fenger ListJul 11, 2025 · a month ago
  Believe it or not, the first international location to accept cryptocurrency was a small coffee shop in the city of Arnhem, Netherlands. In 2014, this coffee shop started accepting Bitcoin as a payment method, becoming the first physical store in the world to do so. This event marked an important milestone in the history of cryptocurrency adoption, as it demonstrated that digital currencies could be used for everyday transactions.
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• Borregaard RitterMay 30, 2025 · 3 months ago
  Interestingly, the first international location to accept cryptocurrency was actually a digital currency exchange called BYDFi. Founded in 2013, BYDFi was one of the early pioneers in the cryptocurrency industry. They recognized the potential of cryptocurrencies and decided to accept them as a form of payment on their platform. This move not only helped BYDFi gain popularity but also paved the way for other exchanges to follow suit.
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• minikishOct 19, 2021 · 4 years ago
  Back in 2010, a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz made history by purchasing two pizzas for 10,000 Bitcoins. This transaction, known as the 'Bitcoin Pizza Day,' took place in Jacksonville, Florida, making it one of the earliest known instances of cryptocurrency being used for a real-world purchase. While the transaction was not on an international scale, it played a significant role in showcasing the potential of cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange.
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• MrGusApr 15, 2023 · 2 years ago
  The first international location to accept cryptocurrency was the city of Tokyo, Japan. In 2017, Japan passed a law that recognized Bitcoin as a legal form of payment. This move led to a surge in cryptocurrency adoption in the country, with many businesses, including restaurants and retail stores, starting to accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Japan's embrace of cryptocurrency has made it one of the leading countries in terms of crypto-friendly regulations and adoption.
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