The question above actually depends on yourself. Are you fully committed to living with only Bitcoin? Traveling around the world using Bitcoin is not impossible, but it might also not be an easy thing to do since Bitcoin itself is only 8 years old and is still slightly less popular than cash or credit cards.
Then the question is if traveling using Bitcoin is difficult, why should I pay with Bitcoin? Let’s discuss a little about the advantages of traveling using Bitcoin compared to cash or credit cards.
Goodbye, Money Changer
The difference between the currencies we have and the currencies of the countries we visit can sometimes be a burden. First, sometimes we often have bad luck where the money changers we visit give a very bad exchange rate, so that it can even cut up to 10% of the value of our currency. Second, there are many fake Money Changer who do not have official permission from the government which is certainly risky if you transact there. Third, there is rarely a Money Changer that is open 24 hours for a full week. What if in an emergency, you need to exchange your money? With Bitcoin, you can say goodbye to Money Changer because Bitcoin is a currency that applies in almost all countries in the world. For example the merchant where you shop does not accept payments with Bitcoin, you can go to the nearest Bitcoin Exchange that operates on average 24 x 7 x 365 (yes, even on holidays though!).
Goodbye, Pocket Thieves
Carrying cash in your bag can be very dangerous when you travel to countries that are known to be prone to crime such as theft of money or other valuables. In contrast to Bitcoin, cash has a physical form which of course will require a special place to accommodate it. When you have more cash, and your wallet gets thicker, you become an easy target for pickpockets. Bitcoin easily offers a high level of security that can make you calm when traveling. You can store your Bitcoin in the smartphone that you carry, and if your Smartphone is lost stolen, you can easily access your Bitcoin through other devices / devices such as PCs, tablets or smartphones as long as you back up your Bitcoin wallet properly. Even thieves who now own your smartphone are unlikely to take your Bitcoin because your Bitcoin wallet is heavily guarded with various layers of anti-hack security. To find out more about how to secure your Bitcoin wallet, read this article.
Goodbye, 3% Charge
Do you often feel annoyed when you want to pay using a credit card, the merchant asks, “For payments using a credit card, you will be charged a 3% charge, is that okay?” If you shop in small quantities, you might not care, but it’s different if you shop above 10 million using a credit card. You will be charged at least IDR 300,000 per transaction! Unlike credit cards, payments and money transfers with Bitcoin are only subject to fees of 0.0001 – 0.0005 BTC for miners. If converted, 0.0001 – 0.0005 BTC is equivalent to IDR 500 – 5,000 per transaction, no matter how much money is sent or how much you spend
You have become much cooler and more futuristic than ever!
Paying with cash is now starting to change into something that is fairly ancient and traditional. Paying with a credit card might make you look cool and classy a few years ago, but now there are millions of people in the world who do it. Paying with Bitcoin? Now, this is a special way! Although there are already giant merchants that accept Bitcoin like Microsoft, Dell, Rakuten and Overstock, Bitcoin is not as popular as credit cards for use by the general public. When you use Bitcoin, you can brag about yourself as someone who updates technology. Now you don’t have to pay a fortune to buy an iPhone 7 to become someone cool and futuristic. Simply download the Bitcoin wallet application on your ‘old school’ smartphone and try shopping using Bitcoin at the nearest merchant that receives it. Surely everyone will be amazed when watching you.
So, is it possible to travel the world only with Bitcoin?
Of course! Now Bitcoin can be used to buy (almost) all the goods in the world including private satellites to tickets to space. For trips abroad, you can buy plane tickets with Bitcoin on well-known sites like CheapAir, or travel agents that are specifically serving ticket purchases with Bitcoin such as aBitSky. Giant travel agent companies such as Expedia and Destinia can also serve your flight ticket purchases while helping you make reservations at your favorite hotel. They also provide car rental services for transportation needs in your city. If you choose to take public transportation, there are already plenty of taxis that can be paid with Bitcoin like in Budapest, Malaysia, even now in Argentina, Uber can also be paid with Bitcoin.
When viewed at Coinmap.org, there are now thousands of merchants scattered throughout the world to help meet your daily needs. From five-star restaurants in Ubud, Bali, supermarkets in the Netherlands, to cupcakes in San Francisco, everything can be paid for with Bitcoin. You can live with only Bitcoin in various countries, including buying souvenirs and luxury items with Bitcoin such as wine, paintings, watches and cars. In Indonesia, a list of merchants that accept payments in the form of Bitcoin can be seen in the Bitcoin Directory or on Bitislands.com.
Everything can be done, as long as you want to try. Do you dare to start living and traveling using only Bitcoin?
