We didn't see much bitcoin use among the normal population, although TBF, we weren't at the touristy areas that are more bitcoin-focused.
Interestingly, the locals use USD coins very frequently. Like the Susan B Anthony, and a bunch of others I had never seen before. We first thought they were some sort of counterfeit or game token. And they seem to hate change. Most things are rounded to a dollar or 25cents so you don't need anything smaller than a quarter. Plus, outside of retail, the government stays out and doesn't bother to enforce sales taxes, so rounding is easy. I've been told the government basically keeps it's nose out of small businesses.
What's sort of fascinating is that there's this almost underground distribution network. We only saw pieces, but the Tiendas are supplied by runners on motorcycles or bicycles. It's this vast network of local micro-scale suppliers moving products to micro-scale stores. Very resilent, flexible and functional without any mega-corps or government regulations. Reminded me of the US a century ago.
Yes. Plus using bitcoin as the money standard. The country is rapidly becoming a shinning beacon of hope to south American countries.
We didn't see much bitcoin use among the normal population, although TBF, we weren't at the touristy areas that are more bitcoin-focused.
Interestingly, the locals use USD coins very frequently. Like the Susan B Anthony, and a bunch of others I had never seen before. We first thought they were some sort of counterfeit or game token. And they seem to hate change. Most things are rounded to a dollar or 25cents so you don't need anything smaller than a quarter. Plus, outside of retail, the government stays out and doesn't bother to enforce sales taxes, so rounding is easy. I've been told the government basically keeps it's nose out of small businesses.
What's sort of fascinating is that there's this almost underground distribution network. We only saw pieces, but the Tiendas are supplied by runners on motorcycles or bicycles. It's this vast network of local micro-scale suppliers moving products to micro-scale stores. Very resilent, flexible and functional without any mega-corps or government regulations. Reminded me of the US a century ago.
Could you see yourself living there?
Definitely, but we already have friends there which makes it easier for us.
And you probably speak the language which helps.