Medellin. An increasing number of Colombians are using Bitcoin, the virtual cryptocurrency. Although Bitcoin has strong contradictions, it has been adopted by individuals and companies in Colombia as a payment method as opposed to traditional money.
"The volatility of the currency prevents that its use is massified"
However, international corporations such as Microsoft or Dell have adopted the currency as a means of payment.
In Colombia it is estimated that around 15 to 20 commercial establishments receive payments with this currency in different cities of the country. This include the Origami + Art costume store in Cali, the Matacandela theater in Medellín and Bitmarket in Bogotá.
On the other hand, small merchants have also adopted bitcoin as a form of payment. This is the case of Jimmy Arley Escobar in the city of Armenia. The seller of roasted bananas draws attention in this city to receive the cryptocurrency in his business. Escobar says that the cryptocurrency is a way to facilitate the purchase of typical food for tourists. (READ SO: POKER PAYED WITH CRYPTOCURRENCY?)
"A friend told me that it was a form of payment, that it was going to be global (...) he told me that it was a furor in China, he showed me videos of people accepting bitcoin in establishments in Spain, in other countries and Well, as it is a very touristic city, I said then, I am going to take advantage of that, "he says.
According to Escobar. After opening his virtual wallet, he launched to promote the new method of payment to buy their products for about 2 years, and on average has between 8 to 10 people who consume food and use this type of payment.
