A small neighbourhood in the southern district of Berlin has warmed up to Bitcoin, with about a dozen shops now accepting the latest craze in virtual currency.
Kreuzberg holds the highest number of businesses accepting Bitcoin in the world, reports The Guardian. Some of the shops in the community that have opened their doors to the currency include a printing shop, a bar, a boutique and a restaurant.
Florentina Martens, who owns a café in town, agreed to allow the payment because she claimed the system appeared to be cheap, easy and transparent.
Martens explained to The Guardian, “It’s an easier way of digital payment than credit cards, which cost me a lot of money as a business and to which I’m forced to sigh up for years.”
The people of Kreuzberg have described themselves as people who are often rebellious and staunch. Many people in the area pride themselves as being politically aware and explain they are critical of their current political system. They expressed a concern for the financial crisis in Europe and said they are losing confidence in the banking system.
Joerg Patzer, a Bitcoin supporter and bar owner living in the neighbourhood, said the people of Kreuzberg are, “critical towards existing systems and are constantly discussing and looking for alternatives to them, which makes it the perfect breeding ground for the Bitcoin.”
Patzer explained that Bitcoin is trustworthy because there is no middleman involved. Other business owners in the German community have raved about the simplicity of the currency as well.
Jeff Gallas, a local law student living in the capital, described his visit to Room 77, which is a popular bar in town that accepts Bitcoin. He opened his virtual Bitcoin wallet on his smartphone and paid for his beef burger with just a quick tap.
The Guardian reports that the student smiled and said, “It could hardly be easier.”
To read the full story at The Guardian click here.
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