Brisbane Airport has entered into a partnership with Australian startup TravelbyBit to become the world’s first airport to accept cryptocurrency payment at retail outlets in its air terminals.
Travellers will soon be able to use TravelbyBit’s cryptocurrency payment system, including Bitcoin, Dash, Ethereum and other digital currencies, to dine and shop at stores such as Botanist, Spoon, Windmill & Co, and Forte Espresso, as well as nine awpl stores including Australian Way, Merino Collection, Carry On, Dreamtime Journey and multiple News Travels across both terminals.
Digital currency payments keep the user’s personal identity private and eliminate third-party interference, allowing for very low transaction fees, exchange rates, and transfer time.
Roel Hellemons, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) general manager strategic planning and development, said: “Many people around the world have made money investing in cryptocurrencies and a lot of these people travel internationally, so it makes sense to offer a digital currency experience within our terminals.”
As the airport strives to be a “leader in the airport digital innovation space”, there are plans to plans to “expand the digital currency option across the business”, added Hellemons.
TravelbyBit has already more than 20 merchants in Brisbane signed up on its digital currency payment, including luxury hotels as well as food and entertainment venues.
Caleb Yeoh, CEO of TravelbyBit, said, “We are building a genuine use case for cryptocurrencies in the tourism industry. The application of digital currencies in this sector makes a lot of sense.
“Whenever you travel overseas you have to deal with multiple currencies and you never know what exchange rates the banks are charging you. Here at TravelbyBit we are promoting the Bitcoin travel movement. Digital currency for world-wide travel. It’s simple, safe and there’s no bank fees,” Yeoh said.
