Travellers can now pay with crypto at Brisbane Airport

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Andrew Munro
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Enjoy a new way to pay, with discounts to boot.

Brisbane International Airport is one of Australia's first recipients of the TravelbyBit crypto payment system. Travellers passing through can now hit certain airport shops and spend bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Dash, Bitcoin Cash and XEM.

"We are delighted to be a part of the world’s first cryptocurrency-friendly airport," said awpl marketing manager Mihali Kouros. "Customers visiting Brisbane Airport will have even more options now that TravelbyBit has been set up in our stores, as they are able to complete their purchases using any combination of cash, traditional credit cards, mobile payment platforms, and now cryptocurrencies."

The TravelbyBit payment system was first introduced to Brisbane in late 2017 and is now found in 150 stores across Australia. Since then, the system has processed thousands of crypto transactions.

"Brisbane Airport is proud to be the first airport in the world to achieve this in partnership with a small local start-up business such as TravelbyBit," said Brisbane Airport development manager Clint Harvey. "Our retailers have been keen to be a part of this process, providing choice for travellers from around the globe who prefer to transact in digital currency. We will be watching this space closely and look to incorporate this functionality across other areas as the popularity of digital currencies increases."

In the travel scene in particular, it might have an edge over other payment methods.

"Accepting digital currency payments removes the need for travel cards and associated fees when exchanging currencies. By owning a digital currency it is becoming easier to transact with suppliers and businesses within Australia," said Alex Saunders from Nugget's News. "TravelbyBit are leading the way in inducting innovative digital currency merchants across the country, and the unveiling of the first ever digital currency friendly airport is an exciting step on the path to worldwide adoption."

The partnership between TravelbyBit and the NEM foundation might also tangentially help bolster the number of tourists arriving in Australia.

"Innovation in blockchain technology is imperative to the success of future global companies," said Kristof Van de Reck, interim president of the NEM Foundation. "TravelbyBit is helping pave the way for advancement in the travel and retail sectors. We are thrilled to have them building on NEM's platform and fostering new growth opportunities for Australia."

There's something in it for travellers too. By mid-August, NEM users in particular will be able to get a 10% discount when using the coin at participating Brisbane airport stores. On top of the other discounts, deals and destinations they might find in the area.

Disclosure: At the time of writing, the author holds ETH, IOTA, ICX, VEN, XLM, BTC and NANO.

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.

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