Exchanges play a vital role in connecting users to the world of cryptocurrencies; they are the avenues through which cryptocurrencies can be moved around and converted into fiat and vice versa.
With billions of dollars circulating in the cryptocurrency market, some cities and countries have made it a point to position themselves as breeding grounds for these businesses, making the world a better place for traveling cryptocurrency holders. Until a more significant portion of the world transacts in cryptocurrency, these areas will remain a primary driving force for the industry.
To help you navigate crypto safe havens, here are some territories that have opened their doors to cryptocurrencies, along with the exchanges that call them home.
Japan
When China started cracking down on cryptocurrencies in 2017, Japan was more than eager to welcome shunned companies into its shores with open arms. In its bid to take China’s place as a global bitcoin paradise, Japan took over as the largest market for Bitcoin by volume. Over the last three years, their trade volume jumped over 4,500 times. They were among the first to officially recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tender; they did so in 2016 before the big ICO hype even kicked in.
Crypto-holders can enjoy a multitude of exchanges to choose from; bitFlyer remains on top of the list as the largest broker and exchange in Japan by average daily volume. Other options are Kraken, Coincheck, Coinmama, LocalBitcoins, and Bitfinex. If you’d rather do a local meet up to get better exchange rates, Mycelium Local Trader is there for you. Bitcoin ATMs are also spread out across major cities in Japan.
Hong Kong
Despite China’s heavy-handed take on cryptocurrency regulation, Hong Kong follows a different set of rules. In fact, when China shut out crypto companies last year, similar to Japan, Hong Kong directly benefited from it; blockchain companies started migrating to China’s Special Administrative Region Hong Kong.
Hong Kong hosts several blockchain conferences every year and is home-base to many exchanges and start-up businesses like Bitfinex. Travelers also have a wide variety of choices including Coinmama, CEX, emerging exchange BitAsset, LocalBitcoins, BTCC, OKCoin, Huobi, LakeBTC, and Gatecoin. And just like in Japan, Bitcoin ATMs can be found throughout the city.
Singapore
Singapore, like Japan and Hong Kong, became an attractive alternative to blockchain companies after the crypto-fallout in China. Singapore also became the go-to refuge for Indian firms after the Indian central bank cracked down on cryptocurrencies. It is one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the world, with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) even encouraging blockchain experiments for fintech.
People in the area can use Luno, Coinmama, CoinHako, Coinbase, and LocalBitcoins; Bitcoin ATMs are also present in the city.
Switzerland
Switzerland has been jumping through hoops to attract, and retain, blockchain start-ups in its borders. The country has established the “Crypto Valley” in Zug and has recently been making efforts to make it easier for banks to accommodate blockchain companies while complying with AML requirements.
Coinbase and Coinmama remain popular in the country, among other options like CEX, BitPanda, and escrow marketplace LocalBitcoins.
South Korea
South Korean citizens are among the busiest crypto-traders in the world; the country was the third largest market for bitcoin trading in 2017. According to Forbes, seven of South Korea’s wealthiest tycoons were crypto investors. Crypto exchanges in the locale include Bithumb, Korbit, LocalBitcoins, Coinmama, Coinplug, and Mycelium Local Trader. Bitcoin ATMs are also there to provide liquidity to the blockchain and crypto community.
Spreading all over the world
This year, Bermuda announced a regulatory “sandbox” where start-ups can run simulations of their solutions using blockchain technology for fintech. The British territory even “embraces” ICOs, and is also positioning itself as an innovation hub to attract blockchain companies and tech talent. The Netherlands, Estonia, Gibraltar, Malta, and Mauritius have also been welcoming blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies.
More and more territories are opening up to blockchain and cryptocurrency; that means this list is likely to grow. If you’re traveling somewhere that’s not on this list, check out Buy Bitcoin Worldwide’s informative website, where you can easily find the exchanges operating in every country.
