[2018-09-24] IranbyBit: Bitcoin-Powered Tourism Fueling Iranian Economy

[buwaytress]

An Iranian travel startup is tackling the country’s economic sanctions and consequent financial exclusion by offering visitors to the country an opportunity to pay for their travel experience with Bitcoin.

Speaking to Bitcoin News, IranbyBit‘s founder Setare Shabanipour discussed the importance of having the option to pay with Bitcoin, and how the business is helping to grow both the tourism sector in Iran and international levels of Bitcoin adoption.

Why does Iran need a Bitcoin travel option?
Iran has been subject to economic sanctions from the US, the European Union and the United Nation Security Council in various capacities since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Through the years, the sanctions have taken the forms of asset freezes and trade embargos, which have taken a serious toll on the country’s economy and people.

It is difficult to send and receive money from other countries while based in Iran, creating a major issue for attracting outsiders to visit the country. Shabanipour explained that tourists are not able to use credit cards, Visa or Mastercard; ”Travelers need to exchange their money to the Iranian local currency and carry cash with themselves which is a troublesome and an unpleasant experience,” she said. It also makes it difficult for international travelers to book their accommodation and events such as local tours before they enter the country.

To read more about why Bitcoin is getting Iranians excited:  https://bitcoinnews.com/iranbybit-bitcoin-powered-tourism-fueling-iranian-economy/

[Kepariy]

An Iranian travel startup is tackling the country’s economic sanctions and consequent financial exclusion by offering visitors to the country an opportunity to pay for their travel experience with Bitcoin.

If it is practical, I will use bitcoin to travel there.

[gentlemand]

I'd be there like a shot apart from the fact that going there may well exclude you from going to the US. The US is indeed the Great Satan but I still need to pop there every now and then. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Iran.

[buwaytress]

If it is practical, I will use bitcoin to travel there.

At the moment, because of sanctions, only cash is practical in Iran. Imagine not being able to use atms, bank wires or even money transfers while you're there. Of course, Bitcoin is probably less accepted still than US dolars or euros, but apparently people are very willing to take Bitcoin over even their currency. And since you couldn't pay for anything in advance of your trip, having Bitcoin as an option for lodging, prepaid sim cards and even preloaded debit cards is a huge convenience. Big win for Bitcoin in my book.

I'd be there like a shot apart from the fact that going there may well exclude you from going to the US. The US is indeed the Great Satan but I still need to pop there every now and then. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Iran.

That is a valid concern. Any trips to Israel, for example, makes it problematic for reentry into my own country. And you bet you'd get a lot of questions entering the US with a Tehran entry stamp on your passport Shame but that's how the non-inclusive world works...

[hugeblack]

Who will go to Iran for tourism? I mean, if I want to choose a tourist destination, Iran will not be my destination.
In addition to harassment by the government, there is infrastructure which I do not think is suitable for tourism.

There are many foreigners who want to travel to Iran, but I do not think they are visiting that country for tourism. So such news will increase the negative connection between the Bitcoin and dark activities.

[gentlemand]

Who will go to Iran for tourism? I mean, if I want to choose a tourist destination, Iran will not be my destination.

Go there and find out? Everyone I know who's been there had the finest time of their entire lives. The people are super cool and there's plenty of untapped beauty and history. I'd love to go myself.