Passengers traveling through Australia’s Brisbane Airport (BNE) will soon be able to pay with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dash thanks to the hub’s partnership with payment platform provider TravelbyBit.
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.
Travelers will soon be able to use TravelbyBit’s cryptocurrency payment system to dine and shop at eateries such as Botanist, Spoon, Windmill & Co., and Forte Espresso, as well as stores including Australian Way, Merino Collection, Carry On, Dreamtime Journey and multiple News Travels across both terminals.
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.
“We’re also proud to be the first airport in the world to achieve this in partnership with a small local startup business such as TravelbyBit, whose pioneering thinking is drawing attention to Brisbane as a serious breeding ground of innovative thinking.
“This is just the beginning for us as we hope to expand the digital currency option across the business, so watch this space.”
The partnership links with Brisbane Airport’s aim to promote community projects, support local businesses, improve the passenger experience, and become a leader in the airport digital innovation space.
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.”