Venezuelans Turn to Cryptocurrency Amid Economic Crisis
As Venezuela grapples with severe financial instability marked by hyperinflation, food shortages, and rampant poverty, cryptocurrency remittances have become a crucial financial lifeline. In 2023, digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum accounted for approximately 9% of the $5.4 billion remitted to the country, offering a more stable store of value compared to the volatile bolivar.
With over 7.7 million Venezuelans having emigrated due to economic distress, the reliance on remittances has intensified. Many Venezuelans are using platforms like Binance and Coinbase to convert cryptocurrencies into stablecoins such as Tether, to avoid currency fluctuations and circumvent government restrictions on traditional remittance methods. The lower transaction fees and faster processing times of cryptocurrencies make them an attractive alternative, suggesting that their adoption in Venezuela is likely to increase amid ongoing economic challenges.
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