Have you ever considered leaving your credit card behind and traveling the world using only crypto? It’s not a dream of the future—it’s a present-day reality.
More than 15,000 businesses worldwide now accept cryptocurrency payments, and it’s become easier than ever to book flights, hotel stays, and even a cup of coffee using Bitcoin or Ethereum.
I even pushed myself to do an entire trip with just crypto—and no fiat.
I was a skeptic at first, but by the time it was over, I knew that with the right tools, you can do it with ease!If you’re ready to take the plunge with borderless payments through crypto, here’s your ultimate guide—from booking flights to finding crypto ATMs across the world, keeping your digital assets secure, and even discovering the top crypto-friendly travel destinations.
Booking Your Trip with Crypto
The first step in your crypto-powered adventure is booking flights and hotels. Luckily, several platforms make it easy to travel without relying on fiat.
Best Platforms for Crypto Travel Bookings
- Travala.com – Book hotels, flights, and activities using over 90 cryptocurrencies.
- CheapAir – A great option for booking flights, hotels, and car rentals with crypto.
- Destinia – Offers flights, hotels, and vacation packages you can pay for with Bitcoin.
- Bitcoin.Travel – Accepts over 2,500 cryptocurrencies for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
I remember booking my first flight with Bitcoin—half excited, half nervous, wondering if everything would go smoothly. Turns out, it was as easy as using a credit card!
Crypto Travel Hack: Some of these platforms offer discounts when you pay with crypto. For example, Travala provides up to 3% back in AVA tokens on every booking!
Where to Stay: Hotels That Accept Cryptocurrency
Many hotels and resorts now welcome crypto payments, especially in crypto-friendly destinations.
- S Hotels & Resorts (Thailand, Maldives)
- The Kessler Collection (Luxury hotels in the U.S.)
- Pavilions Hotels & Resorts (Luxury accommodations in Europe & Asia)
“A friend of mine stayed at The Kessler Collection’s luxury hotels in the U.S. and paid entirely with Bitcoin. The staff even knew about blockchain and were excited to accept the payment!”
If you’re staying in a city without crypto-friendly hotels, you can always use your crypto debit card—more on that below.
Paying on the Go: Crypto Debit Cards for Travel
A crypto debit card works just like a regular debit card but lets you spend your crypto anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. It’s a must-have for any crypto traveler.
Best Crypto Cards for Traveling Abroad
- Coinbase Card – Spend your crypto instantly, with rewards in USDC.
- Crypto.com Card – Cashback on travel and purchases, plus airport lounge access.
- Bybit Card – Low fees and flexible crypto-to-fiat conversion.
- Nexo Card – No foreign exchange fees and up to 2% cashback.
- Gnosis Pay – A fully on-chain Visa card for seamless Web3 payments.
- Ka. Visa Debit Card – Effortlessly manage and spend your crypto with low fees and real-time conversions, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Ever arrived at a hotel and realized they don’t accept your preferred payment method? That’s why having a crypto debit card as a backup can save you from a lot of stress!
Some crypto cards allow you to withdraw cash at ATMs worldwide, making them super handy for destinations where direct crypto payments aren’t common.
Top Destinations for Crypto Travelers
Some countries are way ahead when it comes to crypto adoption. Here are the best places where you can easily use crypto for travel:
🇵🇹 Portugal – No crypto taxes, many businesses accept Bitcoin.
🇸🇻 El Salvador – Bitcoin is legal tender, and you can buy everything from tacos to real estate with BTC.
🇦🇪 Dubai – A growing crypto hub with ATMs and businesses accepting digital payments.
🇨🇠Switzerland – Zurich and Lugano have thriving crypto communities.
🇲🇹 Malta – Home to major blockchain companies, with a welcoming attitude toward crypto travelers.
A friend of mine recently traveled to El Salvador with nothing but his Bitcoin wallet. From street food vendors to luxury hotels, he managed to pay for everything without touching fiat!
How to Actually Pay with Crypto While Traveling
Aside from using a crypto debit card, you’ll find plenty of ways to make direct peer-to-peer crypto payments for travel.
How to Pay for Travel with Bitcoin & Other Cryptos
- Restaurants & Cafés – Look for places that accept Bitcoin via BitPay or OpenNode.
- Retail Stores – Some chains like Starbucks and Subway accept crypto through apps like SPEDN.
- Transportation – Certain taxi services and rental companies in crypto-friendly cities now accept Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- NFTs for Travel Bookings – Some Web3 travel platforms are experimenting with NFT-based reservations, allowing you to buy and resell hotel stays and flights!
Use apps like CoinMap or Bitcoin.Travel to find nearby businesses that accept crypto.
Finding Crypto ATMs Worldwide
Need some cash while on the go? Crypto ATMs exist in over 70 countries, with 30,000+ machines in the U.S. alone.
How to Find a Crypto ATM Near You:
- Use CoinATMRadar.com – The best tool for locating crypto ATMs worldwide.
- Check Local Exchange Apps – Some exchanges, like Binance and Kraken, have built-in ATM locators.
- Know the Fees – Crypto ATM fees range from 5-23%, so check before withdrawing.
One time, I was in a rush to withdraw crypto in a new city. I found an ATM using CoinATMRadar, but the fees were over 15%! Lesson learned: always check the fees before cashing out!
Web3 Travel Solutions: The Future of Crypto Travel
The travel industry is starting to embrace Web3 solutions, making crypto payments smoother and more decentralized.
Innovations in Crypto Travel:
- Decentralized Booking Platforms – Projects like DTravel let you book stays without middlemen.
- NFT-Based Travel Passes – Some airlines and events are using NFTs for exclusive bookings.
- Borderless Payments with Crypto – More airlines and hotel chains are integrating crypto payment options.
Final Thoughts: Crypto Travel Hacks & Safety Tips
- Plan Ahead – Not every country is crypto-friendly, so research local regulations.
- Have a Backup – Even if you plan to use crypto only, bring a backup payment method.
- Stay Safe – Use a hardware wallet and multisig security to lock up your money.
- Find Crypto Hotspots – Use apps like Travala, CoinMap, and CoinATMRadar to locate crypto-friendly service providers.
If you’re a digital nomad or simply an adventurous traveler, going all the way with crypto on your trip is entirely feasible. With crypto-friendly travel arrangements growing year by year, you may not even need fiat currency at all!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Any actions you take based on the information provided are solely at your own risk. We are not responsible for any financial losses, damages, or consequences resulting from your use of this content. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Read more
