It’s no surprise if you’re planning a trip to Nova Scotia. It’s indeed a bucket-list destination and as authentic as they come. It is captivating and blessed with countless breathtaking natural landscapes, an overwhelmingly rich and vibrant culture, and heartwarming hospitality — a delightful mixture that can hardly be gotten anywhere else. From hiking the Cabot Trail, exploring the Bay of Fundy, and fully taking in its wholesomely charming picturesque town of Lunenburg, you’ll most likely have an enjoyable experience in Nova Scotia.
Chances are also that you are wondering how easy it would be to navigate this province with just crypto. But before we get into the details of a crypto-funded adventure in Nova Scotia, you must understand the complex relationship between Canada and cryptocurrency.
Canada, Codes, and Cryptocurrency
Canada ranks up there amongst nations with the fastest rate of crypto adoption, but it does not come without certain restrictions. There has been increased scrutiny on crypto institutions following a series of unfortunate crypto-related events, from the collapse of QuadrigaCX amounting to millions in losses for Canadians to the FTX scandal. As a result, some crypto exchanges have gracefully ceased operations, others have taken a hit to their business, and non-compliant institutions have been imposed with sanctions and bans.
Cryptocurrency in Canada is not legal tender, but citizens can trade them on crypto exchanges funded by any of the banks that haven’t placed restrictions on it. Some experts and analysts believe Canada’s stringent policies and codes have stumped one of the most significant upsides of cryptocurrencies — a self-regulating system without intermediaries.
Despite the sanctions, regulations, and bans, Canadians remain crypto-loving people, and the adoption and application channels are on a steady rise. The country has over 3000 Bitcoin ATMs and user penetration is forecasted to be 25.5% in 2023 and is expected to hit 32.0% by 2027 with over 12m users.
Popular Destinations And Establishments Within Nova Scotia That Accept Crypto Payments
A study showed that Toronto and Vancouver, two of Canada’s top and most popular cities, have numerous establishments that accept cryptocurrency payments. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Nova Scotia. As of this article, no known local businesses directly trade goods and services for cryptocurrency in the province. This is no surprise, as the regulations and lack of an enabling environment have subdued the prospects of local merchants open to collecting crypto.
Additionally, the crypto revolution may not have caught on in Nova Scotia as much as in the rest of Canada. Don’t get us wrong, there are still ways to go by with just crypto in Nova Scotia, though it may require a few workarounds. You may want to consider any of the most convenient alternatives for tourists and residents determined to spend only crypto.
Can You Use Crypto For Online Payments While in Nova Scotia?
If online business accepts cryptocurrencies, you can use them to make online purchases from Nova Scotia, legally. But even if they don’t, there are some workarounds. Let’s say you found a nice hotel but they don’t accept crypto payments. If that hotel is listed on an online booking service like Travala.com, you can book your room with Bitcoin there. The same goes for entertainment. For example, if you’re looking to play Blackjack online, you’re technically not doing anything illegal, as Canadian citizens are generally not prohibited from playing at offshore online casino websites. With that in mind, sites like the Canadian version of SpinFever.com can be accessed from Nova Scotia if you’re looking for a quick gaming session while travelling.
Bitcoin ATMs and Similar Alternatives
Even with local establishments that don’t accept crypto, all hope is not lost. It is still possible to go on a Bitcoin-powered adventure in Nova Scotia, as the province boasts over 35 Bitcoin ATMs that should still allow you to go on a crypto-powered adventure. 20 of these ATMs are located in Halifax, seven in Dartmouth, and the rest are scattered across Wileville, Enfield, Beaver Bank, Greenwich, Bedford, Lower Sackville, Truro, and Sydney.
Other viable alternatives still exist other than Bitcoin ATMs. One such option is CoinCards. A gift card service that works in Canada, CoinCards allows users to purchase virtual or gift cards redeemable at traditional retail stores instead of cash. You can purchase these gift cards using cryptocurrency, which helps bridge crypto payments with traditional methods. Coincards and similar crypto gift-card services support various brands — from clothing to pharmaceuticals and even utility bills. Users have the option to pay for gift cards using various cryptocurrencies, providing them with flexibility and a wide range of choices.
You can use crypto gift cards and ATMs located throughout Canada to pay for Air Canada flights in and out of Nova Scotia, Uber rides around the province, meals at McDonald’s or KFC, and Starbucks Coffee whenever you want. You can go shopping, stock up on supplies, and pay for services and memberships. You can also access the most exclusive AirBnbs and still enjoy the cuisine without worrying about holding fiat.
Conclusion
Nova Scotia is a beautiful province that can be accessed with crypto, albeit with a few workarounds. You may encounter issues with businesses accepting crypto payments directly, but you’re all set as long as you can access a Bitcoin ATM or rely on online services that accept crypto as your main workaround.
