Lugano, the city in southern Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region, has launched a new payment initiative allowing residents and businesses to use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT) for municipal services and tax payments.
Lugano's administration declared the acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a valid payment method for all municipal services on December 5th.
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The progressive step has been implemented through a partnership with Bitcoin Suisse, a leading Swiss cryptocurrency platform, enabling an automated and efficient payment process.
The inclusion of cryptocurrencies in municipal payment systems forms a critical part of Lugano's Plan B project. This initiative, a collaboration with Tether, is designed to integrate Bitcoin technology into the city's financial ecosystem, transforming how financial transactions are conducted.
Bitcoin Suisse contributes to this vision by providing the necessary technical support, making it possible for Lugano to accept Bitcoin and Tether for various municipal payments.
Lugano's residents and business entities now have the flexibility to settle any local bill, regardless of its nature or amount, with cryptocurrencies. The process is facilitated through the Swiss QR-bill system, where users can scan the invoice code and complete the payment using their preferred cryptocurrency through a mobile wallet.
Lugano's approach towards embracing digital currencies is not isolated in Switzerland. Other regions have also ventured into similar initiatives. For instance, Zug began accepting Bitcoin and Ether (ETH) for tax payments in 2021, while the municipality of Zermatt partnered with Bitcoin Suisse to offer Bitcoin tax payment options back in 2020.
The decision by Lugano to integrate Bitcoin and Tether into its municipal payment system underscores the city's commitment to innovation and digital currency adoption. This move enhances the convenience for its residents and businesses and places Lugano at the forefront of digital currency adoption in Switzerland, aligning with the broader trend of cryptocurrency utilization in the country's public services.
