The Netherlands is one of the top 5 countries in the world steering away from using cash as a currency to pay for transactions. Using bank-issued cards (or “pinnen” as it is called in Dutch) has become increasingly more popular, simply because it requires less hassle and less time. After all, we all love fast (if not instantaneous) transactions, right?
Barbershop & Co – Image courtesy of DenHaagFM
Bitcoin has also seen an increase in popularity over the past few months, with several merchants and shops accepting Bitcoin payments. Earlier this year, Bitcoin Conference 2014 took place in Amsterdam, capital city of The Netherlands. I was able to attend this conference, and the atmosphere was simply amazing.
Other major cities, such as The Hague, also see a growth in Bitcoin adoption. Very much so even, as the very first RoboCoin Bitcoin ATM was installed two days ago at a concept store called “The Barbershop & Co”. Using the RoboCoin Bitcoin ATM, customers can purchase Bitcoin by putting fiat currency bills into the machine.
The idea behind “The Barbershop & Co” is to give entrepreneurs a place to show off what they are capable of for a small budget. This approach eliminates the traditional “investing an idea” (financial) risks. You can find out more about the concept store here.
Bringing such an expensive Bitcoin ATM to the location requires a lot of initiative and planning. Thanks to Bitcoin Boulevard, a collaboration between three entrepreneurs residing in The Hague, the RoboCoin ATM is one of the steps towards creating a Bitcoin platform for the entire city.
Source (Dutch) :
http://denhaagfm.nl/2014/10/02/den-haag-krijgt-eerste-bitcoin-pinautomaat-van-nederland/
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