Use Bitcoin to buy your duty-free at this airport

Symbol image digital currency, gold physical coin bitcoin on keyboard — Michael Weber/Getty

Back in January, Brisbane Airport announced a partnership allowing customers to use cryptocurrency as payment at all retail outlets in the airport.

On Sunday, it's now a practical reality.

It's the end result of a partnership between Brisbane Airport and TravelByBit, an Australian startup focusing on payment platforms designed to help travellers pay for trips using cryptocurrencies.

Right now, there are 30 retails stores in Brisbane Airport, where you can use Bitcoin and multiple other cryptocurrencies to pay for goods. Caleb Yeoh, the co-founder and CEO of TravelbyBit, says it's just the beginning.

"We did a test for two weeks and we launched it last week," said Yeoh. "We're gradually rolling it out."

"More are coming, we just need time to train up the staff."

According to Yeoh, the payment systems are easy to use, and they have to be, particularly to build trust between retailers and customers.

"We're just trying to build a real world use case for cryptocurrency," Yeoh explained. "Bitcoin is perfect for travel, there's no exchange rate issues or risk of credit card fraud."

Bitcoin's price has fallen dramatically since it spiked in December 2017. Back then the currency hit an all-time high of almost US$20,000. At time of writing bitcoin is priced at US$7,600.

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