The Payments Race
By Ali Paterson
Editor in Chief, Fintech Finance
The Payments Race is a challenge that has taken place over the last two years, where a group of “racers” head as fast as they can between two cities while trying to complete a series of challenges on the way. The catch? They are only allowed to use one method of payment for the entire trip.
Highlight #5
Race III: Hong Kong to Singapore – March 2018
The market wants what the market wants:
Amelie Arras, using only Bitcoin, had managed to travel south through Vietnam. The incredible thing was that, unknown to her, Bitcoin is illegal in Vietnam. This only came to light while standing in front of a Bitcoin ATM, when a local Hanoi resident informed her that asking to buy food in Bitcoin was illegal.
One of the great appeals (or downfalls) of Bitcoin is that it can be sent person-to-person without any government being made aware of it. In Vietnam, despite being banned, Amelie managed to pay for food, board and transport using a payment method that was technically illegal…and found it easier than other countries where it was still legal.
Highlight #4
Race V: New York to Vegas – October 2018
Financial inclusion of crypto across the ages:
Maximilien Meilleur, using only a variety of cryptocurrencies, found himself in the city centre of Denver, CO, in desperate need of a bus ticket. After spotting a large chap with a big beard, glasses and a Star Wars T-shirt, he weighed up his options and headed over to speak with ...
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