Key Takeaways:
- Switzerland now has over 600 crypto-friendly merchants.
- Bitcoin payments settle instantly via Lightning QR codes.
After successful tests in Zug and Kreuzlingen, Spar Switzerland plans to let shoppers pay with Bitcoin at all its stores.
Cashiers will scan a static Lightning Network QR code from DFX Swiss’s OpenCryptoPay platform. Payments settle in seconds, and the system prints a confirmation receipt.
Why Switzerland Continues to Lead in Crypto Adoption
Spar will become the country’s first major grocer to include Bitcoin at every checkout. The grocer’s locations already appear on BTC Map, the community directory of crypto-friendly businesses.
The move strengthens Switzerland’s reputation for real-world crypto adoption.
More than 600 Swiss merchants, from tax offices in “CryptoValley” Zug to cafés in Lugano, now accept Bitcoin or stablecoins for routine payments, according to BTC Map.
Rahim Taghizadegan of Bitcoin Association Switzerland tested the system and called the experience “instant and easy,” urging customers to “pay in sats” to keep the service alive.
Swiss businesses and consumers continue to show a strong appetite for Bitcoin, even as the Swiss National Bank rejects it as a store of value.
At last week’s shareholder meeting, Swiss National Bank Chairman Martin Schlegel repeated that Bitcoin’s volatility and limited liquidity disqualify it from reserve status.
Spar’s upcoming rollout shows how market demand can outpace policy debates. Pro-crypto activists now seek 100,000 signatures to force a referendum that would compel the SNB to add Bitcoin alongside gold.
Can Crypto Hotspots Trigger CountryWide Adoption?
When it comes to crypto friendliness, Zurich ranks high, placing third behind Hong Kong and ahead of Singapore and Abu Dhabi in Multipolitan’s 2025 Crypto Report.
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, has been named the world’s most crypto-friendly city by Multipolitan's 2025 Crypto Report. The city ranked ahead of Hong Kong and Zurich, both of which tied for second place in the Crypto-Friendly Cities Index.
Slovenia also leads in the… pic.twitter.com/NPKKYRZTix
— WhatToFarm (@whattofarm_) April 25, 2025
Hong Kong secured the world’s second spot after Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital.
Clear guidelines from regulators, tax incentives for innovation, and strong digital infrastructure support widespread adoption.
The report also ranks Hong Kong third globally for crypto wealth concentration. Average holdings reach $97,500 per investor.
Since 2022, the Securities and Futures Commission has licensed ten trading platforms. These developments have cemented Hong Kong’s commitment to digital asset investment and innovation.
Hong Kong’s real estate market has also embraced blockchain-driven innovation. The technology allows secure crypto transactions, instant settlements, and fractional property ownership.
Industry leaders leverage digital assets to unlock liquidity, streamline investment processes, and expand global participation.
This forward-looking approach strengthens transparency, reduces intermediaries, and positions Hong Kong at the forefront of property tech and decentralized finance.
Is This the Start of a Global Crypto Policy Shift?
Other countries are now warming to crypto. Pakistan has joined the trend.
At a March meeting with an international crypto delegation, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Aurangzeb urged regulators to explore blockchain’s potential.
Delegates included Gentry Beach Jr., who pledged $1 billion in funding, tech entrepreneur Nikita Goldsmith, blockchain consultant Alex Malkov, and Cosmic Wire CEO Jerad Finck.
The ministry has formed a National Crypto Council to bring together regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders. The council will also draft clear rules for cryptocurrencies, exchanges, and blockchain applications.
Inviting investors and experts into crypto policymaking marks a sharp departure from outright rejection. Pakistan now shows a proactive stance and a willingness to join global efforts in shaping a secure and transparent crypto market.
This shift that has been made possible by its new collaboration with World Liberty Financial (WLFI).
During an April 26 meeting, WLFI co-founders Zak Folkman, Zach Witkoff, and Chase Herro signed an LOI with the Pakistan Crypto Council.
They will launch regulatory sandboxes to test DeFi protocols, set clear regulatory frameworks, explore tokenization of real-world assets like real estate and commodities, and scale stablecoin remittances.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb credited Pakistan’s proactive stance for attracting international partners and empowering its tech-savvy youth. With over 25 million active users and $300 billion in annual transactions, Pakistan laid the groundwork for this landmark DeFi partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
OpenCryptoPay queries real-time BTC rates at checkout, generates a time-limited QR code (usually 2–5 minutes), and invalidates or recalculates the invoice at current rates if customers pay after expiration, protecting merchants from volatility.
Switzerland treats Bitcoin as an asset, meaning purchases may trigger capital gains tax if the BTC’s value has increased since acquisition. However, small everyday transactions often fall under tax-free thresholds. It depends on the local cantonal rules.
Employees will likely need minimal training, as the system uses simple QR scans and automatic receipt printing, similar to existing payment methods.
The post Spar Supermarkets to Launch Bitcoin Payments Across Switzerland – Adoption Rising? appeared first on Cryptonews.
