Small Brazilian Town Leads Global Bitcoin Adoption Wave
Rolante becomes a leader in Bitcoin adoption, revolutionizing local commerce
On March 30, Brazil's RBS TV showcased Rolante's adoption of Bitcoin, highlighting the town's move towards digital currency through a three-minute report aired by a leading Brazilian network. This initiative, shared on X by Bitcoineaqui, spotlights the significant shift towards Bitcoin in this southern Brazilian town.
Ricardo Stim was at the forefront, persuading Rolante’s merchant association to embrace Bitcoin as a payment method.
His efforts swiftly established Rolante as a global front-runner in Bitcoin adoption. "In just one month, we became the top city in Brazil for Bitcoin acceptance, and soon after, the world leader. We now have a sales point for every 105 people," Stim proudly stated.
Rolante is a small community in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state, with a population of over 21,000.
It's situated near Argentina and Paraguay and is roughly an hour away from Porto Alegre. The town, covering nearly 300 km², has a GDP per capita of around $6,976, according to Brazil’s IBGE.
The introduction of Bitcoin has significantly impacted Rolante, with a Bitcoin festival moving $60,000 in transactions.
Currently, 40% of merchants in Rolante accept Bitcoin, extending to the service and health sectors. "We now offer Bitcoin as a payment option, alongside traditional methods," noted store owner Edson Reichert.
Another merchant, Anderson Reichert, highlighted that Bitcoin's adoption has attracted tourists, although the local population is still learning about Bitcoin payments.
This shift towards Bitcoin in Rolante mirrors the cryptocurrency’s intended role as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, de
