Do you want to exchange surplus euros for some bitcoin or ethereum? Well, if you’re traveling to Amsterdam, it’s possible! Starting now, passengers at Schiphol airport can exchange their leftover at the ‘Bitcoin ATM’ machine. The ATM is a six-month trial and the Schiphol airport is the first European airport to offer this service.
This trial is the result of cooperation between Schiphol and the Dutch startup ByeleX Data Solutions BV — ‘The Byecoin Company’. “We are excited that Schiphol is willing to join us in exploring ways to introduce passengers to the new cryptoreality,” mentioned ByeleX’s director, Herman Vissia in the official press release.
“Schiphol is constantly looking for ways to innovate and provide optimum service to passengers,” added Tanja Dik, director of Consumer Products & Services at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. “With the Bitcoin ATM, we hope to provide a useful service to passengers by allowing them to easily exchange ‘local’ euros for the ‘global’ cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum. That can be beneficial if, for instance, it’s not possible to spend euros in their home country.”
How to use the machine?
If you want to use the bitcoin machine, you will need a wallet to set up the cryptocurrency. You can scan the QR receipt code of your wallet through the camera in the machine via your smartphone. Then it’s possible to insert the euros and the virtual coins will be deposited directly in their Bitcoin wallet. Reportedly, without a wallet, a user will not be able to use the machine.
There’s a maximum limit of €100 at a time to exchange for crypto coins and also a person can do only one transaction at a time. Also, the ATM features an English-language options menu which guides you easily through the process.
What about ByeleX?
ByeleX Crypto Services has been making and supplying cryto machines for a while now. This is the 6th machine by the Dutch startup. The others are placed in High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, at the Star Observatory in Oudenbosch, in one in the local newspaper store Primera in Bavel. Outside the Netherlands, there are two more in Antwerp and Ibiza.
As per media reports, 100 to 150 transactions per week are done with all those vending machines together.
Industry analysts believe, its good to see that the Netherland’s airport is recognising the positive aspects of this new wave of cryptocurrency and is hopeful that travellers will use the new facility.
Stay tuned to Silicon Canals for more updates in the tech startup world.
