In a McDonald's by a lake surrounded by mountains in the heart of Lugano, a customer orders coffee and asks, Can I pay with bitcoin? The staff member offers a terminal designed for cryptocurrency, distributed by the local council to facilitate Bitcoin payments across the city's businesses.

Some 350 shops and restaurants in Lugano now accept Bitcoin, with municipal services also beginning to accept it, allowing residents to pay for everything from childcare to meals in cryptocurrency. This shift reflects a growing trend of incorporating Bitcoin into everyday transactions, diverging from its traditional role as an investment asset.

Customers like Nicolas, who believes in the freedom offered by Bitcoin, appreciate being less reliant on banks and their fees. Local shop owners, such as Cherubino Fry from Vintage Nassa, accept Bitcoin mainly due to its lower processing fees compared to credit cards, stating, Using bitcoin will be like a tree growing, and this tree will grow very big in five, 10 years.

However, the journey is not without challenges. While local advocate Mir Liponi highlights the potential for a Bitcoin-driven economy, she notes that vital services like public transport and utilities remain unavailable for cryptocurrency payments.

Despite this innovation, skepticism about Bitcoin's volatility and its association with illegal activities exists among some residents. Local economist Sergio Rossi emphasizes the need for shopkeepers to convert Bitcoin into stable fiat currency to mitigate risks. While officials, including Mayor Michele Foletti, maintain optimism about Bitcoin's contributions, the city's reputation and financial security remain essential considerations in this evolving landscape of cryptocurrency adoption.}