Bitcoin has enjoyed a rapid rise in prestige over the last few years, with more and more businesses accepting the currency every week. But where in the UK can you actually spend your hard-earned digital moolah? Here are some suggestions…
Get some games on the go
Last month, the Glasgow branch of second-hand games retailer CeX announced it would be accepting Bitcoin payments as part of a trial. With one eye on the possible financial effects of Scottish independence, the store also installed Scotland’s first Bitcoin ATM for customers to get their hands on the currency.
Head down to the pub
Since the Pembury Tavern in Hackney became the first in the UK to accept Bitcoin in June 2013, several UK pubs have opened their arms to the currency. Individual Pubs Limited, which owns the venue, also accepts Bitcoins in five of its pubs across the country, including sites in Peterborough, Norwich, and Cambridge.
Buy some wheels
If you’re in need of some transport and don’t fancy topping up your Oyster, you can always use your Bitcoins to pay for a car. Southampton-based Cars for Crypto sells used cars in return for a range of virtual currencies, so you can get your hands on a new vehicle quickly and easily.
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Dress to impress
Need to look your best? Fashion site Girl Meets Dress offers rental services of designers bags, clothes and jewellery, and earlier this year began accepting Bitcoin as payment. The site offers over 4,000 dresses from 150+ brands, meaning you should be able to find something for any occasion.
Kit out your pet
And if that isn’t enough fashion, you can also use your Bitcoins to pay for some much-needed accessories for your furry companion with Pets Pyjamas. The company also provides information on pet-friendly travel and holiday options, as well as a ‘Social Petwork’ for owners (and pets) to meet and socialise.
Book a hotel room
If you fancy a break to enjoy your new-found wealth, you can now pay for a hotel room thanks to booking service GuestLeader. The program allows hotel chains and resorts around the world to accept Bitcoin payments without any need to implement new technologies.
Hire a private jet
Or alternatively, if you have a significant amount of spare cash floating around, then you can also use your Bitcoins to hire a private jet, thanks to charter company PrivateFly. Technology entrepreneur and Bitcoin millionaire Olivier Janssens became the first client to use the currency in January, booking, paying for, and flying to his home on the Cote d’Azur all on the same day.
Get some takeaway
If you’re feeling peckish, you can now order a pizza or Chinese from takeaway.com and pay for your meal using Bitcoins. The website includes over 7,500 listed restaurants, so you’ll never be short of options, wherever you are.
Pay off your tuition fees
Last month, Leander Bindewald made every struggling student’s dream come true by paying off part of his Cumbria University tuition fees using Bitcoin. The 34 year old PhD student paid for a month’s fees at the university, which became the first in the world to accept Bitcoin in January on two of its courses.
Donate to Comic Relief
Finally, if you feel like doing some good with your Bitcoins, charity event Comic Relief last week confirmed it is looking into introducing donations via the currency for its next event, due to be held in March 2015. Last year’s event raised over £100m for good causes around the world, so put your virtual dollars to good use.
