- Cannes will begin accepting Bitcoin and crypto payments across local businesses starting this summer, with a goal of 90% merchant adoption.
- Mayor David Lisnard supports the move, emphasizing modernization of payments, while offering training to merchants to ease the transition to crypto.
- Web3 payment company Lunu Pay will provide the infrastructure, demonstrating that crypto is a practical solution for everyday transactions.
Bitcoin and crypto payments are set to go live in Cannes, France, as the city moves to modernize its payment system. Starting this summer, merchants will be able to accept cryptocurrencies, with the local government targeting a high participation rate.
Bitcoin and Crypto Payments Take Hold in Cannes
The French city of Cannes is preparing to integrate cryptocurrency into its local economy. According to a tweet by Bitcoin Archive , the municipal government is aiming for a 90% adoption rate among merchants. This step could reshape transactions in a city globally recognized for luxury tourism and its international film festival.
Cannes mayor David Lisnard is leading this change. He has emphasized that the move is about progress, not politics. He stated that the decision is “a step toward modernization rather than from an ideological standpoint.” To ensure a smooth rollout, Lisnard organized a February training session for local shop owners and professionals, encouraging the adoption of digital payments.
Web3 Infrastructure Supports the Rollout
The integration of crypto payments in Cannes will be supported by Lunu Pay, a Web3 payment solutions provider. Artem Shaginyan, founder and head of strategy at Lunu Pay, highlighted the significance of this shift. “When a city like Cannes, known globally for culture and commerce, starts integrating crypto at scale, it shows that Web3 payments aren’t just a niche thing anymore,” Shaginyan said.
He added, “It’s about proving that crypto can work in everyday settings, not just online or in theory.” Lunu Pay’s infrastructure is expected to facilitate seamless crypto transactions for local merchants, attracting clientele with higher disposable income and supporting a more modern payment ecosystem.
Other Cities Explore Similar Crypto Integration
The Cannes initiative comes soon after Panama City introduced its own form of crypto integration. On April 15, Panama City mayor Mayer Mizrachi announced that the city would begin accepting Bitcoin, Ether, USDC, and USDT for taxes, bus tickets, permits, and municipal fees.
Mizrachi explained the solution behind the city’s success: “We bypassed those requirements by collaborating with a bank that immediately converts any digital assets received into US dollars.” He further added that this allowed the city to avoid new legislation while enabling digital payments.
With Cannes and Panama City taking practical steps, other global cities may soon follow in adapting crypto for everyday use
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