Crypto Remittances to El Salvador Down 18% in Early 2023

In the early months of 2023, it has been reported that the use of cryptocurrency remittances to El Salvador has decreased by 18%. This decrease in usage is surprising, given the recent adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in the country in 2021.

Bitcoin, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, was adopted by El Salvador as legal tender on September 7, 2021, making it the first country in the world to do so. The move was widely praised by Bitcoin enthusiasts and supporters, who saw it as a significant step towards the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. However, the recent decrease in crypto remittances to the country could indicate that this adoption has not yet reached its full potential.

Remittances are an essential source of income for many families in El Salvador. In 2021, the country received over $7 billion in remittances, making up about 20% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). With the adoption of Bitcoin, many had hoped that the use of cryptocurrency for remittances would increase, providing an alternative to traditional money transfer methods such as Western Union or MoneyGram.

However, the decrease in crypto remittances to El Salvador could be due to several factors. Firstly, it may be a result of the recent volatility in the cryptocurrency market, which has led to many investors withdrawing their funds. Secondly, the lack of infrastructure and education surrounding cryptocurrencies in El Salvador could be deterring potential users from adopting the technology.

Despite this setback, there is still hope for the future of cryptocurrency in El Salvador. The government has introduced several initiatives to promote the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, including providing free Bitcoin wallets to all citizens and establishing Bitcoin ATMs across the country. Additionally, the government has stated that it plans to invest $150 million in Bitcoin infrastructure, including mining and processing centers.

The adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in El Salvador was a significant step towards the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. However, it is clear that there is still work to be done in educating the public about the benefits and risks of using cryptocurrencies for remittances. As more countries and institutions around the world continue to embrace cryptocurrencies, it is likely that the use of crypto remittances in El Salvador and beyond will continue to grow.