Vancouver: The Bitcoin-merchant capital of North America

By Cole Goodwin, director of business development at Coinos.

Since Bitcoin's inception in 2009, it's been a wild, wild ride. But here in Vancouver, we've taken that rollercoaster and turned it into a full-blown parade. We're not just at the front of the pack, we're leading the charge with more bitcoin businesses (85) than any other city in North America, and 90 percent of them are using Coinos. How? Through a powerhouse combo of Coinos; the meetup groups Bitcoin Privilege, BTC Vancity, and Bitdevs; plus Vancouver’s motivated Bitcoin community and ambassadors. Together, they're the maestros orchestrating this symphony. Check out the world-map with most of the Bitcoin merchants.

Coinos, ignited by the visionary Adam Soltys back in 2012, has been on a relentless mission to embed bitcoin into the fabric of everyday life, and it's got some serious hustle thanks to our dynamic duo with myself, Cole, teaming up with Adam as his business partner. I've been globe-trotting, from Brazil to beyond, connecting with bitcoin leaders, injecting NOS to our fuel tank. My international outreach has been one of the pivotal forces behind Coinos becoming a global player, now having over 550 businesses worldwide accepting bitcoin. You can see our impact on Coinos’s world-map here.

Thanks to the passionate local Bitcoin community, we’re out there with boots on the ground, spreading the Bitcoin gospel through meetups, workshops, and grassroots efforts. This isn't just about expanding business; it's about fueling a movement, building a community that's tough as nails and committed to the cause. Together, we're not just growing Coinos; we're revolutionizing how Vancouver does business, one bitcoin transaction at a time.

Coinos: Your gateway to the future

Coinos isn't just another tech startup; it's one of the catalysts turning Vancouver into a Bitcoin paradise. With the tech, knowledge, and enthusiasm, Coinos makes Bitcoin and its payment process as easy as your morning coffee. Adam and myself have been educating merchants and individual users while showing businesses how and why to join the Bitcoin revolution. I've been spearheading the bitcoin merchant adoption here with onboarding the majority of the merchants and enlightening the public through our meetup groups which now have 700 members combined. I show folks how to dive into Bitcoin, how simple it is to get set up, turning skepticism into positive enthusiasm.

Why jump on this train? It's all about exposure. Many businesses haven't been asked if they accept Bitcoin yet because the Bitcoin community doesn’t know about them. By signing up with Coinos, businesses gain not just the tools but also community promotion, leading to more foot traffic, sales, and a growing customer base.

Visa and Mastercard hit business owners with fees up to 4.3 percent, but Coinos has no transaction fees, only a minuscule 0.1% withdrawal fee, which helps make transactions cost-effective and almost effortless.

Now, let’s talk speed. Visa claims a capacity of around 65,000 transactions per second (TPS), but that number has received skeptical feedback. The Lightning Network, which Coinos leverages, can handle millions of TPS, making Bitcoin payments not just cheaper but lightning-fast. Here's the kicker: when you transact with Bitcoin, you don't have the risk of your bank blocking the transaction. That's one of the things that make Bitcoin decentralized when you hold it in your own custody. Some examples of what makes Bitcoin decentralized are the following:

• No Central Authority: There's no single entity or bank controlling transactions; instead, it's managed by a network of computers worldwide.

• User Control: You control your money directly; no need for permission from a central figure to move your funds.

• Transparency: All transactions are recorded on a public ledger (blockchain), ensuring openness but protecting identity.

• Security: With no central point of failure, it's nearly impossible for Bitcoin’s network to be compromised or censored (bank accounts and emails are hacked regularly).

This decentralization contrasts with banks which are centralized.

For those skeptical about Bitcoin being digital, think about your bank account. Your bank balance is digital money too. Bitcoin has operated in cycles, roughly every four years, which can be seen clearly when you "zoom out" on the Bitcoin chart. This long-term view reveals Bitcoin's impressive track record as an investment up to this point. Meanwhile, the value of fiat has lost about 90 percent of its purchasing power over the last 30 years. Bitcoin has appreciated over the long term, while fiat currencies depreciate, highlighting the stark difference between the two.

Coinos' current focus

While Coinos is always eager to sign up any legal online or in-person business, we’re particularly keen on bringing a grocery store or gas station into the fold right now. Currently, over 20 business types in Vancouver accept Bitcoin, from liquor stores to convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, butchers, ice cream shops — the list goes on. Adding a grocery store or gas station would significantly enhance the everyday usability of Bitcoin in the city, which is our main goal with Coinos.

Vancouver’s tech scene: A crypto haven

Vancouver isn't just visually stunning with its mountains, lakes, and ocean; it's a hotbed for tech innovation and it sure helps to have a supportive mayor with this advancement. Mayor Ken Sim, with his forward-thinking policies, is pushing for Bitcoin to be part of the city's reserves, reflecting the city's commitment to embracing new economic landscapes. 

Why visit Vancouver? Why stay?

Come for the breathtaking landscapes, stay for the Bitcoin buzz. Forbes ranks Vancouver consistently among the world's top 10 most livable cities for a reason. Whether you're hiking its scenic trails, exploring its islands, or enjoying a coffee where Bitcoin is king, you'll feel the pulse of the future here.

Join the movement

Coinos isn't just for businesses: it’s great for individuals who want to get started with Bitcoin and enjoy a smoother, quicker, and cheaper transaction experience from purchasing coffee to making cross-border payments with no intermediary blocking your funds.

To the business owners, don't miss Vancouver's Bitcoin train. Partner with Coinos, and connect with the vibrant Bitcoin community. We can map your business for you for free, and you can join this transformative future. You're not just adopting a payment method; you're joining a movement, gaining visibility, and succeeding in the digital age.

Connect with our Coinos account on Nostr (@coinos), connect with me on LinkedIn, or dive into everything Coinos has to offer by visiting our website – Coinos.io (Linktree at the bottom of the home page). Look me up and I’ll show you around our Bitcoin City.

Disclaimer: 

Please note that I, Cole Goodwin, am not a licensed financial advisor. Bitcoin is considered a high-risk investment due to its price volatility and there are no guarantees, including the stability of the fiat paper dollars in your pocket. Always conduct your own research and consider seeking advice from a professional financial or tax advisor before making investment decisions.