Lugano changes the game: Bitcoin works everywhere — from customs to hot dogs

Imagine a financial world where cryptocurrency is integrated into all aspects of city life — from paying utility bills to grabbing a snack at a cafe. This is not a fantasy. The Swiss city of Lugano has already turned this concept into reality through the ambitious Plan ₿ project.

How does it actually work?

Lugano Plan is a partnership with Tether, the issuer of USDT. The project aims to create a practical crypto infrastructure for everyday use. Currently, residents can pay with digital assets for:

• Municipal payments and fees
• Retail purchases
• Dining at franchises like McDonald’s
• City utility services

A key feature is the combination of three currency layers. In addition to Bitcoin and USDT, the city launched its own utility token LVGA, which encourages circulation within the local economy. This three-layer mechanism ensures system stability: Bitcoin provides global value, USDT guarantees price stability, and LVGA motivates local transactions.

Is this a real financial model or a PR campaign?

Skepticism is natural, but the data tells a different story. Bitcoin and USDT are actively circulating in the local environment. Merchants use POS terminals or QR codes that instantly convert cryptocurrency into Swiss francs at the current exchange rate.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is valued at around $91.77K, and even such volatility does not hinder daily operations. Why? Because USDT absorbs price fluctuations, keeping users and businesses protected.

Revolutionary difference: challenging the centralized system

Traditional central banks are cautious in developing digital currencies. Lugano chose a different path — a bottom-up approach, from citizens rather than from the state.

This opposes the usual model. Instead of waiting for national directives, the city is independently experimenting with decentralized payments. Such a grassroots approach demonstrates how municipalities can become testing grounds for financial innovations. Their successes could set a precedent for more conservative institutions.

What do participants gain, and who might lose?

Advantages for users: faster transactions, minimal international fees, participation in a modern financial ecosystem.

Advantages for the city: influx of technologically savvy entrepreneurs, tourists, investors; enhanced reputation as an innovation hub; a future-proof financial base.

Challenges: Bitcoin’s volatility requires constant monitoring (although USDT minimizes this issue); regulatory clarity is still in progress; widespread educational efforts are needed to build citizen trust.

Global lessons from the Lugano crypto experiment

Lugano shows the world that Bitcoin and stablecoins are not only financial tools for speculation. They are instruments for social transformation. Its model fully integrates — payments, governance, local motivation — into a single system.

Other cities are watching. If Lugano can scale this experience, it will become a benchmark for municipal crypto revolutions worldwide.

Most common questions from residents and tourists

Can I really pay taxes with Bitcoin?
Yes, this is the main function of the plan. Residents transfer Bitcoin or USDT, and the system converts it into CHF at the moment of payment.

How do stores protect themselves from price fluctuations?
POS systems have built-in real-time conversion. Businesses receive francs, and users pay in crypto — it is recommended to use USDT specifically for this.

What is the purpose of the local token LVGA?
It functions as a loyalty system. Users earn it for using city services and spend it within partner networks, keeping money circulating inside the local economy.

Is this legal under Swiss regulations?
Absolutely. Switzerland has the most progressive cryptocurrency legislation in Europe.

How can a visitor access crypto payments?
Hotels, restaurants, and shops in Lugano’s center accept Bitcoin. Just have a wallet on your smartphone.

What if I don’t want to use crypto?
Swiss francs remain the default currency. The crypto system adds an option, not a requirement for change.

Lugano is not just theoretical musings about the future of cryptocurrencies. It is its practical implementation. The city proves that Bitcoin and stablecoins can be integrated everywhere — into government administration, commerce, and daily needs.