US city installs crypto ATMs at airport after accepting cryptocurrency for payments – Finance

The US city of Williston, North Dakota, is installing a cryptocurrency ATM at its international airport. “This is the first government-hosted cryptocurrency kiosk,” the city said. Williston also accepts cryptocurrencies for utility bill payments.

“The first government-hosted cryptocurrency kiosk”

The city of Williston, North Dakota, announced on Wednesday a partnership with crypto ATM operator Coin Cloud to install a cryptocurrency ATM at Williston Basin International Airport (XWA). The city wrote:

This is the first government-hosted cryptocurrency kiosk and the first Coin Cloud installation in an airport.

“This is an ambitious step to introduce and engage the public in cryptocurrency while taking a proactive role in building the digital ecosystem,” commented City Finance Director Hercules Cummings. "Even though we are a smaller rural community, we are doing something. This small step could pave the way for other government and commercial entities to follow suit."

Coin Cloud's crypto ATMs, known as Digital Currency Machines (DCMs), allow users to buy and sell over 40 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Cardano and Ether. Users can also withdraw cash from their digital wallets. The city clarified that it does not act as a fund depository or manage crypto transactions, emphasizing that purchases and withdrawals of . to be processed Coin Cloud.

Cummings opined: "Traditionally, when you buy crypto on an exchange, the transaction is tied directly to your bank through a checking account, debit card, or your credit card... Converting cash into crypto via the DCM means there are no discernible fees. Bank account or credit card. The deposit and withdrawal process occurs between the DCM and your digital wallet, simply with cash."

The city's finance director further explained that Williston partnered with Bitpay in May "to accept digital currency for city bills."

He noted: “With a community-hosted DCM, we are now building a successful roadmap for the public to embrace cryptocurrencies.” Regarding residents being able to pay with cryptocurrencies, Cummings said:

We are the first community in the state of North Dakota and the third in the country to offer this service.

The city clarified that only utility bills can currently be paid with cryptocurrency, noting that “quality assessments are conducted and quantities are assessed before migrating other bills such as landfills, permits and licenses.”

What do you think about the city of Williston installing a crypto ATM at its international airport and accepting cryptocurrencies for utility bill payments? Let us know in the comments section below.

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