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📍 Cape Town Beta
Why We Exist
CryptoFriendlySA is a platform that connects customers looking to pay with crypto to businesses that actually accept it.
The idea came about after seeing a U.S. burger chain, Steak ’n Shake, launch Bitcoin payments across all its locations—and realising how much of a mission it still is to track down crypto-friendly spots here in South Africa.
I wondered: Wouldn’t it be cool if there was one place where you could easily find and support local businesses that accept crypto?
The idea came about after seeing a U.S. burger chain, Steak ’n Shake, launch Bitcoin payments across all its locations—and realising how much of a mission it still is to track down crypto-friendly spots here in South Africa.
I wondered: Wouldn’t it be cool if there was one place where you could easily find and support local businesses that accept crypto?
This is me, Nick Darlington, back when I had long hair in 2016.
I'm a writer, crypto user, and person behind this project.
I'm a writer, crypto user, and person behind this project.
So, I built CryptoFriendlySA: a simple, growing directory of all the businesses in South Africa that accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Feel free to view listings or get listed—it's free.
I built this first version as a lean MVP in three weeks, just enough to get something real out there and start testing the idea. I wanted to keep it hyper-local to start, which is why the initial focus is on Cape Town and Greater Cape Town (Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Franschhoek, etc.).
I also saw an opportunity to make it more than just a directory by turning it into a content platform that educates, inspires, and helps drive crypto adoption.
That’s why we'll soon be launching the CryptoFriendlySA Academy: a dedicated learning hub where merchants can learn more about accepting Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, and customers can get practical tips on how and where to spend it.
From wallet guides to real-world case studies, the Academy aims to be the go-to place for everything you need to start using and accepting crypto in South Africa.
This project is still in its early days as we build out the Academy and the directory, starting with Cape Town.
If you have any suggestions, questions, want to collaborate, or even get featured, please reach out. I really would love to hear from you.
Cheers,
Nick Darlington
I built this first version as a lean MVP in three weeks, just enough to get something real out there and start testing the idea. I wanted to keep it hyper-local to start, which is why the initial focus is on Cape Town and Greater Cape Town (Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Franschhoek, etc.).
I also saw an opportunity to make it more than just a directory by turning it into a content platform that educates, inspires, and helps drive crypto adoption.
That’s why we'll soon be launching the CryptoFriendlySA Academy: a dedicated learning hub where merchants can learn more about accepting Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, and customers can get practical tips on how and where to spend it.
From wallet guides to real-world case studies, the Academy aims to be the go-to place for everything you need to start using and accepting crypto in South Africa.
This project is still in its early days as we build out the Academy and the directory, starting with Cape Town.
If you have any suggestions, questions, want to collaborate, or even get featured, please reach out. I really would love to hear from you.
Cheers,
Nick Darlington
