Three global brands have started accepting payments in USDT at Bolivian dealerships, as recently confirmed by Tether CEO, Paolo Ardoino, in a post on X. In this context, the announcement represents a concrete step towards the adoption of digital payments in Bolivia, at a time when the use of stablecoins is rapidly increasing.
Update as of September 21, 2025: The trends mentioned are confirmed by independent reports, particularly from the Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index and analyses from the International Monetary Fund, which monitor adoption and regulatory risks in Latin America. According to data collected by industry analysts, retail transactions in stablecoin in Bolivia have shown significant growth in the first half of 2025, consistent with the 294 million dollars recorded by the Central Bank. Analysts also note that integrated compliance processes (KYC/AML) have become a distinctive element for adoption at points of sale.
Three brands accept USDT: the signal to the market
Ardoino described USDT as a “digital dollar” that offers stability, particularly useful in emerging economies with volatile currencies. The expansion of retail payments in the mobility sector confirms the role of stablecoins as a tool for fast and low-cost settlement, reducing dependence on cash and traditional bank transfers.
Recently, the Central Bank of Bolivia recorded crypto payments amounting to 294 million dollars in the first half of 2025, compared to 46.5 million for the entire 2024. Although a direct calculation between these figures would suggest an increase of approximately +532%, some period-over-period comparisons highlight an increase of +630%.
Regulatory Framework: What Has Changed Since June 25
The spread of payments in USDT follows the resolution issued on June 25, 2025, which removed the ban on virtual assets. The measure allowed banks to direct flows towards regulated exchanges and introduced stricter KYC/AML controls, in line with the guidelines published by La República.
The Financial System Supervisory Authority (ASFI) has closely followed regulatory integration, emphasizing the importance of traceability and controls to ensure that stablecoin transactions occur within a well-defined legal framework. That said, the message to businesses is to adopt compliant and verifiable processes.
Buying a car paying in USDT: how it happens
At partner retail locations, users can settle the car price in USDT (Tether) using compatible wallets. The amount is calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of the transaction and processed through authorized networks. Often, custodial wallets managed by banking institutions or accredited intermediaries are used.
For the user, the typical steps include identification through KYC, verification of funds, on-chain payment or through an internal circuit, and issuance of the tax receipt. The seller can choose whether to cash in stablecoin or convert the amount into bolivianos or dollars through banking partners. Indeed, the flexibility of cashing is a key piece for operational adoption.
Infrastructure and Custody: What Is Already in Place
- Custody Services: Banco Bisa launched custodial services for USDT starting in the fall of 2024, which were subsequently expanded in 2025.
- Institutional Payments: On March 13, 2025, the government authorized, under the aegis of President Luis Arce, the use of cryptocurrencies in energy imports through YPFB.
- Regional cooperation: The Central Bank of Bolivia has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Commission of Digital Assets of El Salvador, for the exchange of regulatory know-how National Commission of Digital Assets.
Economic Impacts: Why Stablecoins Matter
In economies marked by inflation or severe currency restrictions, stablecoins offer an anchor of stability to the dollar, ensuring liquidity that is generally more predictable. In Latin America, analyses by operators like Bitso and reports by Chainalysis highlight how USDT and USDC have become hedging tools against the volatility of local currencies and an effective means for cross-border transfers.
The Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, for example, recorded an increase in cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America from 53% to 63% year-on-year, while the volume of regional transactions reached approximately 415 billion dollars in the observed period, reinforcing the importance of stablecoins in retail transactions. It should be noted that the trend is also reflected in daily payment habits.
Digital Mobility: From Vehicle Identity to Tokens
The adoption of USDT payments is part of a broader project of digitalization in the automotive sector. Toyota has, in fact, experimented with blockchain systems for vehicle identity and, through the Toyota Blockchain Lab, has advanced plans for the creation of a system based on Ethereum ERC‑4337 (MOA – Mobility‑Oriented Account) Toyota Newsroom. Additionally, the financial division of the group has announced its intention to launch security token bonds through the Toyota Wallet, further integrating finance and mobility.
Key Numbers and Trends
- Bolivia: $294 million in crypto payments in the first half of 2025, with an increase of +630% (period-over-period) compared to $46.5 million for the entire 2024.
- Latin America: the crypto sector recorded transaction volumes of approximately 415 billion dollars in the observed period, consolidating its position in global flows.
- Stablecoin: the use in retail and B2B payments is growing, confirming the central role of USDT as a “digital dollar”.
Frequently Asked Questions: Regulation and Practical Use
How does custody work for a buyer?
Users can open accounts with banks or authorized custodians that support USDT. To make a payment at a dealership, it is necessary to have a compatible wallet and complete the KYC procedure in compliance with current regulations. The conversion into local currency is carried out through regulated intermediaries.
What protections are provided by the regulations?
All transactions are processed through tracked channels monitored by the ASFI, which imposes anti-money laundering measures on intermediaries and the registration of operations, in compliance with tax regulations for the issuance of invoices and the registration of payments.
What risks should be considered?
Among the main risks are the residual volatility of the stablecoin in extreme scenarios, the operational risk related to potential errors in on‑chain transfers, and the counterparty risk with custodians. It is crucial to use only authorized channels and be informed about conversion costs.
Methodological Note and Sources
- Data from the Central Bank of Bolivia indicates $294 million in crypto payments in the first half of 2025 compared to $46.5 million for the entire 2024. Calculating the increase over the entire year 2024 results in an increase of approximately +532%, while the +630% refers to a period-over-period comparison, as highlighted by local sources La República.
- The statements by Paolo Ardoino, the resolution of June 25, 2025, the announcements from ASFI, the announcements from Toyota, BYD, Yamaha, and the launch of custodial services by Banco Bisa will be updated with links to primary sources as soon as they become available.
- The references to reports from Chainalysis and analyses from Bitso are based on the most recent data (period July 2024 – June 2025) available at the time of publication.
