Lugano has authorized municipal payments in Bitcoin and USDT, with instant conversion to Swiss francs.
Cryptocurrency payments are processed via Lightning Network or partner Bitcoin Suisse with a commission of approximately 1%.
More than 350 retail outlets in the city already accept cryptocurrency, reducing business costs and speeding up payments.
Residents of Lugano, Switzerland, can now pay municipal services using cryptocurrency. Taxes, fines, and utility bills are now accepted in Bitcoin and USDT, with automatic conversion to Swiss francs.
This initiative is part of the city's Plan ₿ program. It allows payment of virtually all municipal fees: income and corporate taxes, tuition fees, garbage collection, and fines. The city officially accepts BTC, Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, and the stablecoin USDT, with no amount limit—even for large tax bills.
How Crypto Payments Work in Lugano: Payments are processed either directly via Lightning or through the payment partner Bitcoin Suisse. Its commission is approximately 1% and is already included in the exchange rate. This represents a significant savings for businesses, as bank card fees are typically two to three times higher.
It's important that the city doesn't keep cryptocurrency on its balance sheet. All incoming payments are immediately converted into Swiss francs. Authorities emphasize that for Lugano, this isn't an investment, but a convenient payment method for residents and businesses that already use crypto assets.
At the same time, a local economy has developed around the payment system. Through the MyLugano app, shoppers receive up to 10% cashback in LVGA tokens when paying with cryptocurrency at partner stores. These tokens can be used to pay for parking, childcare, and other city services.
Today, more than 350 retail outlets in Lugano accept crypto payments via Lightning, from cafes to small shops. For many entrepreneurs, the choice is obvious: fees are lower and money arrives faster.