17 May 2025, 15:21

A Bitcoiner’s guide to South Africa’s Garden Route

South Africa’s Garden Route, famed for its lush forests, expansive beaches and charming towns, has become a testbed for Bitcoin adoption. From Mossel Bay to Witsand and Plettenberg Bay to Knysna, Bitcoin has become popular among shop owners and travelers alike for a multitude of reasons. “We’re seeing the early signs of a parallel, permissionless economy emerging across an entire region,” James Caw, founder of SimplB — a local crypto asset provider — told Cointelegraph, “where small businesses benefit from faster, lower-cost digital payments and where people have more options to earn, send and receive sound money securely.” For tourists, the benefits are immediate: no currency exchange hassles, no international card fees, and the ability to pay instantly and securely. For locals, Bitcoin ( BTC ) offers a hedge against inflation, protection from currency volatility and new economic opportunities. Here’s a taste of what a Bitcoin-friendly trip along the Garden Route is like. The Garden Route is where Bitcoin meets paradise The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s premier tourist corridors. It stretches roughly 300 kilometers from Mossel Bay in the west to the Storms River Mouth in the east, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists yearly. Crypto adoption is escalating thanks to South Africa’s regulatory environment, which now recognizes Bitcoin as a financial product. Across the Garden Route, you can spend pre-acquired Bitcoin freely, with little concern for local tax or exchange controls. It’s a grassroots movement. Towns like Witsand and Plettenberg Bay are at the forefront, and national retailers like Pick n Pay provide a safety net for crypto spending along the way. Every Pick n Pay store, including supermarkets, clothing outlets and Express convenience stores, accepts Bitcoin via the CryptoQR app. This guarantees you can always buy daily goods with Bitcoin wherever you travel. Related: Stablecoin fever: 5 major stablecoins are growing crypto adoption Witsand is the Bitcoin village Located at the mouth of the Breede River, Witsand is a sleepy coastal town with a big reputation in the Bitcoin world. Here, Bitcoin isn’t just accepted — it’s preferred. It’s thanks to the efforts of local champions like Edwin Jones, a software engineer and passionate supporter of Bitcoin adoption in the Garden Route. Witsand has become a functioning Bitcoin circular economy. Accommodation options like Fantasea and Happy Days holiday homes, meals at Ellie’s on Main, groceries at local shops, gym memberships, boat services, petrol, surf lessons and mini-golf can be paid for using Bitcoin. As Jones notes: Bitcoin Witsand existed long before we gave it a name. It was just having conversations with friends, and as the local businesses started understanding Bitcoin, they actually demanded we start getting the technology in place. The town’s small and close-knit community has enabled rapid adoption; more than 45 establishments accept Bitcoin as of early 2025. The town’s enthusiasm is infectious, as locals and visitors enjoy the ease and security of digital payments. Witsand proudly announces its acceptance of Bitcoin. Source: Edwin Jones Witsand’s success as a Bitcoin hub is rooted in its community-driven approach. Jones outlines its growth by outlining that: Although there have been many individual businesses over the years since 2009 that started and stopped accepting Bitcoin for the Garden Route, the adoption really started kicking off in 2021. “With the Lightning Network starting to reach maturity around that time, the first Spaza Shop in Mossel Bay, Bitcoin Ekasi, started accepting Bitcoin in August 2021, and the first restaurant in Witsand in December of the same year.” Education has been central to the process. Local advocates have focused on teaching business owners the fundamentals of Bitcoin, warning against scams and emphasizing the difference between Bitcoin and speculative altcoins. “With all the circular economies advocating against gambling and trading, cautioning against interest and investments, being explicitly Bitcoin, and focusing on the fundamentals rather than the price, scammers have been kept at bay,” Jones said. “We have also found that businesses don’t have to adapt as much as evolve.” Bitcoin doesn’t change a business — it just supercharges it. Doing the same old things, much better. Mossel Bay’s surf and social upliftment Mossel Bay, the historical gateway to the Garden Route, is not just about beaches and maritime history. Mossel Bay is home to Bitcoin Ekasi, a pioneering project that brought Bitcoin to the township of JCC Camp. Bitcoin Ekasi empowers unbanked residents by enabling them to earn and spend Bitcoin locally. Coaches at The Surfer Kids nonprofit are paid in Bitcoin, and local spaza shops accept Bitcoin for daily necessities. For the Bitcoiner tourist, Mossel Bay offers a unique opportunity for “conscious crypto-tourism.” You can take surf lessons from instructors paid in Bitcoin, visit the Bitcoin Ekasi education center, or support the project with direct donations. The town also boasts a Pick n Pay that accepts Bitcoin. As SimplB’s Caw observes: The Bitcoin Ekasi project first started when they began accepting Bitcoin because of the demand from foreign tourists visiting Mossel Bay. It is just so simple to function on a Bitcoin standard once you begin using it. Plettenberg Bay is the fastest-growing Bitcoin economy Further east, Plettenberg Bay has witnessed an explosion in Bitcoin adoption. In just a few months, the number of Bitcoin-accepting merchants jumped from five to more than 75, making it one of Africa’s most dynamic crypto economies. Confirmed acceptors include Ferris Cars (which facilitates rental accommodation payments in crypto), Glow Lighting Design and all local Pick n Pay branches. Adventure tourism companies, boutique retailers and professional services are increasingly receptive to Bitcoin, especially if you ask. The rapid growth suggests an enthusiastic local scene, with businesses eager to tap into the spending power of Bitcoin tourists. Related: 8 major crypto firms announce US expansion this year Plettenberg Bay offers a vibrant mix of beach life, nature and crypto-friendly commerce. The town’s energy is palpable, and visitors are encouraged to engage with merchants, share information about Lightning payments, and help grow the ecosystem. “Right now Plettenberg Bay is by far the most interesting circular economy in Africa and possibly the world,” said Jones. “It currently boasts having the most businesses accepting Bitcoin of any town in Africa and has achieved this in less than three months.” Bitcoin preferred signs can be found along the Garden Route. Source: Edwin Jones Sedgefield is a quiet pioneer Sedgefield, a tranquil town between Knysna and Wilderness, played a key role in the national rollout of Bitcoin payments at Pick n Pay. It was one of the trial sites for the innovative QR code converter from MoneyBadger, which enables Bitcoin spending at every Pick n Pay in South Africa. Sedgefield itself doesn’t have the same density of Bitcoin-accepting independent merchants as Witsand or Plettenberg Bay, but the presence of Pick n Pay ensures that crypto tourists can always pay for groceries and essentials with sats. Practical information for your trip If you do make it out to the Garden Route, recommended wallets include Blink, Wallet of Satoshi and Phoenix — all Lightning-enabled and widely used in the region. In larger towns like Knysna, George, Wilderness and Oudtshoorn, the Bitcoin scene is still emerging. There aren’t yet established circular economies, but the nationwide acceptance of Bitcoin at Pick n Pay provides a reliable foundation for spending. The Spasie on Breede Restaurant and Bar is just one of many establishments accepting Bitcoin. Source: Edwin Jones BTC Map occasionally lists independent merchants, like Beans About Coffee in Oudtshoorn. Still, the best strategy is to ask around, look for Bitcoin signage, and use mapping tools to discover new acceptors. For accommodation, activities and dining, direct inquiry remains key. Many guesthouses and tour operators are open to Bitcoin payments, especially as awareness grows. Online platforms like Bitrefill enable you to buy gift vouchers for major retailers using Bitcoin, providing a workaround for places that don’t yet accept crypto directly. Happy travels. Magazine: Pranksy: Inside the anonymous life of an NFT legend — NFT Collector

17 May 2025, 15:15

Binance and Kraken Thwart Hacker Attempts on User Data After Coinbase Breach

Binance and Kraken fended off social engineering attacks. The attackers connived with insiders, just like in the recent Coinbase hack. Crypto platforms and users need to step up security. Cryptocurrency exchanges Binance and Kraken have successfully thwarted efforts by hackers to illicitly acquire users’ data from their respective platforms. This incident happened a few days right after Coinbase Global placed a $20 million bounty on cyber criminals who connived with insiders to hack its platform and retrieved data affecting less than 1% of its users. According to reports, the crypto exchanges foiled the attempts, ensuring the hackers did not gain access to sensitive users’ data. Although Binance and Kraken representatives haven’t commented on the development, there are no confirmations whether the hackers are the same group behind the recent Coinbase attack. Hackers Employ Social Engineering for Data Theft, Impersonation, and Blackmail Crypto companies and market participants are prime targets of hackers engaging in social engineering. Cybercriminals tend to steal users’ data, which they can manipulate negatively to gain dirty value. For ins… The post Binance and Kraken Thwart Hacker Attempts on User Data After Coinbase Breach appeared first on Coin Edition .

17 May 2025, 15:11

XRP Wins In Korea Again

XRP has once again demonstrated its dominance in the South Korean cryptocurrency market , securing the top spot as the most traded digital asset on Upbit, the country’s largest exchange. Over the past 24 hours, XRP recorded a staggering trading volume of $445 million, surpassing even Bitcoin and Ethereum. This renewed trading frenzy underscores the strong demand for XRP in South Korea, a market known for its deep liquidity and enthusiastic crypto traders. XRP’s Dominance on South Korean Exchanges South Korea has historically been one of the strongest markets for XRP, with retail investors and institutional players consistently driving high volumes. Unlike in other regions, where Bitcoin and Ethereum typically dominate, XRP has carved out a unique position in the Korean market due to its fast transaction speeds, low fees, and the strong presence of Ripple’s technology in cross-border payments. $Xrp is the most traded Crypto on Korean exchange In 24, hours reached $1.824 billion pic.twitter.com/ehINYjdf5j — Brett (@Brett_Crypto_X) May 17, 2025 Upbit’s trading data reveals that Korean traders have maintained a strong appetite for XRP , often making it one of the most liquid assets on the platform. This is not the first time XRP has led trading activity on Upbit, but the latest surge in volume reinforces its resilience and growing appeal among South Korean investors. Factors Driving XRP’s Popularity in South Korea Several factors contribute to XRP’s sustained popularity in South Korea. The country’s crypto-savvy population is known for embracing high-momentum tokens, and XRP’s recent price movements have attracted significant attention. Additionally, the anticipation of favorable regulatory developments and the potential for XRP to play a role in future financial systems have fueled investor interest. Moreover, South Korean exchanges like Upbit offer deep liquidity for XRP, allowing traders to execute large transactions with minimal slippage. This makes XRP an attractive asset for both retail and institutional investors seeking efficient trading opportunities. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Implications for the Global Crypto Market XRP’s dominance in South Korea may have broader implications for the global cryptocurrency market. South Korean trading activity often serves as a bellwether for worldwide trends, and the country’s enthusiasm for XRP could signal increased adoption and investment in other regions. As XRP continues to gain traction in key markets, its role in the evolving digital asset landscape becomes increasingly significant. The cryptocurrency’s performance in South Korea highlights the importance of regional dynamics in shaping global crypto trends and underscores the potential for XRP to play a pivotal role in the future of digital finance. In conclusion, XRP’s recent surge in trading volume on South Korean exchanges reaffirms its strong position in the market. As investors and traders continue to seek opportunities in the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, XRP’s performance in South Korea serves as a compelling example of how regional markets can influence global trends and drive the adoption of digital assets. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRP Wins In Korea Again appeared first on Times Tabloid .

17 May 2025, 15:09

$10,000 in XRP or BNB? Here’s What ChatGPT and Grok AI Say

Prominent AI models ChatGPT and Grok discuss which they would pick between XRP and BNB as investments for the next five years. As the crypto market recovers slightly from the latest bearish pressure, investors are again facing the challenge of identifying which digital assets carry the most long-term potential. To help answer the question of whether XRP or BNB is the better five-year bet, The Crypto Basic sought opinions from two of today's most advanced AI models: ChatGPT from OpenAI and Grok from xAI. XRP and BNB's Comparative PerformancesWe asked both chatbots to evaluate a hypothetical investment of $10,000 into either XRP or BNB , considering their current performance, market trends, and future outlook.For context, XRP currently trades at $2.38, posting a remarkable 252% surge since 2024. Even in the current year, 2025, it has managed to climb another 15.3%. XRP's market cap now stands at $139.4 billion, cementing its place as the third-largest crypto asset , excluding stablecoins.Meanwhile, BNB trades for $653. Its performance since 2024 has also been impressive, up 78.86%. However, its trajectory this year has faltered, with a 7% decline since the start of 2025. BNB's market cap trails behind XRP at $92 billion, but it still holds a strong position in the market.When we asked for their opinions, both ChatGPT and Grok leaned toward XRP as the more promising investment over the next five years. Each model cited different reasons for favoring XRP, but some of these reasons appear to have overlapped.ChatGPT Picks XRP, Citing Growing Utility According to ChatGPT, XRP is entering what it describes as a major transformation period. It stressed that recent regulatory developments have removed much of the uncertainty that previously surrounded the asset. As a result, XRP is moving from being merely speculative to becoming an asset with legitimate institutional appeal. The model pointed to the expanding adoption of Ripple's technology in global financial systems, particularly in cross-border payments, as a sign that XRP's use case is increasingly becoming practical. XRP or BNB ChatGPT Responds XRP or BNB | ChatGPT Responds Moreover, ChatGPT highlighted the emergence of ETF filings related to XRP, which could present the asset a pathway into mainstream investment channels and institutional portfolios. In contrast, ChatGPT suggested that BNB is increasingly linked to the fate of the Binance exchange, which is under regulatory scrutiny in several major markets. It argued that this centralization and dependence pose limitations on BNB's long-term upside, especially when compared to XRP's global footprint and legal clarity.Grok Picks XRP, Citing Performance and Market SentimentGrok presented a similar preference for XRP, but its reasoning leaned more into performance and market sentiment. The xAI model pointed out that XRP has outperformed BNB since the start of 2024 and also maintained positive momentum in 2025, contrasting BNB's recent losses. XRP or BNB Grok AI Responds XRP or BNB | Grok AI Responds Grok saw XRP's higher market capitalization as evidence of greater investor confidence and mentioned the asset's ability to satisfy the growing need for efficient cross-border payment solutions as another factor that could support its long-term growth.In comparison, while it acknowledged BNB's utility within the Binance ecosystem, Grok expressed concern over its recent dip in value and questioned its short-term stability.

17 May 2025, 15:00

BlockDAG’s Buyer Battles Ignite FOMO While Mantle (MNT) Surges & BONK Plays Hard to Read

The Mantle (MNT) bullish momentum continues to gain traction as it edges closer to a major resistance level, drawing attention from technical traders. Meanwhile, the BONK future remains less certain, showing strong setups but still acting unpredictably. While MNT and BONK spark debates among chart analysts, BlockDAG (BDAG) is experiencing an entirely different kind of action, buyers are going head-to-head for daily rewards. BlockDAG’s Buyer Battles now offer a massive 150 million BDAG coins each day, triggering intense competition. With a temporary $0.0020 price still active, well below the current batch rate, interest has exploded, pushing presale totals to $253 million. Mantle (MNT) Builds Toward a Key Resistance Near $0.86 There’s growing attention on Mantle (MNT) bullish momentum as the token nears a major resistance line at $0.86. A breakout past this level could be the trigger needed to push MNT closer to the key psychological milestone of $1. Price charts show a consistent uptrend, with higher highs and lows supported by solid volume during rallies. While the RSI remains neutral, indicators are showing early bullish signals. A MACD crossover might confirm this soon. The recent dip to $0.77 attracted notable buying, reinforcing that the Mantle (MNT) bullish momentum isn’t just hype; it’s rooted in strong technical signals. Analysts and traders are watching closely for what comes next. BONK Shows Technical Promise, but Uncertainty Still Dominates The BONK future remains a puzzle, even as charts offer interesting signals. On April 28, BONK respected key supply and demand zones, which helped shape short-term confidence. However, things look trickier on the 1-hour chart, where a recent liquidity sweep below key levels could now serve as the base for a possible upward move. Despite the setups, traders remain cautious. The BONK future doesn’t always follow conventional rules. Price behavior can flip unexpectedly, which means traditional strategies may not hold. As always with meme coins, discipline and risk control are essential. BlockDAG Booms as 150M Coin Pool in Buyer Battles Adds Fuel! BlockDAG has escalated the game. Its Buyer Battles have grown from 25 million BDAG per day to 150 million, following a sharp rise in participant numbers. Buyers are not just purchasing, they’re competing. Each day, the biggest buyer wins the remaining share of the day’s 150M coin pool. Take this scenario: If buyers purchase 149.5 million coins in a day, the top buyer walks away with the leftover 500,000 BDAG. With the current batch 28 price at $0.0262, that reward is worth $13,100. This format has added serious momentum to the presale. BlockDAG has now raised $253 million and sold over 20.6 billion BDAG coins, inching closer to its $600 million goal. What’s drawing even more attention is the limited-time $0.0020 pricing, available until June 13. It’s a steep discount from the batch rate, and buyers are rushing in to lock it down. BlockDAG is quickly rising on buyer watchlists as a candidate for the best crypto right now, especially for those focused on numbers over noise. BlockDAG has already confirmed its first five centralized exchange listings: MEXC, LBANK, CoinStore, XT.com, and BitMart. On June 13, it will unveil the remaining 15, bringing the total to 20. Trading won’t begin that same day, but it will set the stage for post-presale listings once the $600 million target is met. This move is strategic. Most projects keep exchange details under wraps until late, but BlockDAG is showing its hand early. It’s part of a broader push to build trust and transparency as buyers line up. At this pace, the final target doesn’t seem far off. By the time most buyers catch up, the opportunity window may already be closing. Which Coin Holds the Edge? The Mantle (MNT) bullish momentum is solid, driven by clear technical support and resistance levels. A breakout could open the door for a rally to $1 and beyond. The BONK future, however, remains highly speculative, with sharp price moves that are tough to predict. Then there’s BlockDAG. When compared to both MNT and BONK, it stands out for its structure and execution. Its 150 million BDAG daily Buyer Battles have transformed the presale into a competitive event. Add to that a time-sensitive $0.0020 price offer and 20 confirmed exchange listings, and it’s no wonder many see it as the best crypto right now. For those looking for early momentum, clear growth targets, and a community-driven campaign, BlockDAG offers more than just upside, it offers strategy with speed. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu The post BlockDAG’s Buyer Battles Ignite FOMO While Mantle (MNT) Surges & BONK Plays Hard to Read appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .

17 May 2025, 14:59

ETH’s Recent Gains: Technical Factors Drive Price Action, but Demand Remains Limited

In a recent update from COINOTAG on May 17th, Coinbase Institutional’s Research Director David Duong emphasized the significant factors influencing Ethereum’s price trajectory. He noted that last week’s increase in