What is Bitcoin?
Before we get into the details of Bitcoin accepted websites in India, we believe itâs only fair that we cover the basics of what it is. By no means is Bitcoin a traditional payment channel as it doesnât even qualify as a fiat currency.
A âfiatâ currency simply refers to the money we use regularly. In this case, Indian Rupee. These currencies are regulated by the government and financial institutions are controlled by it. As a result, fiat currencies are very stable. Theyâre still susceptible to inflation and political instability across the world but at manageable levels.
Bitcoin, on the other hand, is a âcryptoâ currency. The fundamental difference between a fiat currency and a cryptocurrency is centralization. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning there are no central bodies controlling their liquidity or circulation.
While decentralization was necessary to form a true global mode of transactions, it comes with its drawbacks. The primary one is undoubtedly volatility. Thereâs no way to predict the price fluctuations, known as pump (increase in value) and dump (decrease in value) in the industry.
Drawbacks aside, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin open new doors for merchants and end users all over the world. Although it took a while for Bitcoin to take off, you can now use it for shopping, online payments, fund transfers, and even as an investment instrument.
If coins flash before your eyes when you hear the term, know that there is no physical existence of Bitcoin or any other crypto tokens. Hence, itâs classified as a âdigitalâ or âvirtualâ currency.