Salvadorans Abandon Bitcoin as Everyday Transactions Plummet

The small town of El Zonte in El Salvador is known for its enthusiastic adoption of Bitcoin, but recent data suggests that everyday Bitcoin spending has been dwindling. According to a survey conducted by Universidad Centroamericana, only 8.1% of Salvadorans used Bitcoin for purchases in 2024, down from 25.7% in 2021.

One anecdotal example of this decline comes from a restaurant in El Zonte, which reportedly received just one Bitcoin payment during the entire month of August 2026. The staff at the restaurant told Jon Atack, a Bitcoin Core contributor who has lived in the country since 2022, that Bitcoin payments had become 'practically non-existent'.

The decline in Bitcoin usage can be attributed to several factors, including price swings and unfamiliar wallet interfaces. Additionally, many holders may prefer to keep their Bitcoin rather than spend it, betting on future price gains instead of using it for everyday transactions.