Cryptonomy Retail Index® · 06/2026

CRYPTONOMY

How deeply crypto has entered everyday life

The Cryptonomy Retail Index® (CRI) is a global ranking of crypto's penetration into retail across 43 countries. It combines hard data on infrastructure and small-purchase volumes with the quality of the legislative environment, answering how common a part of everyday shopping cryptocurrencies really are.

Explore ranking Methodology

43: countries ranked
4: data pillars
31%: adoption in UAE – a record
1,065: crypto merchants in Czechia

Global #1

A record 31% of the population owns crypto

Infrastructure leader

Over 30,109 Bitcoin ATMs across the country

#1 in the EU

6th worldwide, 1,065 verified merchants

Bottom of the table

Tax above 50% and an almost non-existent merchant network

43 countries, one index

Explore all 43 markets. Sort by any pillar or the composite index.

Build your own index

Adjust the pillar weights and see how the ranking changes instantly. The four sliders must sum to 100%.

The whole world on one map

The more saturated the colour, the better the CRI score. Hover over a country for a quick profile, click to open details.

Compare pillars on a single chart

Choose what goes on the axes. Bubble size is the overall index, colour the region. The default view pits infrastructure against adoption: mature markets top right, countries where people want crypto but have nowhere to spend it top left.

Put two countries head to head

The radar shows both countries' profiles across all four pillars. The difference between the shapes tells the whole story: a tax haven looks nothing like a country with a dense merchant network.

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Highlights from the results

What surprises in the data

Czechia's stability

Underrated gem

Czechia holds 6th place, confirming its role as the fastest-growing retail crypto economy in the EU. It stands out with a unique combination of a high density of acceptance points (1,065 verified merchants) and a favourable tax package that, since February 2025, has introduced a three-year holding test and an annual CZK 100,000 limit on tax-free income.

A parallel system

Grassroots surge

Nigeria and Argentina show massive grassroots adoption, where crypto assets – above all dollar stablecoins – act as a de facto parallel financial system protecting people from hyperinflation. Physical infrastructure lags behind but is compensated by a sprawling P2P structure.

Pakistan and Asia's rise

Rising fast

Although physical infrastructure remains minimal, extreme retail transaction volumes and the landmark Virtual Assets Act, which established the PVARA regulator, have put Pakistan among globally watched markets. India leads in on-chain volumes but is dragged down by a 30% tax and 1% TDS.

Anomalies: Japan and Scandinavia

Surprising gap

Japan's slump reflects the rigidity of its retail sector: just 52 merchants and taxation up to 45%. The Nordics have tech-literate populations with a high share of holders, but real-world use is held back by minimal merchant density (Sweden 15, Norway 27 merchants) and punitive tax rates.

Guides for shoppers

Where to pay with crypto nearby

A practical guide for every country covered by the Cryptonomy Retail Index®. If you want to shop with crypto, here's how to find out where you can do it nearby.

How to find crypto-accepting places in any country

1
Open BTC Map (btcmap.org), enter your city and filter by venue type. The map shows community-verified cafés, restaurants, shops and services that accept Bitcoin and Lightning payments.
2
Check Bitcoin ATMs on coinatmradar.com – handy for quickly buying crypto with cash or cashing out.
3
Prepare a wallet with Lightning Network support so the payment at the till settles instantly with a minimal fee.
4
At the venue, ask to pay with crypto, scan the QR code, check the amount and confirm. Keep the receipt for tax purposes.

Tip: Map listings are community-maintained – for less-visited venues, call ahead to confirm they still accept crypto. Click any country in the ranking to open a detailed profile.

Country guides

UAE

ranks 1st of 43 countries with a CRI score of 9.10. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

USA

ranks 2nd of 43 countries with a CRI score of 8.65. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Singapore

ranks 3rd of 43 countries with a CRI score of 8.60. The acceptance network is above average; most venues are in big cities and tourist areas. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

Brazil

ranks 4th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 8.60. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

El Salvador

ranks 5th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 8.10. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

Czechia

ranks 6th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 8.10. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

Slovenia

ranks 7th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 7.95. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Switzerland

ranks 8th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 7.90. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

Australia

ranks 9th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 7.65. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Canada

ranks 10th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 7.65. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Nigeria

ranks 11th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 7.45. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Argentina

ranks 12th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 7.35. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Germany

ranks 13th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 7.20. The acceptance network is above average; most venues are in big cities and tourist areas. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

Vietnam

ranks 14th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 7.00. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Poland

ranks 15th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.95. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Malta

ranks 16th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.85. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

Spain

ranks 17th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.80. The acceptance network is above average; most venues are in big cities and tourist areas. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Portugal

ranks 18th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.75. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

India

ranks 19th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.65. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Cyprus

ranks 20th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.55. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Hungary

ranks 21st of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.50. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

Turkey

ranks 22nd of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.45. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Pakistan

ranks 23rd of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.45. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Luxembourg

ranks 24th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.45. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. A friendly legal framework keeps small retail payments free of unnecessary tax complications.

Austria

ranks 25th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.40. The acceptance network is above average; most venues are in big cities and tourist areas. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Croatia

ranks 26th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.35. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

France

ranks 27th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.30. The acceptance network is above average; most venues are in big cities and tourist areas. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Italy

ranks 28th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.30. The acceptance network is among the densest in the world – in larger cities you'll find cafés, restaurants and shops accepting Bitcoin practically around the corner. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Slovakia

ranks 29th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.25. The acceptance network is above average; most venues are in big cities and tourist areas. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Romania

ranks 30th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.10. The acceptance network is above average; most venues are in big cities and tourist areas. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Norway

ranks 31st of 43 countries with a CRI score of 6.05. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Netherlands

ranks 32nd of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.95. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Estonia

ranks 33rd of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.90. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Ireland

ranks 34th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.80. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Lithuania

ranks 35th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.70. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Legislation is clear, but keep an eye on your tax obligations for larger amounts.

Latvia

ranks 36th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.50. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Finland

ranks 37th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.50. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Greece

ranks 38th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.30. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Sweden

ranks 39th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.30. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Belgium

ranks 40th of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.25. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Bulgaria

ranks 41st of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.25. The acceptance network is mid-sized – check that a map listing is up to date before visiting. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Japan

ranks 42nd of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.25. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Denmark

ranks 43rd of 43 countries with a CRI score of 5.15. Brick-and-mortar acceptance points are still scarce; most purchases happen online via crypto payment gateways or P2P exchange. Beware of stricter taxation – every crypto payment here can be a taxable event, so keep your receipts carefully.

Methodology and sources

How the index is built

The Cryptonomy Retail Index® is a weighted sum of four pillars synthesised from heterogeneous data sources.

30%

Infrastructure

The country's physical and digital readiness for crypto payments. Density of brick-and-mortar merchants (70%) and ATM density (30%).

30%

Transactions

Real network usage: retail on-chain volumes under USD 10,000 weighted by GDP at purchasing power parity, plus a technology coefficient.

20%

Adoption

The share of the population owning crypto assets, digital search sentiment and national financial-literacy indices.

20%

Legislation

The tax and regulatory ecosystem that decides whether paying with crypto is practically feasible or administratively restricted.

IInfrastructure30%

The country's physical and digital readiness for crypto payments. Density of brick-and-mortar merchants (70%) and ATM density (30%).

Brick-and-mortar merchant density (70%): the number and geographic concentration of shops, restaurants and services demonstrably accepting crypto payments. Source: BTC Map / OpenStreetMap.
ATM density (30%): the number of two-way and one-way crypto ATMs per million inhabitants and per country area. Source: CoinATMRadar.

TTransactions30%

Real network usage: retail on-chain volumes under USD 10,000 weighted by GDP at purchasing power parity, plus a technology coefficient.

Retail volumes to GDP: on-chain transaction volume under USD 10,000 (the retail threshold per Chainalysis and TRM Labs) weighted by GDP per capita at purchasing power parity.
Technology coefficient: reflects the share of payments made via Lightning Network and stablecoins, weighted 60% stablecoins and 40% Lightning.

AAdoption20%

The share of the population owning crypto assets, digital search sentiment and national financial-literacy indices.

Holder percentage: the share of the population owning crypto assets (source: Triple-A). The global average in early 2026 hovers around 6.9%. The UAE reaches a record 31%, the US 15.5% and Singapore 24.4%.
Digital sentiment and literacy: the intensity of searches for keywords tied to practical payments in Google Trends over a rolling 12 months, seasonally adjusted and normalised against the global average.

LLegislation20%

The tax and regulatory ecosystem that decides whether paying with crypto is practically feasible or administratively restricted.

9–10 points: zero tax on personal capital gains (UAE, Singapore) or exemption after one year of holding (Germany, Portugal).
7–8 points: a clearly defined holding test (exemption after 2–3 years, e.g. Czechia, Croatia) or a robust value test.
4–6 points: a fixed capital gains tax of 15–30% with no holding exemption (Poland 19%, Italy 26%, Spain).
0–3 points: gains fully added to ordinary income with an effective rate above 40% (Japan, Denmark), or blanket restrictions.

Data sources

BTC Map / OpenStreetMap CoinATMRadar Chainalysis TRM Labs Triple-A Google Trends

Cryptonomy Retail Index® (CRI) 06/2026. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 10 represents the global maximum. The index serves analytical and informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Values are based on publicly available and licensed sources as of the publication date and may change over time.

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