Bitcoin Remittances in El Salvador Decline Despite Government Efforts

• El Salvador has positioned itself as one of the countries with the highest cryptocurrency adoption, making bitcoin legal tender back in 2021.
• Despite this legal backing, the expected integrations and broader usage in daily transactions remain largely unrealized.
• An official report from the Central Reserve Bank indicated that Salvadorans still predominantly use the U.S. dollar for remittances, leaving crypto adoption at minimal levels.

El Salvador’s experiment with cryptocurrency adoption brings mixed results, as traditional remittance methods hold dominance over bitcoin transactions.

El Salvador’s Cryptocurrency Adoption: An Overview

Since El Salvador declared bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, the country has been at the forefront of a global financial experiment. The government, under President Nayib Bukele, took bold steps to encourage the use of cryptocurrency. This included launching the national crypto wallet, Chivo, and conducting a widespread airdrop to stimulate public engagement with bitcoin. Despite these efforts, recent data suggests that cryptocurrency hasn’t permeated everyday financial practices as anticipated.

Stagnant Use in Remittances

One of the most significant applications envisioned for cryptocurrency in El Salvador was in remittances. President Bukele highlighted the advantages of using bitcoin for sending and receiving money, such as lower transfer costs and greater convenience. However, the latest data from the Central Reserve Bank reveals a different reality. From January to August 2024, only 1.1% of the $5.46 billion in remittances to El Salvador involved cryptocurrency. This translates to just $57.4 million in crypto remittances, indicating a clear preference for the U.S. dollar among Salvadorans.

Comparative Trust in Traditional Methods

Despite the potential benefits of cryptocurrency, Salvadorans continue to rely on established remittance services. More than half (58.3%) of remittance transactions are handled by specialized remittance companies, while traditional banks account for 37.9%. The average crypto remittance stood at $260, further demonstrating the small-scale use of digital currency in this sector.

Declining Trend in Crypto Remittances

The adoption of cryptocurrency for remittances has not only been minimal but also shows a declining trend over recent years. In 2022, $84.8 million was received in digital currency. This figure dropped to $59.5 million in 2023 and further decreased to $57.4 million in 2024. These statistics indicate a persistent preference for conventional monetary methods over cryptocurrency.

The Government’s Response and Future Outlook

Despite the low adoption rates, the Salvadoran government continues to advocate for the potential long-term benefits of bitcoin adoption. President Bukele has acknowledged the current shortcomings but remains optimistic about the future impact of cryptocurrencies on the nation’s economy. He emphasizes other benefits, such as increased international visibility and the potential for attracting foreign investment, which could positively influence El Salvador’s economic landscape.

Conclusion

El Salvador’s ambitious move to integrate bitcoin as legal tender remains a work in progress. While the initial goals of widespread crypto adoption, particularly in remittances, have yet to be achieved, the government persists in its efforts to foster a crypto-friendly environment. The continued dominance of traditional remittance methods underscores the challenges ahead. However, the ongoing commitment to integrating cryptocurrency signals a forward-looking approach that may eventually reshape financial interactions in the country.