Why We Exist
BitcoinFriendlySA is a local directory and content hub helping South Africans spend and accept Bitcoin with confidence.
But it didn't start that way.
The project originally launched as CryptoFriendlySA: a broader initiative to map out the local businesses that accept any cryptocurrency and explore the growing crypto landscape.
The idea came about after seeing a U.S. burger chain, Steak ’n Shake, launch Bitcoin payments across all its locations—and realising how much of a mission it still is to track down crypto-friendly spots here in South Africa.
I wondered: Wouldn’t it be cool if there was one place where you could easily find and support local businesses that accept crypto?
But it didn't start that way.
The project originally launched as CryptoFriendlySA: a broader initiative to map out the local businesses that accept any cryptocurrency and explore the growing crypto landscape.
The idea came about after seeing a U.S. burger chain, Steak ’n Shake, launch Bitcoin payments across all its locations—and realising how much of a mission it still is to track down crypto-friendly spots here in South Africa.
I wondered: Wouldn’t it be cool if there was one place where you could easily find and support local businesses that accept crypto?
This is me, Nick Darlington, back when I had long hair in 2016.
I'm a writer, crypto user, and person behind this project.
I'm a writer, crypto user, and person behind this project.
So, I built the first version of CryptoFriendlySA as a lean MVP in three weeks, just enough to get something real out there and start testing the idea. I wanted to keep it hyper-local to start, which is why the initial focus is on Cape Town and the Winelands.
I also saw an opportunity to make it more than just a directory by turning it into a content platform that educates, inspires, and helps drive crypto adoption.
That’s why I launched the Academy: a dedicated learning hub where merchants can learn more about accepting Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, and customers can get practical tips on how and where to spend it.
From wallet guides to real-world case studies, the Academy aims to be the go-to place for everything you need to start using and accepting crypto in South Africa.
As the project has developed, I found myself drawn to a simpler, more focused path. Bitcoin stood out not just because of its growing real-world use and qualities of sound money, but because of the clarity it brought the project. That shift led to the rebrand: BitcoinFriendlySA—a natural evolution toward focusing solely on Bitcoin.
This project is still in its early days as we build out the Academy and the directory.
If you have any suggestions or questions, or would like to collaborate or be featured, please reach out. I really would love to hear from you.
Cheers,
Nick Darlington
P.S. Don't forget to view listings or get listed—it's free.
I also saw an opportunity to make it more than just a directory by turning it into a content platform that educates, inspires, and helps drive crypto adoption.
That’s why I launched the Academy: a dedicated learning hub where merchants can learn more about accepting Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, and customers can get practical tips on how and where to spend it.
From wallet guides to real-world case studies, the Academy aims to be the go-to place for everything you need to start using and accepting crypto in South Africa.
As the project has developed, I found myself drawn to a simpler, more focused path. Bitcoin stood out not just because of its growing real-world use and qualities of sound money, but because of the clarity it brought the project. That shift led to the rebrand: BitcoinFriendlySA—a natural evolution toward focusing solely on Bitcoin.
This project is still in its early days as we build out the Academy and the directory.
If you have any suggestions or questions, or would like to collaborate or be featured, please reach out. I really would love to hear from you.
Cheers,
Nick Darlington
P.S. Don't forget to view listings or get listed—it's free.
