How to pay with Bitcoin at Bootlegger Cafés

You can now pay with Bitcoin at all Bootlegger Cafés using one of three methods:

1. Pay directly with a Lightning wallet. Scan the QR code and confirm the Bitcoin payment in the Lightning wallet that supports Bootlegger’s QR code format. Wallets that are currently supported include Blink, Blitz, and Aqua.
2. Pay using the MoneyBadger app and a Lightning wallet. If your Lightning wallet can’t scan the Bootlegger QR code natively, open MoneyBadger, scan the QR code, and approve the payment in your linked Lightning wallet. This is the most reliable option for many wallets.
3. Pay via a crypto exchange wallet. Luno, VALR, and Binance Pay can scan Bootlegger’s QR codes directly. Simply use the built-in scanner and confirm the payment —  the Bitcoin is processed through your exchange account.

Let’s look at each in more detail.

Option 1: Pay with Bitcoin at Bootlegger via a Lightning wallet (Blink, Blitz, and Aqua)

How it works: Blink, Blitz, and Aqua can scan the Bootlegger QR code natively, allowing you to complete the Bitcoin payment in the app. 

Note: These wallets can do this because they’re powered by MoneyBadger tech that converts these QR codes into a Lightning-compatible format your wallet can understand.

How to pay:

1. Ask your server for the  QR code payment option.
2. Open your Lightning wallet (Blink, Blitz, and Aqua)
3. Scan the QR code that’s either printed or displayed on the POS. 
4. Confirm the payment in your Lightning wallet. 

Note: If you want to tip your server, ask them to include it in the total before scanning the code, as you can’t add the tip in a Lightning wallet.

Option 2: Pay with Bitcoin at Bootlegger using a Lightning wallet + MoneyBadger 

How it works: Because some wallets can’t scan the Bootlegger QR codes natively like Strike, Wallet of Satoshi, or Phoenix, you’ll need the MoneyBadger app — a QR code scanner that acts as a bridge between the store’s QR code and your wallet to complete the Bitcoin payment. It is not a Bitcoin wallet.

Note: MoneyBadger originally created a QR code scanner known as CryptoQR. While it still works today, with some people still using it, it’s gradually being phased out in favour of the new MoneyBadger Pay app.

Both apps can scan QR codes at Bootlegger, but MoneyBadger is the recommended option going forward.

How to pay:

1. Ask the server for the QR code option.
2. Open MoneyBadger. 
3. Scan the QR code and input your tip (possible within the MoneyBadger app)
4. Your Lightning wallet will open - simply confirm payment in the app. 

Example: Roman shows us how to pay with Bitcoin at Bootlegger using MoneyBadger + Blink. 

Example: Gavin pays for breakfast with Bitcoin at Bootlegger using CryptoQR and Blink:

Option 3: Pay with Bitcoin at Bootlegger using a crypto exchange wallet (Luno, VALR, or Binance Pay)

How it works: You can also pay with Bitcoin at Bootlegger using Luno, VALR and Binance Pay. Simply open the app, select the scan option, and follow the steps — the payment will come directly from your custodial Bitcoin balance. Just keep in mind that the exact steps will differ between exchanges.  

How to pay:

Luno / VALR / Binance Pay:

1. Ask your server for the QR code payment option
2. Open your Luno, VALR, or Binance app.
3. Use the built-in scanner to scan the QR code displayed on your slip or the point of sale.
4. Review the amount and confirm payment.

Example: Here I'm showing you how to buy a coffee at Bootlegger in Gardens Shopping Center, CPT using Luno Pay:

If you want the detailed instructions for paying with Bitcoin at Bootlegger using each app, here’s the official documentation:

• Luno Pay guide: How to pay with crypto using Luno Pay
• VALR Pay guide: VALR Pay and How to use it
• Binance Pay guide: What Is Binance Pay and How to Use It?

FAQs about how to pay with Bitcoin at Bootlegger

1. Which wallets can I use to pay with Bitcoin at Bootlegger?

Bootlegger accepts:

• All Lightning wallets, keeping in mind that some can scan the QR code directly (Blink, Blitz, Aqua) and others need the MoneyBadger app to complete payment (Phoenix, Strike, Wallet of Satoshi etc.)
• Exchange wallets like Luno, VALR, and Binance Pay
  

2. Do I need the MoneyBadger app to pay at Bootlegger?

No, you don’t need it if you’re paying with a crypto exchange wallet (Luno, VALR, or Binance Pay) or have a Lightning wallet like Blink, Blitz or Aqua that can scan the QR codes natively.

3. Can I pay with Luno, VALR, or Binance Pay?

Yes. Just open the exchange app, scan the QR, and confirm the payment.

4. How do I add a tip when paying with Bitcoin?

Two ways:

• MoneyBadger: Add the tip inside the app after scanning the QR code.
• Lightning wallets: Ask the server to add the tip before they generate the QR code — you can’t add it inside the wallet.

5. Does every Bootlegger accept Bitcoin?

Yes. All Bootlegger stores nationwide accept Bitcoin. If staff seem unsure, just ask for the QR code payment option. And if you’re feeling up for it, talk them through the process, show them how it works, and get them to download a Lightning wallet and send them some Sats. Little acts like this do wonders for Bitcoin adoption.

Paying with Bitcoin at Bootlegger is easy

Whether you’re just using a Lightning wallet, MoneyBadger pay and a Lightning wallet, or a crypto exchange wallet, making a Bitcoin payment at Bootlegger is simple once you understand the flow. It’s just a case of choosing your preferred payment method (lightning or crypto exchange), scanning the QR code, and confirming the payment.

If you’re thinking about spending your Bitcoin at more places across SA, then read this guide next:  How to Spend Bitcoin in South Africa (2025 Guide + Real Examples).

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P.S. If you’d like to support my work, you can donate directly using the Bitcoin Lightning button below or send sats to nickdarlington@blink.sv from any Lightning wallet.