Cryptocurrencies are making an ever-increasing presence in e-commerce and the global economy. There are several developed cities in the world that have crypto-friendly business environment. San Francisco, for instance, can be considered the topmost city in crypto turn over. It has about 60 crypto ATMs and more than 100 retailers that accept crypto. Several cryptocurrency and blockchain companies including Coinbase are based in San Francisco.

New York City also has a favorable condition for cryptocurrency transactions. It has over 100 retailers that accept Bitcoin and there are around 150 crypto ATMs in the city. Zug, Toronto, Jacksonville, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong are among other cities in the world that crypto lovers will find a great taste. But what about a city where the economy is absolutely crypto-based? Although sounds insane; Chine government is planning this kind of creation.

Governments are giving emphasis on blockchain to boost tourism in cities. Malacca city, the capital of the Malaysian state Malacca, has already gained popularity for crypto businesses. Now the Chinese government is planning to turn 835 acres off the shores of Malacca into a city built with crypto technology- the Melaka Straits City. If the plan works out properly, it would be the world’s first ever cryptocurrency-based city.

What to expect in the crypto city

Blockchain technology will be used to build the city’s infrastructure and a new coin reportedly known as DMI coin will be created to make transactions on the DMI platform. There will also be an exchange where people can convert their fiat into DMI tokens. The project will be implemented jointly by SWT International Sdn Bhd, an investment network, and China Wuyi, a construction and engineering firm.

According to Lim Keng Kai, the project’s CEO, the company has already got the government approval to remediate the land and is planning to use leading-edge blockchain technologies to make the city a tourist hotspot. In the initial phase, around $120 million will be spent and subsequent expenditure will depend on the business demand. The main construction area will be about 365 acres of reclaimed and an additional 200 acres will be reserved for water recreation systems and chalets. A reputed financial portal FX Empire reported in a post that the developers want to make the city a leading tourist attraction in Malaysia. Melaka Straits City is expected to attract 3 million tourists every year that will be accommodated by 100 villas and 5 boutique hotels.

A conference centre that can handle 20,000 visitors will meet the need of corporate firms for annual events. Also, tourists who are fond of aquatic recreations will find a water theme park that the project CEO claims to be the largest in Southeast Asia. A variety of other recreational facilities including tennis courts, golf courses, concert halls, and cycling will be available for people of different ages and mindsets. Educational institutions are also proposed for local settlers. Above all, making the city cryptocurrency-based is the ultimate priority.

The technological innovations will be integrated with existing infrastructure to make the city a smart one. Safety and security management will also remain in the focus of the developers. To buy products or services, visitors will have to turn their fiat money into crypto. Retailers and service points will have a special QR code that the tourists can scan for payments.

Keng Kai claimed that this kind of mobile banking will add speed to the economy because each transaction can occur in a matter of seconds. The transaction data will be stored in the DMI blockchain from where any issues that might arise can be solved.

More cities are experimenting with crypto-based economy

Malacca city is not the only city to bet on crypto to boost its economy. Liberstad, a Norwegian city, is experimenting with its own virtual currency known as “City Coin”. It is now usable only within the city for the purchase of daily needs. Dubai, the most luxurious city in the world is also planning to adopt crypto widely. The government of the UAE is aiming to make more than 50% transactions blockchain based by 2021.

A technological modernization project, known as “Smart Dubai” has prompted this extensive adoption of blockchain technology.