In Venezuela, talking about money is like walking a tightrope. The bolívar devalues faster than you can say "inflation," and getting cash dollars is almost as difficult as finding gasoline without standing in a long line. Amid this economic storm, Venezuelans have shown a capacity for adaptation that is almost heroic. And among these creative solutions, cryptocurrencies have emerged as a life raft. One of them, Hive, is gaining ground as a form of payment for ventures and informal commerce.
Why Hive?
Hive is not just a cryptocurrency. It is part of a decentralized ecosystem that rewards content creation, interaction, and community participation. But beyond that, Hive and its stablecoin HBD (Hive Backed Dollar) are being used as a direct payment method among entrepreneurs, freelancers, and informal merchants in Venezuela.
I recently learned about Hive when a friend told me he was earning money writing about Venezuelan recipes. I thought it was just another internet tale. But when he showed me that he had been paid in HBD and had exchanged it for bolívares to buy food, I realized this was real. Since then, I've seen how designers, writers, musicians, and even empanada sellers have started to accept Hive as a boost to their economies.
Advantages of Using Hive and HBD in Commerce
Fast transactions without intermediaries: You don't need banks or point-of-sale terminals. All you need is a digital wallet.
Low commissions: Unlike other blockchains, Hive has practically zero transaction costs.
Accessibility: Anyone with a phone can create an account and start receiving payments.
Relative stability with HBD: Being pegged to the dollar, HBD offers a more stable alternative to the bolívar.
The Venezuelan Economic Context
Inflation has pulverized purchasing power. The bolívar, once a symbol of sovereignty, is now seen as a transitional currency. Many businesses prefer to receive payments in dollars, but cash is scarce, and digital methods like Zelle or PayPal are not accessible to everyone. This is where Hive enters as a viable option: it does not depend on banks, does not require physical dollars, and is accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Can Hive become a relevant currency in Latin America?
Pros:
Active and growing ecosystem.
Strong and committed Venezuelan community.
Efficient and fast blockchain technology.
Incentives for creators and merchants.
Cons:
Lack of financial and technological education in vulnerable sectors.
Volatility of the HIVE token against the dollar.
Limited adoption outside the Hive ecosystem.
Despite these challenges, Hive has something that many cryptocurrencies don't: a community that uses it every day to live. In Venezuela, Hive is not a trend; it is a survival tool.
A Hopeful Vision
For Venezuelan entrepreneurs, including Hive and HBD as forms of payment not only opens new doors but also strengthens the country's digital economy. Every transaction, every sale, every service paid in Hive contributes to massifying its use, increasing its value, and positioning it as a real alternative to traditional currencies.
In a country where creativity is common currency, Hive can be the boost many need to get ahead. It is not just about technology; it is about empowering people to build their future without depending on obsolete financial systems. So, if you are an entrepreneur, a merchant, or just someone eager to innovate, consider Hive as part of your strategy. Because in Venezuela, where every bolívar counts, every Hive can make a difference.
