Bolivia Weighs Adding Tether's USDT to National Payments System

Bolivia has long faced a severe dollar shortage, pushing businesses and consumers to seek alternatives for trade and everyday transactions. Since the Central Bank of Bolivia lifted its ban on cryptocurrency transactions in June 2024, the dollar-pegged stablecoin Tether (USDT) has rapidly gained public acceptance as a “digital dollar.” It has become a key tool for easing foreign-exchange pressures and keeping the economy running, making Bolivia a closely watched gauge of cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America.

Economy and Public Finance Minister Espinoza announced on July 13, 2026, that the government was conducting a technical assessment of adding Tether to the national payments system as a regulated payment instrument. State-owned Banco Unión already allows customers to buy Tether for international remittances. Cryptocurrency transaction volume in the country has surged 630% since the ban was lifted in June 2024, signaling strong demand for alternatives.