Bitcoin Map FAQ

Bitcoin payments are made by scanning a QR code, and using Lightning payments makes the process very simple. However, to make a payment, your wallet must first have Bitcoin available. This usually means purchasing Bitcoin on a domestic or international exchange and sending it on-chain to your personal wallet.

Lightning payment fees are very low or almost zero. In addition, the receiver does not pay any fees, so merchants incur no payment fees at all. (The sender covers the small routing fee.)

Bitcoin received through Akasha is stored in your own wallet. To convert it into cash, you must open an account at a cryptocurrency exchange and send Bitcoin to the exchange using on-chain transfer. On-chain transaction fees apply during this process.

Yes. All stores listed on the Akasha Bitcoin Map are verified businesses that can actually accept Bitcoin payments. Only officially registered and actively operating businesses are approved, and store information and payment availability are continuously maintained. Since all listed stores have Lightning wallets, Lightning payments are available during actual visits.

Akasha regularly reviews and updates store information, filtering out closed or inactive businesses. We also provide business hours, contact details, messenger links, and website information so users can verify stores before visiting. If you discover a closed or inactive store, please report it to us.

Bitcoin payments must be reported as revenue according to each country's tax regulations. Akasha is not a payment intermediary—all payments are received directly into the merchant's wallet via P2P transactions. Merchants are responsible for proper tax reporting and lawful ownership based on local accounting standards.

The Akasha Bitcoin Map is designed for Bitcoin users, travelers, and global communities. In the short term, customer traffic may be limited. However, by consistently promoting your store through personal SNS channels and Bitcoin communities, visibility and customer visits tend to grow over time.

The Akasha Bitcoin Map primarily supports Lightning Network-based Bitcoin payments, enabling fast and low-fee transactions suitable for small payments. Some stores may also accept on-chain Bitcoin or Binance Pay, which are clearly displayed in each store’s listing.

No sign-up is required to search for and view stores on the Bitcoin Map. However, simple registration is required to register a store or use additional features such as messengers or coupons.

Any actively operating business with official registration can apply. After signing up on Akasha and submitting business information, verification is conducted and approval is granted automatically once confirmed.

Yes. Even stores without a Lightning wallet can start accepting Bitcoin. Akasha provides an easy in-app wallet creation process, allowing merchants to receive Bitcoin immediately after registration.

Yes. Searching for and using the Bitcoin Map is completely free. Akasha provides core map features openly to support the expansion of the Bitcoin payment ecosystem.

Bitcoin is a highly volatile asset, but it also has a long-term upward structural trend. Rather than immediately selling received Bitcoin, a 2–3 year long-term holding strategy can be beneficial for store operations. Akasha recommends periodically transferring received Bitcoin to a personal cold wallet for long-term storage.