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As crypto adoption accelerates around the world, ForumPay continues to empower merchants by bringing real-world crypto utility to everyday transactions. Our recent partnership with Donatella, a renowned Italian restaurant in the heart of Lisbon, is yet another example of the demand for crypto payments in every sector and industry. Known for its authentic cuisine and commitment to tradition, Donatella is now embracing innovation, becoming one of the first establishments in the city to adopt digital assets as a form of payment. Through this collaboration, diners now have an alternative payment option with which to purchase classic Italian dishes.
In this article, we take a closer look at the story behind Donatella, how it is joining the ranks of other forward-thinking crypto-friendly businesses, and scratch the surface of Portugal’s history with digital assets.
Donatella, authentic Italian cuisine in the Portuguese capital
In the heart of Lisbon, Donatella offers refined Italian dining based on a dedication and love for authentic ingredients. Donatella’s chefs craft its menu using time-honored techniques and premium materials, including DOP-certified products imported directly from Italy, including cheeses, meats, olive oil and vinegars. Every dish reflects this commitment to freshness and quality, from freshly made pasta to pizzas fired in a custom-built brick oven. Donatella’s team maintains a clear philosophy: to honor Italian culinary heritage without compromise. For guests, that means an experience rooted in the joy of dining, or as they put it: mangia e divertiti.
Expanding the power of crypto payments
Donatella’s decision to accept crypto payments aligns them with other forward-thinking businesses in the hospitality sector, such as HumanTouch System, another ForumPay partner. According to recent data from Triple·A, 70% of consumers said they would use crypto for travel, hospitality and leisure payments, demonstrating the growing demand for merchants and businesses that accept digital assets. With ForumPay, Donatella will be able to instantly convert crypto into their preferred fiat, while offering its customers the option to pay with any major digital asset.
For businesses looking to expand their client base, and offer an alternative, more secure and faster payment option, cryptocurrencies are the answer. ForumPay can be seamlessly integrated free of charge into any existing online or in-person payment flow with zero disruption, allowing merchants to accept crypto payments within a matter of hours. For customers, it’s about convenience, privacy, and flexibility. Given crypto’s borderless nature, tourists are able to avoid the complications of currency conversion and delays in payment confirmation, and dine at Donatella using their internationally viable crypto assets.
Crypto in Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe’s most crypto-friendly countries. It has long been recognized as a hub for crypto enthusiasts, particularly due to its tax policies. Historically, the country did not impose taxes on capital gains from cryptocurrency transactions, attracting investors and digital nomads alike. However, recent legislative changes have adjusted this stance. As of 2023, Portugal introduced a 28% capital gains tax on crypto assets held for less than a year. But despite these changes, Portugal is still thought of as a haven for digital nomads and crypto entrepreneurs.
The introduction of the D8 Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to reside in Portugal, provided they meet certain income requirements. This initiative underscores the country’s commitment to fostering a dynamic digital economy. What’s more, as European regulations on crypto advance thanks to the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, crypto adoption among consumers is set to rise, driven by greater legal clarity, improved consumer protections, and increased trust in digital asset transactions across the EU.
To learn about other ForumPay partners, or how to integrate crypto payments into your business’ workflow, visit www.forumpay.com, or get in touch with our sales team to discuss any questions you may have.
