LAS VEGAS, Nevada — At the forefront of cryptocurrency discussions, the Mayor of Panama City, Mayer Mizrachi, is actively exploring the integration of bitcoin into the financial framework of his city. Speaking at the recent Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Mizrachi highlighted his aspirations for Panama’s capital—home to the iconic Panama Canal—to embrace bitcoin payments fully.
Mizrachi outlined several innovative strategies, including the potential establishment of a strategic bitcoin reserve specifically for Panama City. His vision extends to enabling payments in bitcoin for a range of services, including the crucial tolls for passage through the Panama Canal. “What if you have a perk for paying in bitcoin?” Mizrachi proposed. “You’d get to go faster.” This forward-thinking approach signifies a shift towards modernizing payment options within the city.
In a significant stride towards cryptocurrency integration, under Mizrachi’s leadership, Panama City has already passed legislation allowing its residents to pay for various municipal obligations—such as taxes, parking tickets, permits, and additional fees—using bitcoin BTC, ether ETH, and selected stablecoins. This legislative move reflects a growing acceptance of digital currencies in local governance.
Mizrachi’s enthusiasm for cryptocurrency is not without precedent; he draws inspiration from Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, who, at Bitcoin 2021, famously announced the adoption of bitcoin as legal tender for his nation. Mizrachi openly credits Bukele’s pioneering policies as a catalyst for his own ambitions regarding bitcoin in Panama City.
As the world increasingly shifts towards digital currencies, Panama City is positioning itself as a leader in blockchain innovation in Central America. The exploration of bitcoin payments could not only enhance the efficiency of transactions but also potentially attract more tourism and business opportunities, further solidifying Panama City’s status as a global hub.
