10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Buy with Bitcoin

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Many people still treat Bitcoin like gold—something you buy, hold, and hope will go up in value. But that’s only part of the story. Bitcoin was originally designed to be a peer-to-peer digital currency that anyone could use to buy goods and services directly,

And it works. Bitcoin transactions can happen in minutes without currency conversions or high fees. You can buy something from across the world, and no bank needs to approve it. Also, there’s no need to wait days for payment processing or worry about exchange rates when sending money across countries.

Sure, it hasn’t yet replaced your local currency, but there is evidence that it could. In 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made history by spending 10,000 BTC on two pizzas. At today’s value, that’s enough to buy several houses, a Ferrari, or even a private island. But the takeaway isn’t that he overspent. He proved that Bitcoin could be used to buy real stuff. That’s what it was designed for: not just a store of value but a peer-to-peer digital currency.

So, if you’re holding BTC (or planning to) and wondering what you can actually use it for, you’re in the right place. Below are 10 surprising, real-world things you can buy with Bitcoin—today.

1. Real Estate

Yes, people really do buy homes with Bitcoin.

Back in 2017, a house in Texas was sold through Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, with the buyer paying in Bitcoin via BitPay. Fast forward to 2025, and Australian entrepreneur Adam Hudson listed his luxury beachfront apartment in Gold Coast, accepting Bitcoin directly.

In fact, a condo in Tampa, Florida, was sold as an NFT on the blockchain in 2022.

The process is surprisingly smooth because crypto transactions settle in minutes—far faster than the weeks traditional deals usually take. So, if you’re sitting on some BTC and dreaming of property, you’re not alone. Others have done it. You can, too.

2. Private Jets and Charter Flights

Want to fly private without dealing with bank wires or middlemen? You can use Bitcoin to book a jet.

Services like PrivateFly and Surf Air let you book flights with crypto. PrivateFly, in fact, has accepted BTC since 2014 and supports same-day bookings in multiple countries. Surf Air offers a membership model with unlimited flights in California and Texas—perfect if you’re flying frequently and want an all-inclusive setup using Bitcoin.

3. Space Travel Tickets

Yep, you can literally spend your Bitcoin to leave Earth.

Space Perspective is one of the companies offering near-space balloon flights—and they accept Bitcoin (and Ethereum). These aren’t hypothetical bookings either; customers are already reserving their seats with crypto.

The overlap between crypto and space isn’t random. Both industries are built on bold ideas and tech innovation. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and flush with crypto, this is one frontier you can actually explore.

4. Citizenship and Residency Programs

Bitcoin could even help you get a second passport.

In El Salvador, where Bitcoin is legal tender, foreigners can apply for permanent residency by investing just 3 BTC into the country. The policy has already attracted crypto investors from around the world.

Other countries, like Malta and Portugal, also offer crypto-friendly paths to residency through citizenship-by-investment programs

So if you’re thinking of relocating and want a second home that loves Bitcoin as much as you do, it’s a real option.

5. College Tuition and Education Services

Yes, you can pay for school with Bitcoin.

The University of Nicosia in Cyprus was the first accredited university to accept BTC for tuition back in 2013. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Switzerland followed in 2017.

The rise of online education platforms has furthered the integration of cryptocurrencies. BitDegree, an online tech education platform, not only accepts cryptocurrencies but also leverages blockchain technology to offer transparent and verifiable certificates.

So if you want to upskill, reskill, or earn a degree without converting crypto to fiat, you’ve got legit options.

6. High-End Jewelry and Luxury Watches

Cryptocurrency payments offer enhanced privacy and security, making them particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals who value discretion in their transactions.

Major retailers like Reeds Jewelers (U.S.) started accepting Bitcoin in 2014. Swiss luxury brand Franck Muller took it even further—launching a limited-edition watch with a built-in Bitcoin wallet.

Buyers say the checkout process is fast and secure. Plus, paying with Bitcoin offers more privacy—something many high-net-worth customers value.

7. Exotic Cars and Supercars

Bitcoin for a Lamborghini? It’s a meme—but also a real thing.

Brokerage firms like Dadiani Syndicate in the UK make it happen. In 2017, they helped a Chinese buyer purchase four Formula 1 cars using Litecoin (a BTC sibling). They’ve also helped clients buy luxury vehicles—think Ferraris, McLarens, and Bentleys—with various cryptocurrencies.

8. Fine Art and Collectibles

You can snag a rare art collectible from Sotheby’s with Bitcoin. In recent years, the world-renowned auction house has accepted Bitcoin and Ether for certain auctions, including a notable event in Saudi Arabia in 2021.

Dadiani Fine Art, a London-based art gallery that shares founder Eleesa Dadiani with Dadiani Syndicate, became the first to sell art exclusively in crypto in 2018.

9. Private Healthcare and Medical Treatments

Some clinics and hospitals, especially in the U.S., accept Bitcoin as an alternative payment method. Mayo Clinic, one of the most respected hospitals in the country, Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, Mercy Hospital in Missouri, Cleveland Clinic, Bethesda Hospital East and many others accept cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, as payment for their services.

So whether it’s a major surgery, a second opinion, or wellness treatment, Bitcoin can be your ticket to premium healthcare.

10. Luxury Travel and Vacation Packages

You don’t need to cash out to book your dream trip.

Travala.com offers over 3 million products—hotels, flights, tours, and activities—bookable with Bitcoin and other crypto. Meanwhile, Destinia, a global online agency, lets you use crypto to book full travel packages.

The Kessler Collection, a boutique hotel group in the U.S., also accepts Bitcoin for room reservations.

Final Thoughts

The hope for Bitcoin maximalists is that the cryptocurrency will become a common payment method, if not the de facto one. The truth is that as regulations become clearer, technology improves, and more people trust digital money, more companies may start adopting it. While we’re not quite there yet, the list above proves we’re much closer than many think.

Improvements to Bitcoin, like the Lightning Network, are geared towards making this future a reality very soon. So, never say never.

If you’re holding Bitcoin, perhaps it’s time to explore how far it can take you—not just financially, but experientially. The next time someone asks what you bought with Bitcoin, you might just say, “A house. A watch. A trip to space.” And they’ll believe you.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein should be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrencies carries a considerable risk of financial loss. Always conduct due diligence.

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