San Salvador, Jun 28 (EFE) .- The Government of El Salvador estimates that some 2.5 million citizens will download the application with the electronic wallet that is promoted by the Executive for the use of bitcoin as a means of payment, according to this Monday the Minister of Finance, Alejandro Zelaya.
The official pointed out during a television interview that “a limit of 4 million users” has been established, but that “in the first moments” it could be around 2.5 million.
Zelaya indicated that “it is not an obligation to download the electronic wallet either” and that “the fact that the government is promoting it does not mean that it is an obligation.”
“It is not an obligation. You can continue paying in cash or with the other methods that are used, but with time they will realize that it is easier to use the government’s wallet,” he said.
He clarified that the 30 dollars that the Government will provide to each user who downloads the application called Chivo “are to be used through the application, not to withdraw them in cash.”
President Nayib Bukele explained last week on a national radio and television network that the Government will create an electronic wallet that will have an account in dollars and in a bitcoin, and which can be downloaded on IOS and Android devices.
When downloading the application, users will have to enter their Unique Identity Document (DUI) number and cell phone number to register, he said.
“By simply downloading the application and registering, you will receive $ 30 equivalent in bitcoin for your consumption (…) when you receive the money you can choose whether you want bitcoin or not,” said the president.
He pointed out that “those 30 dollars are to promote the use of bitcoin and to encourage people to download the App”, which, according to the president, will be compatible with “all electronic wallets in the world.”
