LocalBitcoins ATM in Production

localbitcoins ATM

LocalBitcoins, a “marketplace for buying and selling bitcoins”, has just announced that LocalBitcoins ATMs are in production. Yes, you read that right. More Bitcoin ATMs are on the way. However, Local Bitcoin’s ATM is different than the ones currently in the market. This ATM allows buying and selling bitcoins,

“and the cost is around half of cheapest model currently on the market,”

says LocalBitcoins. In addition to all of this, the ATM also does not need internet connection which makes it quite cost-effective in comparison to other competing ATMs.

How Does LocalBitcoins ATM work?

In order to buy and sell bitcoins at the ATM, you need to use your LocalBitcoins wallet. When you would like to buy bitcoins, LocalBitcoins ATM creates a redeemable code for the fiat currency amount the user put in. This code can then be changed to bitcoins on LocalBitcoins.com “with the floating rate specified per-ATM.”

If you want to sell bitcoins you do the following steps: load bitcoins to the LocalBitcoins wallet, go to the ATM url, and specify how much fiat amount you want. After doing this, you get a deposit code for the fiat amount. In order to get cash, you input the code into the ATM.

Buying and selling bitcoins seems a bit different than other ATMs, and this might work in LocalBitcoins favor or perhaps against it.

Details of LocalBitcoins ATM

The LocalBitcoins ATM “can be programmed to support over 100 different countries.” This would be very useful in spreading these ATMs worldwide. A key feature in the ATM that reduced maintenance is the bank note recycler. The machine’s operator can specify the premiums ensuring that operators can earn profit. In addition, LocalBitcoins charges 1% fee from all transactions, and does not operate the ATM.

The first batch will include 5 pieces that will be operated near Helsinki, Finland. The cost of the first batch is 1990EUR. LocalBitcoins says that because these batches are experimental, they will give a total refund if any problems arise. In addition, the ones who buy the first batch get a 70% discount in the next batch…that is if they give back the first model. That’s a pretty good deal.

The concept behind this ATM was developed by bitcoinkiosk.com. In December 2013, LocalBitcoins bought the whole package and made plans to spread these ATMs far and wide.

If anyone who lives in Finland or are in cities near Helsinki, they can be part of the initial 5 piece batch. LocalBitcoins says to send them a request using the form here.

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