Amsterdam's Airport Lets Travelers Swap Leftover Euros for Cryptos

Schiphol - the international airport serving the Netherlands' capital city, Amsterdam - is launching an ATM that will allow travelers to exchange their euros for bitcoin or ethereum.

The airport explained in an announcement on Wednesday that the machine is being located in the departures terminal, since it will offer travelers an option to convert their remaining euros to the two popular cryptocurrencies when they leave the country.

The new ATM service - facilitated through a partnership with Dutch software firm ByeleX - is currently at the beginning of a six-month trial period to determine if there is sufficient demand from travelers, the release indicates.

"With the bitcoin ATM, we hope to provide a useful service to passengers by allowing them to easily exchange 'local' euros for the 'global' cryptocurrencies bitcoin and ethereum. That can be beneficial if it's not possible to spend euros in their home country."

The effort comes as other international airports are starting to embrace the idea of cryptocurrency as a potentially beneficial added service for their customers.

Earlier this year, Australia's Brisbane airport also announced a plan to roll out a crypto payment option for consumers shopping at retail outlets across the terminal.

The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies.

CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups.