As you may know, in France, it is not easy to use bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for your everyday shopping and needs. Most online and retail stores don’t accept crypto as a payment method. But there is a clever workaround which is simple and safe. In this post, we will explain how you can shop with bitcoin in France. For example, you will learn how you can use bitcoin to buy electronics from Fnac-Darty and everyday needs from Amazon or a pair of shoes from Foot Locker or Zalando. Or how to use your crypto at Google Play, iTunes, Steam, or Netflix just to mention a few.
The trick is to use gift cards or vouchers. You buy the gift card of the brand or store you want to shop at using bitcoin or another crypto (e.g. Dash and Litecoin).
What is it?
A gift card is also known as a gift certificate, or a gift voucher is a prepaid stored-value money card issued by a retailer. It is to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within a particular store. So for example, if you have a 200 Euro Amazon France gift card, you can buy up to 200 Euro worth of products at Amazon.fr store by redeeming the gift card instead of paying in credit card.
Gift cards can be redeemed online on the retailer’s website and/or directly at the store. It depends on the retailer’s policy. Gift cards used online typically have a pin code to be inserted on the retailer’s e-commerce site. Gift cards to be used at the retailer’s store sometimes contain a barcode. You can generally print out the barcode or keep a copy of it on your phone and show it to the cashier when you pay.
One interesting thing you should know is that gift cards or vouchers are anonymous. So, as the name suggests, you can use them for your own purchases or give them as a gift. How cool is that? You can use bitcoin to give a nice gift to a friend or loved one.
What you can buy with bitcoin in France
Many brands in France use gift cards extensively, and there will be many more doing so soon.
Here we list some brands and stores you can shop with Bitcoin in France through gift cards. We listed them by category. We also let you know where you can use the gift card, if only on the e-commerce site (online), only at the retail store (offline) or both.
Buy clothes, fashion and apparel with bitcoin or crypto
- Amazon (online)
- Zalando (online)
- Mango (online)
- Foot Locker (online & offline)
- Primark (online & offline)
Where to shop for electronics with bitcoin
- Fnac-Darty (online)
Where to buy groceries with bitcoin
- Carrefour (offline)
Pay for games, app stores, music and tv with bitcoin
- Google Play (online)
- Netflix (online)
- iTunes (online)
- Steam (online)
- PlayStation Network (online)
- Nintendo eShop (online)
How does it work?
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Buying a gift card to shop with Bitcoin (or another crypto) is secure and easy. Just follow these simple steps.
- Go to CryptoRefills
Click here or enter www.cryptorefills.com on your desktop or mobile browser.
- Select France
After selecting France you will see the product categories that are available.
- Select a gift card category and select the brand
Just select the brand you want to shop for, e.g. Amazon.fr or Google Play. Then you will see the packages that are available for this product. Click on the amount you would like to purchase.
- Select currency and package
Select the cryptocurrency you wish to use to pay for your purchase. For example Bitcoin. Then check if the right package is selected.
- Insert email and accept terms
Insert your email and tick the box to accept the Terms and Conditions. Click on proceed to payment. (Make sure your email is correct so that the Pin can be delivered to you and you can be contacted in case of issues).
- Make the Bitcoin payment
Send the exact amount of crypto (e.g. Bitcoin) to the address displayed and follow the instructions. It is important you send exactly the amount displayed.
- That’s it!
You will receive the gift card in your mail. The email will contain the instructions on how to redeeem your giftcard.
Attention: Please do not forget to check your spam folder in your email.
Don’t know how to spend your Bitcoin? Check out some stores to get some shopping ideas
Fashion & Apparel:
Ready to spend your bitcoin for a fancy pair of shoes at Foot Locker or shop for shirts at Mango? Or how about putting some crypto into some stylish outfit at Zalando? You will look super for your next crypto meetup or conference.
Amazon, Zalando, Mango, Foot Locker, Primark
Electronics, Games, App stores:
Did you ever think of using your crypto to pay for Netflix? You could use some bitcoin to buy your next electronics at Fnac-Darty? Need some ideas, why don’t you check out these stores:
Fnac-Darty, Google Play, Netflix, iTunes, Steam, PlayStation Network, Nintendo eShop
[ratings]