Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino announced on 21 September that major automakers Toyota, BYD, and Yamaha have begun accepting Tether (USDT) as a payment option in Bolivia, marking a major step in the mainstream adoption of stablecoins.
Toyota, BYD, Yamaha accepting USDT in Bolivia
"Tu vehiculo en dolares digital"
USDT is the digital dollar for hundreds of millions in the emerging markets.
Ubiquity. pic.twitter.com/0X0SH3USXX— Paolo Ardoino ? (@paoloardoino) September 21, 2025
Local billboards now promote the initiative with the message in Spanish: “Buy your car with digital dollars”, highlighting USDT as a fast, simple, and secure way to pay.
Why Buying Cars with Digital Dollars Matters
USDT is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, offering stability compared to volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC). The decision follows Bolivia’s June 2024 reversal of its long-standing ban on cryptocurrency usage.
With the Boliviano weakening and growing concerns over currency stability, Bolivians are increasingly turning to digital assets as a hedge.
From Speculation to Real-World Use
Institutional reports show that USDT transactions in Bolivia reached $430 million over the past year, a 530% increase year-over-year. This surge reflects the growing reliance on stablecoins for both everyday and large-scale purchases.
Government regulatory reforms have also created a friendlier environment for global companies to adopt crypto-based payment systems.
The move to accept USDT for high-ticket items like cars signals a turning point, shifting crypto from speculative investment to practical payment method.
Ardoino described USDT as a “digital dollar for hundreds of millions in emerging markets,” underscoring its growing role in global commerce.
Experts believe Toyota and other international brands adopting stablecoin payments could accelerate mainstream usage across industries and influence regulatory approaches in other emerging markets.
As Latin America already sees stablecoins accounting for 90% of crypto transactions, Bolivia may become a case study in how digital currencies reshape economies under pressure.
