From Cash to Crypto: The Benefits of Bitcoin Kiosks in Dubai

By Panashi

To simply put, Bitcoin kiosks are Bitcoin ATM machines that facilitate buying and selling of bitcoins, without having to depend on the online cryptocurrency exchanges.

Cryptocurrency kiosk machines play a pivotal role in redefining how people interact with cryptocurrency all over the world, as they offer a highly convenient, simple, and anytime transaction facility. The transactions are almost similar to the banking ATMs, and therefore, anyone with basic internet and technology skills can easily access these self-service machines.

In this blog, we shall go through the features, operational procedure and benefits of these kiosk machines in detail. Kindly read on…

Key facts and statistics on Cryptocurrency

As a prominent technology solutions provider in the middle-east, Panashi’s kiosk machine solutions cater to the needs of diverse domains without revolving around one or two, like restaurant or bill payment. We know the unique challenges faced by these sectors and design bespoke solutions that meet their individual requirements.

Whether it is a self-ordering or drive-thru kiosk for restaurant industry or a digital banking kiosk for banking sector, Panashi can come up with customized Kiosk solutions that perfectly meet the requirements of every sector. We put in time and effort to understand the unique requirements and challenges of the client. Our team of experts consider and evaluate multiple aspects like kiosk purpose, user interface, software compatibility and target environment to choose the right kiosk module, and then design bespoke solutions. The diversity in kiosk machines and the versatility to function in challenging and diverse environments make Panashi kiosk solutions stand out in the crowd.

You may go through the list of Panashi Projects and get acquainted with our diverse kiosk solutions. We’ve designed fully-functional, highly efficient kiosks for governments, banking establishments, airports, ports, healthcare, charity, and many more.

By 2028, the cryptocurrency market revenue in the UAE is expected to reach $395.8 million, achieving an annual growth rate of 7.89%. – Khaleej Times
The major aspects that contribute towards the growth of cryptocurrency in UAE are listed below.
- the formation of Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in Dubai.
- tax relief on crypto transactions
- Crypto-friendly government initiatives and regulations.
By 2025, the number of Cryptocurrency users in the UAE is estimated to reach 3.78 million. – Statista
The MENA region constitutes 7.5% of the worlds’ total transactional crypto volume, with UAE and Saudi Arabia as the major players.

Blockchain technology and its role in Bitcoin kiosk operations

Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger where a transaction can be recorded across several computers in a manner that is secure, transparent and fool-proof. Once the record or "block" is linked to the previous one, it forms a chain. Once the transaction becomes part of this chain, it cannot be changed or deleted. Blockchain's decentralized structure and encryption provide security and transparency, thus making it an appropriate means of managing digital assets such as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Bitcoin technology plays a pivotal role in the operations of a bitcoin kiosk. How it works is furnished below.

Ensures transaction security and verification - The blockchain technology verifies the transactions performed by individual users, which ensures security, and scenarios like double-spending (spending the same crypto multiple times). The validity of each transaction is checked by “miners” before it becomes part of the blockchain.
Facilitates transparency – the decentralized ledger ensures transparency. Therefore, these transactions cannot be deleted or changed by an external agency.
Real-time transaction updates – Blockchain technology offers updates on a real-time basis. Once a transaction is checked and verified, it’s updated in real-time.
Data integrity – Once the data is recorded in the blockchain, it cannot be tampered or altered. This offers top-notch data integrity and also satisfies various regulatory requirements.
Direct access to digital assets – The decentralized storage of digital assets in blockchain ensures that the user gets direct access to digital assets. And this eliminates the intervention of financial intermediaries or banks. Of course, the users have direct control over their digital assets.

How does a bitcoin kiosk work?

Just like a banking ATM, a bitcoin kiosk offers a platform for users to buy and sell bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies through the use of banking cards or cash.

Even though it may sound complicated, its functionality and operations are smooth and straightforward. Here are the step-by-step instructions to operate a crypto kiosk machine.

How to buy bitcoin through bitcoin kiosk machine?

1. Identity verification- The user approaches the kiosk machine and performs the user identity verification.
2. Cryptocurrency selection – The bitcoin ATM displays the list of cryptocurrency transactions available, so that the user may select the desired one.
3. Buy or sell – After selecting the desired cryptocurrency, the kiosk machine prompts the user to select the Buy or Sell option.
4. The user selects the Buy option.
5. Scanning the QR code of the wallet – The kiosk machine displays the necessary prompts to scan the QR code of the user’s cryptocurrency wallet. The user can easily perform the QR code scanning via a smartphone. (In order to receive bitcoin, the user needs to have a cryptocurrency wallet. The QR code actually displays the information of the address to which the bitcoin is supposed to be sent.)
6. Insert cash/card - Upon scanning the wallet QR code, the user is allowed to insert cash or debit /credit card to make the purchase. Once the user inserts cash, the bitcoin kiosk automatically displays the equivalent BTC on the kiosk screen.
7. Confirm the purchase - The user may go ahead and conform the purchase. Once the purchase is confirmed, the kiosk machine displays the “Transaction complete” message with other relevant transaction-related data like amount transferred, date, time etc. And then, the bitcoin gets transferred to the wallet of the user. The process may take few minutes though, as it depends on the network traffic and congestion.
8. Collect the transaction receipt - the kiosk machine prints a receipt of the transaction which the user may collect for reference.

How to sell bitcoin through bitcoin kiosks in Dubai?

Now, selling bitcoin is the reverse process of buying the same through the bitcoin ATM machine. Here are the steps involved.

1. Identity verification The user approaches the kiosk machine and performs the user identity verification.
2. Cryptocurrency selection – The bitcoin ATM displays the list of cryptocurrency transactions available, so that the user may select the desired one.
3. Buy or Sell – After selecting the desired cryptocurrency, the kiosk displays the option to either Buy or Sell cryptocurrency. And the user selects the Sell option.
4. Input the bitcoin amount The kiosk machine prompts the users to enter the bitcoin amount. As per the instruction, the user enters the amount on the kiosk touchscreen. In the very next moment, the kiosk machine displays the cash equivalent to the bitcoin amount entered.
5. QR code scanning – Once the user enters the amount and proceeds to Next, the kiosk machine generates the QR code linked to its wallet address. Now, it’s time for the user to scan the generated QR code using the cryptocurrency mobile app. Scanning the QR code helps the user send the bitcoin amount to the wallet address of the kiosk machine.
6. Transaction confirmation - After successful scanning, the kiosk machine confirms the transaction.
7. Cash dispensing - Once the transaction is confirmed, the bitcoin ATM dispenses the cash equivalent to the bitcoin amount via the cash dispenser.
8. Transaction receipt - the receipt printer prints the receipt of the transaction instantly which the user may collect for reference.

Parts and functionality of a bitcoin kiosk

A bitcoin kiosk is integrated with all the necessary components to streamline cryptocurrency transactions. And the parts are listed below.

Interactive touchscreen the interactive touchscreen plays an integral role in the functioning of cryptocurrency kiosk. The touchscreen guides the user through the transaction process, from the very beginning. It displays easy-to-understand, step-by-step instructions to the users and guides them in the buying or selling of cryptocurrency.
QR code scanner – facilitates the scanning of the cryptocurrency wallet of individual users. The wallet address is displayed in the form of QR codes. The user scans this QR code generated via a smartphone app at the QR code scanner.
KYC devices – The Bitcoin ATM is loaded with KYC devices life Emirates ID scanner, biometric authentication devices, and card reader for the purpose of user identity verification.
Cash dispenser the cash dispenser dispenses cash for the equivalent bitcoin sold by the user.
Cash acceptor – accepts cash from the user during bitcoin purchase.
Receipt printer - Once the transaction is complete, the receipt printer prints a receipt of the transaction. The receipt contains the transaction ID, the amount transacted and other relevant information regarding the transaction.

Benefits of Bitcoin kiosk machines

Of course, convenience, security and accessibility are the core benefits of a digital currency kiosk machine. And I have listed those benefits below.

Benefits in user-perspective

24/7 transactions the user need not depend on the online crypto exchange facilities to conduct cryptocurrency transactions. These kiosk machines can be installed at all places of high footfall, where people gather in large numbers. For example, busy transportation hubs, shopping malls etc. Most importantly, they facilitate transactions 24/7, enabling the users buy or sell bitcoins on the go.
Convenience – the digital currency kiosk serves as a convenient gateway to the world of cryptocurrency offering 24/7, instant access to crypto services. The users can reduce the dependence on online exchange facilities and buy and sell bitcoin in a highly convenient fashion. Afterall, the buying and selling process become highly streamlined and convenient.
Cash transaction facility – Unlike online exchanges that require banking card information, bitcoin machines are cash-friendly. Most bitcoin ATMs have both cash and card options, so that users have the convenience to pick their preferred transaction mode.
Swift transactions When compared to exchange-based transactions, bitcoin kiosks offer almost an instant settlement. Once the transaction is complete, the user has to wait only for a few minutes to reflect the changes in the wallet. (However, do remember that network traffic and congestion can have an impact on the transaction speed.)
Instant cash facility – The bitcoin ATMs offer the benefit of immediate cash withdrawals for users in exchange of bitcoins. The processing time of online exchanges is a time-consuming affair and the user might have to wait for several days.
Welcoming to new user - The easy-to-use kiosk interface, step-by-step instructions, intuitive prompts etc. are highly user-friendly and even first-time users find it comfortable to navigate the transactions. People with limited knowledge of cryptocurrency or a novice can perform cryptocurrency transactions via bitcoin ATMs with ease.
Accessibility - Similar to banking kiosks machines, a bitcoin ATM can be deployed at any convenient spot or location. Hence, your customers can easily access these self-service machines and perform their bitcoin transactions with utmost confidence in minimum time. The experience is almost similar to withdrawing or depositing cash at an ATM machine.
Bank account not a necessity - The users can perform transactions without a bank account, which is highly beneficial for the unbanked population. This improves the participation of a greater number of people in the cryptocurrency economy, which works in the favor of financial inclusiveness.

Benefits in service provider-perspective

And there you go!

Remote monitoring and maintenance – The kiosk machine can be controlled from a centralized location by a remote admin. Moreover, the technical team can deploy real-time software updates and patches remotely to ensure smooth operation of the kiosk. Additionally, a self-service kiosk technician can perform software-related troubleshoots and quick-fixes from a remote location without actually visiting the kiosk site.

Enhanced security – The kiosk uses encrypted data to protect customer information. This prevents unauthorized access or breaches or any other malicious activities. The biometric authentication feature of the bitcoin kiosk serves as an added layer of security during user identity verification.

Flexibility – Bitcoin self-service machines offer a high degree of flexibility as they come in various modes like indoor, outdoor and through-wall. This flexibility helps service providers to deploy these machines in a wide range of environments.

Scalable – Panashi bitcoin ATM solutions are scalable and can be operated and controlled as a kiosk network. The benefit of scalability perfectly suits the business expansion needs of the service provider.

How to locate a bitcoin kiosk?

There are various websites and apps available to easily locate a bitcoin ATM in your region, or maybe anywhere around the globe.

You may make use of websites like Coin ATM Radar and conduct location-based searches to find the nearest bitcoin ATM machines. https://coinatmradar.com/
Or else, download the Coin ATM radar mobile app for Android and iOS users.
Another option is to use Google Maps. Input Bitcoin kiosk or Bitcoin ATM in the search bar and turn on your location.
You may even go through reliable social media groups or online forums connected with cryptocurrency transactions for latest updates or user reviews.

Conclusion

Implementing Bitcoin kiosks in Dubai is surely a positive step towards UAE's vision of becoming a global tech leader. These crypto kiosk solutions bridge the gap between the conventional cash-based economy and the digital economy, making cryptocurrencies far more accessible to both the residents and tourists.