Toyota, BYD, and Yamaha Now Accept USDT in Bolivia.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino announced that three well-known manufacturers—Toyota, BYD, and Yamaha—now accept payments in the USDT stablecoin in Bolivia.
The announcement comes amid a sharp increase in cryptocurrency transaction volumes in the country. According to the Central Bank of Bolivia, $294 million was processed through digital payments in the first half of 2025. This is a 630% increase from the previous year.
In his post on September 21, Ardoino called USDT a “digital dollar” that helps millions of people, especially in developing economies.
Regulatory Changes
The growth in crypto payments became possible after Bolivian authorities lifted the ban on the use of cryptocurrencies. A decree came into effect on June 25, recognizing virtual assets and allowing banks to process customer transactions on exchanges.
Ivette Espinosa, a representative of the financial regulator ASFI, emphasized that the new rules ensured the use of cryptocurrencies within the regulated system.
In March 2025, the government authorized the use of digital currencies and dollars for oil import transactions. And in the fall of 2024, Banco Bisa offered its clients the option of storing USDT.
Cryptocurrencies in the Region
Latin America is actively expanding the use of digital assets. According to research by Bitso, stablecoins USDT and USDC have become a hedge against inflation and the decline of national currencies.
In Argentina, where inflation exceeds 100%, stablecoins have become a store of value. In Brazil, demand is supported by clear regulation and a developed fintech sector. In Mexico, USDT and Bitcoin dominate cross-border payments.
According to Chainalysis, cryptocurrency adoption in the region increased from 53% in 2024 to 63% in 2025. Brazil entered the top five globally, with Venezuela and Argentina also making the top 20.
New Toyota Projects
Toyota’s interest in cryptocurrency isn’t limited to Bolivia. In 2024, Toyota Blockchain Lab unveiled the MOA project, based on Ethereum ERC-4337, for creating digital vehicle identifiers.
Later, Toyota Group launched ST bonds linked to the Toyota Wallet app. Holders of the bonds are granted additional privileges and access to private services.
According to Bolivian politicians, the integration of cryptocurrencies strengthens the country’s economy and makes it one of the region’s leaders in digital asset adoption.
The digital currency landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, with stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) at the forefront. These assets have broadened the reach of digital finance, earning trust from both individual users and institutions, which has fueled their rising popularity.
