Bitcoin Short Term Rentals

Explore how AIRBTC is revolutionizing travel with Bitcoin-only bookings. Founder Handre Van Heerden shares his mission to create a borderless, bank-free platform that empowers the Bitcoin circular economy. Discover the philosophy, challenges, and future of Bitcoin travel.

In this episode of The Bitcoin Libertarian, we talk to Handre Van Heerden, founder of AIRBTC, the first Bitcoin-only short-term rental platform. Think Airbnb but without fiat, credit cards, or banks—only Bitcoin. Handre shares his journey from discovering Austrian economics through The Bitcoin Standard to building a borderless, sovereign travel solution rooted in Bitcoin ideals. From growing AIRBTC to 300+ listings in 41 countries to navigating the challenges of orange-pilling hosts, Handre gives us a clear view of what a truly Bitcoin-native business looks like.

Table of Contents

Orange-Pilled by Austrian Economics

Handre’s Bitcoin journey began in 2018 when he stumbled upon The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous. Like many, he had heard of Bitcoin through mainstream media but viewed it as just another scam. The book introduced him to Austrian economics and helped reframe his understanding of money and value. From that moment, Handre immersed himself in Bitcoin full-time, eventually conceiving AIRBTC in 2023.

Why AIRBTC? A Bitcoin-Only Business

Handre didn’t set out to disrupt the travel industry—he set out to build a Bitcoin-only business. The short-term rental market became the perfect use case: a global industry where Bitcoin could offer borderless, censorship-resistant payments. By eliminating fiat entirely, AIRBTC enables anyone to list or book properties without a bank account, making it truly global and inclusive.

Rather than view Bitcoin-only as a limitation, Handre saw it as a strategic advantage. Bitcoiners are a niche, but passionate user base. With 1–2 million self-identified Bitcoiners worldwide, he built AIRBTC for the community, not the masses. And it’s working—more than 300 listings in over 41 countries in under a year.

Spend and Replace: A Philosophy for Adoption

The conversation touched on the importance of “spend and replace” as the new Bitcoin ethos. According to Handre, saving alone won't lead to hyperbitcoinization. Instead, building and using circular Bitcoin economies is key. Spending Bitcoin, especially in the context of platforms like AIRBTC, removes reliance on fiat, undermines central banks, and asserts Bitcoin’s role as real money.

Handre argues that each sat spent is a vote against fiat and a step toward financial freedom. If we don’t use Bitcoin for everyday transactions, we risk it becoming just another speculative asset—exactly what it was created to replace.

How AIRBTC Works

AIRBTC operates similarly to Airbnb but uses Bitcoin exclusively. Guests can search listings, select travel dates, and pay with either on-chain or Lightning transactions. Hosts receive payouts in Bitcoin after the stay is completed.

To encourage adoption, AIRBTC offers personal onboarding support, including wallet recommendations and hands-on assistance. Many current hosts are already Bitcoiners, but onboarding nocoiners is a key focus for future growth.

The platform currently focuses on building clusters of listings in Bitcoin-friendly regions like El Salvador, Costa Rica, and South Africa, with plans to expand to 10 target areas by the end of 2025.

Marketing, Growth, and the Power of Bitcoiners

AIRBTC is building traction via Twitter, grassroots efforts, and an ambassador program. The company partners with Bitcoin circular economies, allowing local communities to earn commission for listing properties and promoting adoption. This model not only supports AIRBTC’s growth but also injects Bitcoin into local economies in a meaningful way.

Handre emphasized the importance of supporting Bitcoin-only platforms and believes that one day, everyone will pay for accommodation in Bitcoin. He also highlighted the low foreign exchange fees of Lightning and the unmatched quality of guests and hosts in the Bitcoin community.

Advice for New Entrepreneurs and Users

For those considering launching a Bitcoin business, Handre’s advice is simple: start now. Many ideas fail to launch due to overthinking or perfectionism. Just register the domain, set up a Twitter account, and begin. The Bitcoin network needs more builders, podcasters, educators, and creators.

For users new to Bitcoin, his advice is to ease into it—don’t overwhelm newcomers with technical demands like running a node or self-custody from day one. Just send them a few sats, let them experience Lightning firsthand, and allow them to grow organically.

Future Plans for AIRBTC

Handre aims to prove that Bitcoin-only businesses can be profitable. The company is currently raising funds and expanding its team to offer 24/7 customer support across time zones. Their ambitious goal: reach 2,000 listings by end of 2025 and 10,000 by 2026, becoming a true alternative to Airbnb for Bitcoiners.

All employees are paid in Bitcoin, reinforcing the company's deep commitment to the Bitcoin ethos.

Why Choose AIRBTC Over Airbnb?

If you're a Bitcoiner, AIRBTC lets you stay with other Bitcoiners, support circular economies, and reject fiat systems. It’s not just about accommodation—it’s about community, sovereignty, and revolution.

Conclusion

Handre Van Heerden’s story is a powerful reminder of what Bitcoin enables—businesses without borders, money without permission, and communities built on trust and freedom. AIRBTC isn’t just a travel platform; it’s a node in the decentralized future we're all building together.

As Bitcoin continues to mature, platforms like AIRBTC will become essential in proving Bitcoin is not just an investment—it’s money. And the more we spend, replace, and build, the closer we get to the Bitcoin standard.

FAQs

What is AIRBTC and how is it different from Airbnb?

AIRBTC is the first-ever Bitcoin-only travel accommodation platform. Unlike Airbnb, it operates entirely outside the fiat system—users can list and book properties using only Bitcoin, via on-chain or Lightning Network payments.

Is AIRBTC available worldwide?

Yes. AIRBTC has listings in over 41 countries and is accessible globally. Hosts from anywhere can list a property without needing a bank account, and guests can pay in Bitcoin from any location.

How do hosts and guests get paid or pay?

Guests pay using Bitcoin (on-chain or Lightning). AIRBTC holds the funds in escrow and releases them to hosts after the stay is completed, also in Bitcoin.

Do I need to be a Bitcoiner to use AIRBTC?

While the platform is designed for Bitcoiners, newcomers are welcome. AIRBTC offers educational resources and personal onboarding help to guide first-time users.

What wallets does AIRBTC support?

Any wallet that supports Lightning or on-chain Bitcoin payments is compatible. The team often recommends wallets like Blink for ease of use.

That's all for today, see ya tomorrow! If you want more, be sure to follow our X (@croxroadnewsco), Instagram (@croxroadnews.co), Youtube (@thebitcoinlibertarian), Tiktok (@croxroadnews) and nostr - [email protected]

VISIT OUR STORE

The Best Merch For Bitcoin Maxis

Visit Crox Road Store 👉🏻 https://croxroad.store/

FOLLOW US ON NOSTR

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

You May Also Like

If You Like Our Content And Want To Help Us To Make It Better, You Can Buy Us One (Or More!) Coffee CLICKING HERE

Reply

or to participate.