Bolivia vs Costa Rica
Crypto regulation comparison
Bolivia
Costa Rica
Legal
No Regulation
Bolivia reversed its 2014 cryptocurrency ban in June 2024, when the Central Bank issued a resolution allowing the use of cryptocurrencies and digital assets through authorized financial channels. The move was driven by the need for alternative payment mechanisms amid dollar shortages.
Costa Rica has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Central Bank has stated crypto is not legal tender and not backed by the government, but has not prohibited its use. Some businesses accept Bitcoin, and there is a growing crypto community, particularly in tech-focused areas.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCB (Banco Central de Bolivia), ASFI
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Key Points
- Bolivia banned crypto in 2014 via BCB Resolution 044/2014
- Ban was lifted in June 2024 via new BCB resolution permitting crypto transactions
- Reversal motivated by acute US dollar shortages in the country
- Regulatory framework for VASPs is still being developed
- Tax treatment of crypto remains largely unclear under Bolivian tax law
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation exists
- BCCR does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not banned it
- Crypto businesses operate in a legal gray area without formal licensing
- A Bitcoin and crypto community has emerged, especially around tech hubs
- Tax obligations on crypto gains are unclear due to lack of specific guidance