Bolivia vs Venezuela
Crypto regulation comparison
Bolivia
Venezuela
Legal
Legal
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.
Venezuela has a unique crypto history. The government launched the Petro (PTR) state cryptocurrency in 2018, backed by oil reserves, though it was widely considered a failure and discontinued. SUNACRIP regulates crypto activities and has licensed mining operations. Venezuelans have high crypto adoption due to hyperinflation, with USDT widely used as a de facto currency. Crypto mining requires a SUNACRIP license.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
Up to 34%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCB (Banco Central de Bolivia), ASFI
Regulator
SUNACRIP (Superintendencia Nacional de Criptoactivos)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Government launched Petro (PTR) state crypto (discontinued); SUNACRIP regulated stablecoins
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
- SUNACRIP regulates crypto exchanges, mining, and service providers
- Government-backed Petro cryptocurrency launched in 2018, largely discontinued
- Crypto mining requires SUNACRIP license and registration
- Very high crypto adoption driven by hyperinflation; USDT widely used
- Income from crypto subject to progressive tax rates up to 34%