Bitcoin is just a virtual currency, but it is used as real money to buy many things. There are many people who accept Bitcoin payments for items, including online stores and regular stores. Popular online stores accept Bitcoins including Newegg, Overstock, Microsoft, Dell and more.
In the United States, there are Reeds Jewelers, One Shot Hotels, Holiday Inn, and even pizza locations, restaurants and more. You can even use Bitcoin to buy addictive drugs, gambling, bullion, or even donate to charity. This is the reason why I like BTC.
That is a reality in several countries and we expect together that this condition can be accepted all over the world once bitcoin has been legalized. Today in my country, bitcoin has not been fully accepted as payment method. The central bank had declared that bitcoin was not a legal payment method and couldn't be used in daily economic transaction but people can trade or invest or join bitcoin related activities to earn money. It is still in a grey area.