How can we get people to use bitcoin as a real currency and not just a quick way to get cash as a lot of people seem to do? When I say currency, I mean the literal definition of currency as something that is used as a medium of exchange.
Even online, there are only a few stores who are accepting it as payment.
I think its depending on merchant. Some merchant accept bitcoin and many merchant still afraid accepting bitcoin because government regulation. But in near future, i am believe more merchant accepting bitcoin as currency
What you are telling is true, until the respective governments dont legalise the bitcoin and other cryptocurrency, merchants wont be able to accept it as payment because they have to show the transaction in tax and if it is ban then it become they are doing illegal business.
You can see that in Japan and other country where bitcoin is legal, their are so many shops and other places where you can use bitcoin and other cryptocurrency as a regular way like they are using fiat currency.
My country bitcoin and other cryptocurrency is illegal and the government have issued notice to not to use cryptocurrency and doing show their bank accounts will be banned. That is why i have to convert it to fiat currency and use it, as their is no other way.