"But it appears Russia isnt the only region witnessing this level of change. In Venezuela, where hyperinflation of the bolivar (the countrys native currency) seems to be running rampant, many have turned to bitcoin to edge them out of their financial woes. Activity on LocalBitcoins has increased among Venezuelan customers, along with usage on SurBitcoins. Through peer-to-peer services, many are receiving financial aid from family members and friends in Europe and in the U.S. and leaving Venezuela permanently.
Aside from hyperinflation issues, Venezuela is also undergoing a massive food shortage affecting roughly three-quarters of the population. Supermarkets are decorated with long lines of customers, who wait for hours just to get their hands on canned goods and other basic necessities, but waiting in line doesnt guarantee results. Many customers still go home empty-handed and unable to feed their families.
For those continuing to stay in Venezuela, remittances have become extremely important, and bitcoin is proving to be more and more popular in this department. The countrys present situation is likely to birth higher usage, while Russian lawmakers appear to be taking back what theyve felt all these years about bitcoin. According to deputy finance minister Alexei Moiseev, bitcoin doesnt seem to pose danger to the public, and could potentially emerge as a valid entity of Russias economy in the near future. Perhaps illegalizing something is all a country needs to do to ensure its popularity."