Romania Leads Eastern Europe With Postal Bitcoin ATM Rollout

A line of text in a paragraph.In a drive that combines tradition and digital innovation, Romania's state post office, Poșta Română, has introduced its first Bitcoin ATM at a branch in Tulcea — becoming the first public institution in the country to provide cryptocurrency services to regular citizens directly.

A Bitcoin Romania ATM inside the post office. Source: Poșta RomânăThis pilot, rolled out in cooperation with leading local exchange Bitcoin Romania (BTR/Tradesilvania), is the beginning of the extensive rollout to cities including Alexandria, Piatra Neamț, Botoșani, and Nădlac, with a view to bridging the digital divide and increasing financial inclusion across the nation.

The procedure was as simple as making a withdrawal from an old-fashioned ATM for most Romanians.

"I paid my mobile phone bill and saw the new machine," said Andrei, 31, from Tulcea. "I've heard of Bitcoin, but never paid with it. I spent my first 0.001 BTC today — just to see how it works."

The network, powered by the backend of Bitcoin Romania, allows one to buy or sell Bitcoin with cash, read a wallet QR code, and make transactions in minutes.

The ATM is accessibility-focused, with Romanian language interface and step-by-step instructions, ID verification for higher amounts to comply with local KYC/AML laws.

The partnership is strategic for both sides. Poșta Română with its large coverage and reputable public image is taking its service bouquet into the digital age to woo new clients and increase digital maturity. For Bitcoin Romania, the collaboration means rapid expansion into underserved regions and a chance to reach new demographics.

“We’re bringing crypto to the people, not just the cities,” said Constantin Rotariu, co-founder of Bitcoin Romania.

“This is about access, education, and building trust in digital finance.”

Fees for the new ATM are competitive in European terms — typically between 4% and 7% per transaction, the same or slightly lower than the EU-wide average for Bitcoin ATMs. While exchanges online are still cheaper, convenience and cash availability are worth the premium for users, especially for those with limited easy access to online banking.

“I’d rather pay a bit more and know my transaction is instant and secure,” said Maria, a retiree who used the ATM to send Bitcoin to her grandson in Germany.

Romania’s move comes as crypto adoption accelerates in Eastern Europe, with the region seeing $499 billion in crypto inflows over the past year and a growing appetite for decentralized finance.

Over 600,000 Romanians now hold investments in cryptocurrency, and the country is aligning with the EU's MiCA framework, paving the way for larger-scale public-sector involvement.

The postal pilot is considered a blue print for other EU countries, a tangible, trustworthy point of entry to digital assets for city and countryside.

Among social media, the launch has created buzz and curiosity.

The rollout of Romania’s first postal Bitcoin ATM quickly sparked excitement and curiosity both online and in Tulcea itself. Locals snapped photos and shared their first impressions, with many praising the ATM’s clear instructions and the helpfulness of post office staff.

On X, @BTC_Europe summed up the mood:

“Romania’s post office just installed a Bitcoin ATM. This is how you bring crypto to the masses!”

Across Facebook and Telegram, users discussed the convenience of handling crypto in a trusted public setting, seeing it as a sign that digital assets are finally reaching everyday Romanians.