TLDR
- Venezuela is increasingly relying on US-dollar pegged stablecoins to combat hyperinflation and ongoing economic instability.
- The US has deployed its advanced aircraft carrier near Venezuela amid rising tensions over drug cartels and potential military strikes.
- Stablecoins, particularly Tether (USDT), have become a primary tool for daily transactions and wealth preservation in Venezuela.
- The Venezuelan government utilizes stablecoins for international trade, including oil deals with allies such as Russia.
- Venezuela has become the first country to manage a significant portion of its public finances through stablecoins.
Venezuela’s reliance on US-dollar pegged stablecoins has increased as the country faces ongoing sanctions, hyperinflation, and the threat of war. This shift comes as tensions rise, with the US Department of Defense deploying its most advanced aircraft carrier near Venezuela. President Donald Trump has signaled potential military strikes against Venezuelan drug cartels.
Stablecoins in Daily Payments
Venezuelans have turned to stablecoins, particularly Tether (USDT), to protect their savings from the country’s severe inflation. The bolívar has struggled with triple-digit inflation, prompting citizens to use stablecoins for everyday transactions. As the bolívar loses value, many Venezuelans rely on stablecoins, often referred to as “Binance dollars,” to store and transfer wealth.
For the first time in history, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a Bitcoiner.
Congratulations to Maria Corina Machado, and also to @HRF who continues to explain to the world what is so obvious to so many-
Bitcoin IS human rights pic.twitter.com/92cHOieeEb
— Jeff Park (@dgt10011) October 10, 2025
Stablecoins also play a critical role in international trade for Venezuela. The government has utilized these digital assets to facilitate oil transactions, particularly with key strategic allies such as Russia. On Monday, Venezuela formalized a new partnership with Russia, further integrating stablecoins into its economic strategy.
According to The New York Times, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has adapted the country’s economy to stablecoins. The report suggests that Venezuela has become the first nation to manage a significant portion of its public finances through cryptocurrency. Currently, stablecoins account for up to half of the hard currency entering the Venezuelan economy legally.
JUST IN: 🇻🇪🇺🇸 Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says he does not want war with the United States.
"No crazy war…please, please, please." pic.twitter.com/d3XwzEiGsY
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) October 24, 2025
The country has seen an increase in crypto adoption despite harsh sanctions and economic instability. A report from crypto analytics platform Chainalysis ranks Venezuela as the fourth-largest crypto country in Latin America. From July 2024 to June 2025, Venezuela received $44.6 billion in crypto, following Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
Venezuelans Fleeing and Embracing Crypto
Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in recent years due to economic collapse. Many of those who remain have turned to crypto and stablecoins like USDT to protect their assets. As access to traditional banking systems becomes more difficult, crypto offers a safer alternative for storing wealth.
Maria Corina Machado, a former presidential candidate, is one of the country’s most well-known crypto adopters. Machado uses Bitcoin (BTC) to shield her assets from possible government seizure. She recently won the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to restore democracy and resist the authoritarian regime of Maduro.
Venezuela continues to face economic challenges as hyperinflation and sanctions persist. Despite these obstacles, stablecoins remain a vital tool for many Venezuelans seeking financial stability.
