Episode Title: Experience Your Sats | feat. Anuja Chokshi
Guests: Anuja Chokshi
Hosts: Jack Lesser & Jason Keil
Running Time: ~1 hour 5 mins
Published by: The Bitcoin Payments Advisor
In this episode, Jack and Jason sit down with Anuja, the founder of Travel with Bitcoin, to explore her compelling journey from a corporate career at Microsoft to becoming a boots-on-the-ground Bitcoin advocate and entrepreneur. Through raw personal anecdotes and firsthand experiences across Africa, Anuja illustrates how Bitcoin goes far beyond an investment—emerging as a practical solution for real-world problems like inflation, limited access to financial infrastructure, and lack of economic sovereignty.
Grew up in Canada, worked 7 years in technical sales at Microsoft.
Left her job in 2023 with her husband to travel the world.
Initial view of Bitcoin: just another investment—until the real-world impact became undeniable.
Egypt: Eyewitness to hyperinflation and the underground black market for USD.
East Africa: Introduction to Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, not just a store of value.
Uganda: Launch of Juicy B, a Bitcoin-preferred juice shop designed to inject Bitcoin into the local economy.
Challenges: Chicken-and-egg problem—no one spends Bitcoin because no one earns it.
Solutions:
Loyalty program paid in Bitcoin to introduce students to it.
Hiring local youth and paying partial salaries in Bitcoin.
Engaging community education and meetups.
Marketplace connecting travelers with verified, Bitcoin-accepting tour operators.
Focus on tourism as a gateway to practical Bitcoin adoption.
Promotes cultural experiences and supports local economies without middlemen.
Future vision: corporate retreats, community growth, and monthly gatherings for tour operators worldwide.
“Innovation comes out of necessity—and when money is broken, people innovate with Bitcoin.” – Anuja
“We need to get good money into the hands of more people. Most of the world can't just buy Bitcoin—they need to earn it.” – Anuja
“Bitcoin is not just a workaround. It's an outside-the-system solution.” – Jack
“We’re bridging the gap between people who want to spend Bitcoin and those who need it.” – Jason
Lack of education: Most business owners still don’t understand Bitcoin.
Volatility concerns: Merchants worry about price fluctuations.
Infrastructure barriers: Limited internet access (up to 60% of Africa offline).
Legal restrictions: Countries like Egypt have made Bitcoin illegal.
Direct empowerment of local communities.
Tourism revenue flows to those who need it most.
Authentic cultural connections enhanced by shared values.
Travelers: Use your Bitcoin for what matters—experiences.
Merchants: Join or start a circular economy; education and support are available.
Bitcoiners: Don’t just HODL—spend with intention and replace if needed.
Website: travelwithbitcoin.com
Twitter/X: @travelwithbitcoin
Instagram: @travelwithbitcoin
Anuja’s story reminds us that Bitcoin isn’t just a technology—it’s a movement. Whether you're sipping pineapple juice in Uganda or trekking volcanoes in Guatemala, Bitcoin is already empowering people in practical, life-changing ways. This episode is a masterclass in Bitcoin as money, grounded in global context and human connection.
