First Crypto Terminal Launched in Tulcea
Romania’s state-run postal operator, Poșta Română, has commenced a digital services upgrade by setting up its inaugural Bitcoin terminal at a post office in the city of Tulcea. This new addition allows customers to top up their cryptocurrency wallets with cash directly at the counter.
The project is a collaborative effort between Poșta Română and Bitcoin Romania, the country’s leading digital currency exchange. Through this partnership, individuals can fund their Bitcoin Romania accounts without needing online banking or credit cards. Instead, they can simply deposit physical currency at select post office branches.
Following Tulcea, four more terminals are set to be installed across various towns: Alexandria, Piatra Neamț, Botoșani, and Nădlac. This rollout forms part of a broader scheme to expand modern services into regions where digital access remains limited.
Image 1: Bitcoin Romania terminal at a post office. (Source: Poșta Română)
Digital Inclusion via National Infrastructure
The pilot program is intended to make cryptocurrency more approachable and widely accessible, especially for people living in areas with fewer digital facilities. By using existing post office locations, the Romanian Post is positioning itself as a hub for financial and technological inclusion.
The company’s leadership sees this move as a step towards future-proofing its role in society. Valentin Ștefan, the Director General of Poșta Română, sees the terminals as part of an overarching transformation strategy. According to him, the aim is to integrate modern tools across the postal network while maintaining service quality for all demographics.
BTR Exchange, headed by George Rotariu, is overseeing the technical implementation of the terminals. Rotariu described the effort as a bridge between cash-based users and the growing digital asset ecosystem. The machines serve as a gateway for people who may be unfamiliar with or hesitant to use online financial platforms.
Unlike traditional ATMs, these terminals are designed solely for crypto account funding. They do not dispense cash or allow withdrawals but are intended for deposits into accounts connected to Bitcoin Romania’s services. The simplicity of the machines ensures accessibility even for users with minimal exposure to technology or finance.
Track Record of Innovation in Public Services
This is not the first time Poșta Română has adopted digital tools to expand its public role. In 2022, the organisation marked its 160th anniversary by releasing the first official NFT issued by a Romanian government entity. These non-fungible tokens took the form of a digital postage stamp collection. Proceeds from some items, which were auctioned, were allocated to support the Hospice Casa Speranței charity.
The following year, the digital projects continued. In 2023, the digitisation team at the postal service developed another NFT-based campaign. It was launched in collaboration with CNSAS (the Council for the Study of the Securitate Archives), Humanitas Publishing, and cultural institutions. Titled “Dignity and Courage,” the collection paid tribute to historical figures who opposed the communist regime. It also included printed postcards alongside the digital assets, linking modern tech with traditional mediums.
These undertakings have helped reposition the Romanian Post as more than just a mail delivery service. By participating in emerging technology trends, it has strengthened its role in civic life while offering alternative financial tools and cultural initiatives.
The newly launched Bitcoin terminals represent a continuation of this trajectory. They show the postal system’s intent to be a player in the digital economy while maintaining strong community connections.
Image 2 (Source: CoinReporter)
A Broader Push for Financial Modernisation
The move comes at a time when interest in cryptocurrency is increasing, yet access remains uneven. Though Bitcoin and other digital assets have gained attention globally, actual usage among everyday consumers remains modest.
Romania’s step into this space reflects a broader trend among public agencies seeking to support digital finance tools. By embedding such services within familiar spaces like post offices, the postal service removes some of the barriers associated with adopting cryptocurrency, such as unfamiliar platforms or concerns around trust.
George Rotariu of BTR Exchange has long advocated for expanding crypto access through mainstream institutions. The integration with post offices, in his view, offers a secure and approachable entry point for first-time users.
At this stage, the machines are limited to account top-ups. However, officials have stated that if the pilot phase proves successful, the program could be expanded to more locations and possibly include additional services in future versions.
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For now, Poșta Română’s focus remains on delivering a smooth user experience, ensuring that residents of all backgrounds can interact with digital finance without needing specialised knowledge or online banking tools.
The deployment of these terminals represents both a technological upgrade and a customer service evolution. By offering modern tools in public spaces, the Romanian Post is adapting to new demands while continuing to serve a wide and varied population.
