What it means
Borders and currencies are separate
An international payment can use the same currency on both sides, while a domestic transaction can involve conversion. The route, participant access, operating hours and local requirements affect the actual experience.
Assess the whole journey
Compare the amount the recipient can use, not only a quoted network fee. Conversion spreads, intermediary charges, payout timing and compliance checks can change the outcome. A blockchain leg may operate continuously while a fiat conversion or bank payout follows another schedule.
Related concepts
In practice
A concrete example
A supplier quotes a US dollar invoice, while the buyer checks the full delivered amount, conversion terms and expected availability in the supplier’s country.
Technical notes & boundaries
Using cryptocurrency does not automatically remove local legal obligations, intermediary dependencies or foreign-exchange risk.
Go to the source.
Original references used for this definition. Product details and standards can change.