AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BitPay, the world leader in business solutions for the bitcoin digital currency, is moving to a larger office to meet the explosive increase in demand.Over the last three months, more than 2,500 merchants have signed up with BitPay bringing the number of European merchants to over 11,000.BitPay’s new European headquarters is located at Herengracht 458 in Amsterdam’s Golden Bend.The 17th century building complex was formerly the seat of power for the Deutsche Bank and similar trust and banking companies.The company has added more expertise to its staff with Timo Dijkstra as Compliance Specialist.Timo previously worked as a Senior Compliance and Risk Consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers and has a Corporate Law degree from the University of Utrecht.BitPay has also added Walter Drieënhuizen and Niels Kerstholt as Sales Associates, and Carla Jagger as the Office Manager.Walter has previously worked at DocData, and Niels is a three time Olympian and world shorttrack speed skating 2014 relay champion.

Worldwide, BitPay has grown to 75 full-time employees with 5 offices in Atlanta, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Buenos Aires, and St. Petersburg.“In May when we first opened the office, we were adding about 200 merchants monthly, and for the month of August we added 1,100 new merchants in Europe,” said Moe Levin, Director of European Business Development for BitPay.“Europeans are familiar with multiple currencies and are at the forefront of mobile technology adoption, so it’s easy to see why bitcoin is popular and widely-used.” European merchants have processed more than 28 million euros this year in bitcoin payments compared to 1.4 million euros for the same months in 2013, which is a staggering 1900% year-over-year growth.The countries in Europe with the highest adoption rates are the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands.Some of the most recognizable European companies accepting bitcoin with BitPay include AirBaltic, Destinia, , Webhallen.se, Scan.co.uk, EasyHotel, 220 volt and Shipito.

About BitPay BitPay is the leading merchant payment processor for the Bitcoin digital currency.BitPay has offices throughout North America, Europe and South America and has raised over $32 million in funding from top investors including Index Ventures, Founders Fund, and Sir Richard Branson.Amsterdam has always been somewhat of a bitcoin haven.With startups seeking to make the city the "bitcoin capital of the world", it has historically attracted high-profile bitcoin events.Last spring, for example, saw the opening of Amsterdam's very own Bitcoin Boulevard, a project that signed up 10 merchants in the city to accept bitcoin.The Bitcoin Foundation also picked Amsterdam to host its Bitcoin 2014 conference last May in what may have been the most high-profile testament to the city's pull for bitcoin aficionados.Sander Regtuijt, business development manager at BitStraat, encouraged bitcoin users who haven't yet been to explore its offerings."Visiting Amsterdam because of bitcoin-related reasons would be a good idea, because, besides all the places where you can spend your bitcoin, there is a lively bitcoin community as well."

With this in mind, CoinDesk takes a look at five different ways in which you can fund a trip to Amsterdam.litecoin mining 2 gpuIf you want to take in the sun whilst sipping on an ice-cold beer purchased with bitcoin, now is your chance.bitcoin mac menu barDid we mention you can do so by one of the city's world-famous canals?bitcoin mining setup windowsIf air travel is the only feasible option for you, then don't panic.ethereum value forecastPaying for airplane tickets with bitcoin has never been easier with AirBaltic, Air Lituanica, BTCTrip and CheapAir accepting payments in the digital currency.bitcoin segwit news

Now you have your transportation is sorted, but where will you stay?If you are after a bitcoin-friendly hotel, check out the easyHotel Amsterdam City Centre - located in the “De Pijp” district.bitcoin core torThe hotel's website offers a bitcoin payment option at checkout and generates a BitPay invoice, QR code and wallet address to settle the payment.bitcoin seen by 1 peerIf you are willing to spend more time researching a suitable hotel, then head over to Expedia, which also began accepting bitcoin payments for hotel bookings in June last year.bitcoin mega miningAlternatively, you can also spend your bitcoin at the Cocomama hotel, a boutique hostel.bitcoin bowl resultsDon't be put off by the lack of an obvious bitcoin payment option, the hotel asks you to provide credit or debit card details in guarantee of the booking.

Bitcoin payments will be made upon arrival at the premises and must be stated in the comments section of the booking form to avoid your card being charged.Amsterdam has all the advantages of a big European city: cultural and historical heritage, a lively nightlife scene, international restaurants and thanks to its extensive canal infrastructure – little road traffic, which makes it ideal for cycling.To make the most of the city, hire a bike.You can do so with bitcoin at Starbikes, where a half-day rental will only set you back an affordable 5€.If cycling is not for you and you are traveling in a group, why not invest in a boat tour?Amsterdam Boat Events, offers a series of bitcoin-friendly options, including the chance to enjoy a BBQ on board your very own boat.All the cycling will inevitably work up an appetite.Head over to Cafe Kobalt, within walking distance of Amsterdam's Central Station for a bite to eat or a quick drink.Barbershop, a less conventional option, is both a place to hang out and grab a drink or get a hair cut or a shave.