When you hear Chivo Wallet, the official Bitcoin wallet launched by the government of El Salvador to push cashless, crypto-based payments. Also known as Chivo app, it's not just another crypto wallet—it's a national experiment in digital money. Launched in 2021, Chivo was created to let Salvadorans send, receive, and spend Bitcoin without banks, fees, or delays. It’s built into a mobile app, free to download, and comes with $30 in Bitcoin just for signing up. That’s not a gimmick—it’s a policy. The government wanted people to use Bitcoin like cash, not just as a speculative asset.
Chivo Wallet connects to the Bitcoin Lightning Network, so transactions are fast and cheap—even under $1. You can pay for coffee, bus rides, or groceries using Bitcoin, and the app automatically converts it to USD if the merchant doesn’t accept crypto. That’s key: Bitcoin wallet El Salvador, a government-backed system designed to bring financial access to the unbanked. Also known as digital currency El Salvador, it’s one of the few places where crypto is treated like legal tender. The app also lets you send Bitcoin to anyone with a phone number, no wallet needed. That’s huge in a country where over 70% of adults didn’t have bank accounts before Chivo.
But it’s not perfect. Many users report glitches, slow support, and confusion over how to use it. Some say the $30 bonus was a one-time trick to get people hooked, and that daily usage still feels forced. Still, Chivo Wallet changed the game. It showed that a nation could try to adopt Bitcoin as everyday money—not just for traders, but for farmers, street vendors, and students. And it forced the world to pay attention.
What you’ll find here are real reviews, technical breakdowns, and scam alerts about Chivo Wallet and similar crypto tools. Some posts expose fake Chivo clones trying to steal your Bitcoin. Others explain how to use it safely, or why it failed to take off in rural areas. There’s no fluff—just what you need to know before you download, send, or trust any wallet that claims to be like Chivo.
Chivo Wallet was launched with Bitcoin as legal tender in El Salvador in 2021, offering free transfers and $30 incentives. By 2025, Bitcoin lost its legal status due to volatility and IMF pressure. The wallet still exists, but usage is now voluntary.