Running a business in Cuba means dealing with constant hurdles—cash shortages, unreliable internet, no banking access, and zero support for modern payments. But this year, we started accepting Bitcoin via Lightning, and it’s actually working.

We set up LNbits on a recycled Android phone running Termux + Core Lightning + Electrs. No custodians. No KYC. Just a local, self-hosted wallet we control. Merchants scan a QR and get paid instantly in sats. Internet is scarce, so the node sync was bootstrapped offline via SD card from a friend’s node. Power comes from solar + power banks.

The learning curve was steep, but once it’s set up, it just works. No more worrying about unreliable cash or foreign bank apps. Some locals even ask to pay in sats now, especially if they’ve received small tips from abroad through Lightning.

This is still early, but we’re seeing the start of a tiny circular economy. Curious if anyone else has launched something like this under tough conditions. What tools or methods have worked for you?