One of the things that makes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies valuable is its ability to protect individuals from property seizure. Escaping a totalitarian regime? Convert whatever property you have to Bitcoin first. As this article mentions, back when people were escaping the Soviet Union, they were lucky if they could smuggle a bit of gold out in dental work or sewn into clothing. Some countries aren't very concerned with property rights.
Bitcoin is slow, expensive, complicated, and volatile. So what makes it valuable?