I don’t really understand how blockchain works. It doesn’t matter.
Cryptocurrency isn’t complicated to use. The technology behind it might seem incomprehensible at times but getting started buying, selling and using Bitcoins, Ethereum and other coins isn’t any more difficult than using the money you have in your bank account.
Cryptocurrency is just another currency. Like the US dollar. Like the English Sterling. Like the peso, the franc and the lira. How many people fully understand how those work?
This blog isn’t trying to explain the inner workings of the technology. It’s about exchanging your money from one currency to another. I use money every day but I’ve never understood The Gold Standard. I don’t need to. I have a number on an app on my phone and it tells me how much I have to spend. Bitcoin, Ethereum, whatever… they’re all the same.
The things you’ll need to buy and use cryptocurrency
1 – A crypto wallet
There are lots of wallets to choose from and they all do pretty much the same thing. Browse a few and find one with the features you think you’ll need. Once you start using your coins you’ll discover what you like and don’t. Wallets are generally free, however, you will be charged fees to transfer currency between wallets.
2 – A crypto market
In terms of markets, I like to use CoinJar. It is simple and straightforward, without many of the usual complications that I found slowed the whole process. Localbitcoins.com, for example, is where you can hunt for the best buying and selling prices, however, dealing with different vendors usually means verifying ID each time you want to trade with someone new, as well as less flexible payment options.
The market you choose depends on your level of interest and expertise. I just want to get coins and buy things and these two things are all you’ll need.
Want more?
If you’re looking for more detailed information, you can take a look at this article about how to buy Bitcoins. It offers more comprehensive explanations regarding how blockchain works and the inner workings of cryptocurrency.