Bitcoin Forum

I, for one, have been "lurking" the bitcoin scene for a year or so and I finally want to get into the game. Unfortunately, it seems like it's become damn near impossible to conveniently buy any. >:(  Thoughts? Suggestions? Anyone else just want to vent?

local bitcoins

You can meet/sit down with someone in your city and buy them directly.

https://localbitcoins.com/

Coinbase or Localbitcoins

One uses your bank account, the other you just meet with someone locally and get your coins... pretty easy actually!

Register on bitstamp, make a deposit, and buy coins.

Welcome.

You could try localbitcoins.com (http://localbitcoins.com/). There are other sources specific to different countries/regions, too, e.g. Coinbase (http://coinbase.com/) in the US, Bittylicious (http://bittylicious.com/) in the UK (BTC0,5 max per purchase)...

I've been using localbitcoins in the past.
Wire transfers a good, takes no more then 20mins.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've tried an international wire transfer to bitstamp, but it was denied. Regulations and stuff since I'm currently in the US. I've tried local bitcoins, but being in the middle of nowhere, the closest face-to-face transaction is a whopping 83.6 miles away. I'm thinking my best bet might be to just wait a while and try the market on the forums.

You could always buy someone an Amazon giftcard and get some Bitcoins that way, but you will likely be paying a higher premium.

Localbitcoins also has listings for buying coins via cash deposits at major banks. Localbitcoins acts as the escrow so you shouldn't have to worry about being scammed.

I was a little hesitant of using localbitcoins if I couldn't meet face-to-face, but I'll go with your suggestions and try it for a small amount. Thanks for helping a newbie out! :)

I thank you for the links. I will be using them to get myself some bitcoins the easy way. Thanks, much!

Why did it got denied? Never had any problem.
There might be an US exchange, like coinbase or something which is easier for American people

Coinbase! Just got verified. Instant coin is really instant. After 30 days. Until then you only need wait 4.

Certainly seems to be more limited than last time I visited the bitcoin scene. Once you do some research though you'll find that there are a number of reputable websites providing the means for exchanging fiat for bitcoins. There seems to be very few places offering credit cards as a valid payment method - assuming this is due to the potential for fraud. www.btcquick.com is one I've seen which does allow for credit card payments however so you might try that. There's a validation process which you must go through and then the amount you can purchase is tiered based on your "membership level" (bronze silver gold etc). I believe membership is increased by making more purchases over time thus increasing their confidence in you as legitimate buyer. There's also the option to link your various social network accounts into a "trustcloud" which I suppose increases your transparency and therefore their confidence in you.

I'm frustrated that people that do have BTC refuse to buy any thing/service I offer.

1 year ago it was difficult to buy bitcoins, i had to learn PGP and meet someone on the street for my first 10 coins using #bitcoin-otc...i wish i could go back and buy more

now it is really quite easy to buy bitcoins, i recommend coinbase

It depends on where you live. In the UK you can use Bitbargain combined with Barclays Pingit or Natwest pay your contact. The other way is to do a bank transfer to that bank in Japan through MT Gox but I think you get hit with loads of fees by your bank depending on who you're with.

I agree. Now it is easier, not harder to buy bitcoins :)

GBP 33 in total for UK -> Gox transfer is typical.

Until 25 September 2012 it was possible to deposit to Gox directly though their UK bank transfer portal, when Barclays froze that.

It will become easier as people come up with smarter ideas.

Yes... I am very frustrated :< It takes 30+ days just for a coinbase account to be verified. I want to start trading on Mt Gox, but I am weary of the USD withdrawals. I just read a huge thread on here suggesting that their USD withdrawals are severely unreliable.

As everyone has stated, either link in my sig will get your wallet flush with BTC.

I recently bought my first bitcoin using #bitcoin-otc on irc.freenode.net

The reputation system relies on you being able to set up OpenPGP (of which gpg is an implementation).

My advice: PayPal and Bitcoin don't mix. I prefer Money Orders myself.

With an Activity of 546?
Really? I think I hear Penn & Teller coming...

Explain what you mean a bit more, I'd be glad to help.

Still have not got my ducks in a row. I can't actually spend the coins I bought 2 weeks ago because I don't currently have a secure computer set-up. The receive address was generated off-line with a Knoppix LiveDVD and Vanitygen. The private key is stored in two locations 10km apart, so I still have my Bitcoin if I survive a city destroying event.

It is possible I am being *too* paranoid.

Is the money in your wallet as safe?

No, but I keep the bulk of my FIAT in a bank account which is covered by CDIC (http://www.cdic.ca/home/Pages/default.aspx). It is also not possible to remotely steal FIAT from my wallet.

I said that I used coinbase in my post, but I already maxed out the purchases they will let me make. I have to wait 30 days for my account to be verified before my limit increases, and by then BTC value could be way higher. It's very inconvenient.

Also... localbitcoins does not work for me. Although I am a US citizen, I'm currently residing in China. While here, I have not had any luck with that site.

Well, You can always use an exchange :)

If you cant buy you can earn/buy

Why would they buy things? They need to hoard their coins until they can buy a smaller country for a single one.

Try btcQuick.com (https://www.btcquick.com/beta/), you might have more luck there. I guess it depends on if there's is a compatible bank near you.

So I decided on going with Coinbase. I'm supposed to get the coins by the 6th, so we'll see how this works. :)

i was like you 12 days ago. Where you from?
If you're from europe, enter bitstamp.net and make a SEPA transfer to the account it says. It's very very fast and easy.
You can also use localbitcoins.com and buy bitcoins (more expensive)
Or there are some places to buy it with a credit card online... never used.

Sepa towards gox works as well. Getting the money of GOx is a different story..

That's not quite true. It's 0.5 BTC max for people that don't want to register their email. The amount goes up as you register, validate your phone number and then be an existing customer for a few days or weeks.

Private individuals (this forum!)

Localbitcoins.com



Also:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=237164.0

Sayulita is trustworthy.

That's true. I use your site frequently so should probably register, but the BTC0,5 limit doesn't bother me that much at the moment 'cause I'm not fiat rich. :)

how to buy bitcoins guide:


you can try research coinlab - I heard people say its the easiest way .
Other way is to find a good reputation person in irc bitcoin-otc... this is if you find a good howto on gpg and how to use the system - the site is bitcoin-otc.org or .com ...

There is the bitcoin wiki too.

And finally localbitcoins.com - go there - search for a person in same country / continent and see good reputation and price - then use bank transfer to buy...

Thats it  - good luck!

Exactly what's your issue with bitcoin.de or bitstamp.net? No problems there buying BTC whatsoever.

I am frustrated but not because of Bitcoin!

This.

Been a frustrating month for me at work and home.  Bitcoin is the least of my worries!