Bitcoin Forum

Hey all,

I'm wondering if any new apps or websites have appeared that facilitate face-to-face trades of cash for crypto, since Agoradesk and Localmonero ceased operations. Or any on the way?

Both Bisq and Robosats have this.

https://bisq.wiki/Face-to-face_(payment_method)
https://dex.robosats.com/offers/ (map)

Thank you! I will check these out. I'm familiar with Bisq but didn't know they have a face-to-face payment option. The one issue with Bisq is relatively low trade volume due to technical difficulties and computing resource demands compared to the "classic" localbitcoins model.

I've heard of robosats but didn't know they have that option. How is their trade volume? Anywhere near what it was on Agora?

Remitano but it requires KYC like Localbitcoins did.

It's P2P, but I have to look and see if there's an in-person cash option.

The two sites mentioned above are the good ones but if you still looking for more I think you can check Mycelium wallet if you only buying Bitcoin alternatively you can use it.
You just need to enable the p2p or face-to-face trading feature in mycelium wallet by going to the settings and then enable local exchange.
Once it's done go to balance you can see the buy/sell at the bottom right then click it and you will see people who are selling BTC with a map and you can ask them what place you meet.

If you are interested you can check the guide from this link below.

- https://mycelium.com/lt/help.html

You haven’t said anything about trading monero or having to complete kyc so I’ll say it; binance P2P.

You’ll have to do kyc and you can’t buy monero but you can easily buy usdt, doge, ltc and then buy whatever you want on some other platform that’s not available on binance.

I tried it and it works.

I'm not aware of fall of AgoraDesk / LocalMonero till today and I searched to confirm your information after don't see their names on KYCnot.me website.
https://agoradesk.com/blog/announcements/winding-down
https://localmonero.co/blog/announcements/winding-down

If you want to look for alternatives, find some from https://kycnot.me/?t=exchange&q=&cash=on

Thanks, I'll try Mycelium local exchange as well.

There are not many alternatives left, and maybe it's time to switch to some better way of trading that can't be banned easily, maybe by using Bisq or Haveno exchange.
But if you want similar experience like Agoradesk(Localmonero you can try Noones.com, you can trade bitcoin for fiat currencies there, and I think they added support for monero and other coins.
There are different levels with Noones, but you can use basic trading without any verificaition (for now).

Have you looked into localcoinswap.com as well, op? because there's a cash in person payment option there. Their volume ain't bad as well, at least from my place last I checked.

Not a personal vouch though as I haven't tried it yet. Just seen it going around crypto communities several times. Let us know if you end up trying it  ;D

Peach Bitcoin allows you to buy and sell bitcoin on meetups that are supported on the platform. You can read this (https://peachbitcoin.com/buy-btc-with-cash/) for more information. That's one option if you are in Europe. Scroll down towards the bottom of the site where you can see a map with available trading options. Many of those "meetups" are actually Telegram communities with buyers and sellers you can talk to and discuss face-to-face meetings if you want.

Op, it would be great if you can give us feedback if you have traded face to face after this topic, which platform you used and what your experience was like. Take note that you have to be careful with f2f trades, trade in open and public places, probably go with a friend and carry a firearm if possible. You may never run into any problems, but just in case you do.

Firearm might be a bit excessive depending on where you are.

Personally I try to do larger cash trades in a casino.
1) Lots of security.

2) Nobody looks odd handing cash around.

3) So long as it has slots or similar that has a bill acceptor / validator the person getting paid can take a few random bills and put them into it. If they pass you have a general idea that they are not counterfeit.

4) If you are uncomfortable most casinos do have valet parking. So you can walk out the front door and straight into your car. Worst case it costs you a few dollars to valet park and a few more for a tip.

With that being said I have done F2F a couple of times on LocalCoinSwap with no issues. Both times in a casino, not because of the amount but to check for counterfeit bills. The person giving me the cash actually liked the idea.

-Dave

True, but your trading partner would never know you have a firearm on you, so i don't think it would ever cause a problem nor will you have to use it, but if you ever have to use it, then you would be glad you came along with it.
The idea of using a casino for the purpose of using their banknote validator is a great and creative idea, i have never thought about the counterfeit risk before, but thinking about it now, it is very possible.

Thanks for the creative ideas guys. I'll be sure to look for nearby casinos when I arrange a trade. I don't currently have access to a firearm, but a good pocket knife might add a little peace of mind. As for fake bills, I've done some F2F trading in the past and seen a few counterfeits. They're rare though, and easy to spot. Holding one or two random bills up to a light source is usually enough to verify. Bring a key-chain flashlight so you don't have to hold the bills up in the air towards the window or ceiling lights.

Also, I've never been in a situation while trading crypto for cash where I sensed a danger of violence. Most crypto folks are non-violent, just looking to do business. Of course I have read about some horror stories in the media, but those are rare and generally happen when people aren't being careful enough. It's very unlikely that anyone will try to commit a violent crime in a public place with surveillance and security personnel. Large bank branches are another good option. You can sit in the lobby and do the trade, nobody will bother you or think twice about seeing cash changing hands. For smaller amounts, cafes and shopping malls should do.

I don't think you can even bring a firearm into most public places, so maybe that makes things safer, as long as you don't notice a bunch of people suspiciously placed somewhere outside near the venue and watching you, as that may be a sign of a kidnapping.

The pocket knife is a good idea though. Good luck on your trades, and hopefully there are people around your area looking to do business with you.

NotATether has a very important point, no matter how careful you think you are being, pay attention to every detail, regardless of the platform and the reputation system it offers, always check the profile of the person you are negotiating with, do some research on the agreed location, always choose to go with a friend, inform the other party about this, say it is for your safety and see if they agree.

I have never done f2f transactions because there is no need yet, at most I already use bisq, but for online transactions. It's challenging to find someone willing to do f2f transactions.

If you can leave us feedback on the solution used for your negotiation, this will help us evaluate the platforms before recommending them. I'm also curious to know about and carry out this type of negotiation when necessary.

This is some good physical security advice for sales in person. I used to just meet people in a public shopping mall, somewhere with lots of security. Cash always was in an envelope, or I simply go to the bank with the person and they see me take the exact amount out.

Everyone is going to have their own level of risk acceptance. For me a mall is going to be outside my comfort zone since although there are people there. The rent-a-cop Paul Blart security just does not do it for me. AND there tend to be a bunch of directions to run.

A bank is fine, but if you are pulling out money the other person now knows where you bank. It's up to you as to if that is too much information a random internet trader to have about you.

The parking lot of a police station works well too. Walk in, tell the officer behind the desk that you are meeting someone in their parking lot to do a trade but since you met them on the internet you don't fully trust them. Most of them really don't care but understand why you are doing it.

Heck, when I was selling some of my expensive hot sauces I met a couple of people at a local precinct and wound up with a bunch of cops looking through the collection. It probably would have been easier and quicker for me to explain BTC to the desk sergeant then have him get his head around the fact that I am selling a hot sauce collection worth more then a car but once he agreed another cop poked her head out to ask what was up and then everyone showed up..... YMMV, but I think both myself and the people buying all felt safe.

-Dave