Doing international transfers is a costly pain. I've been looking for a transfer service like XE trade or Currency Fair to help out, but I'm unsure whether they support bitcoin exchanges, whether the exchanges will accept the money from another party and whether the transfers allow references to be included.

Coinfloor also wants to open an exchange. Whether any of these parties actually manage it is another matter.

Do most people buy coins for cash? I've been considering this as you seem to pay a large premium for any other style of purchase.

Does anyone know the best (safest / cheapest) way to transfer funds from the UK to Kraken. I know I can ask my bank to do a wire / SEPA, but I dislike the poor exchange rate, the fees and the general hassle of not being able to do it online.

I have an XE Trade account, but their free transfer option does not allow a reference to be included. I've been thinking about opening a Currency Fair account, but I'm concerned that either they will not allow transfers to bitcoin exchanges or Kraken will need the desposit to be in my name - does anyone know whether this will work?

I'm sure there must be a simple solution. Any help would be much appreciated.

I'd like to know the answer to this too. I have signed up with Kraken, but that is taking ages and still involves international transfers. Bittylicious and Bitbargain are very expensive.

Some people sell tiny amounts on ebay. I'm not sure whether this is reliable or not.

I'd also like to be able to make posts elsewhere.