Can you buy bitcoins somewhere else than an exchange?
I read on the forums people saying they don't use exchanges, but where else can you buy them?
the persons who tell not to use exchanges are itself the scammers, you can go through localbitcoins, or other exchanges also but dont keep your bitcoins on their wallet for long , when you want to sell, just deposit and sell it off until then you can keep them in your wallet. You can try to do trading with Persons in personal also but always take care as they can also scam like they can cheat you or steal from you after you meet them.
so be care full with every thing.
What do you pay with then if not paypal?
Paypal is the most scammers uses it as the transaction can be reversed any time, other way also you can use it or get the payment direct in your bank.