Are you a bitcoin holder in South Africa

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Any recommendations about how to pass airport without leaving with your hardware wallet is welcome.

Are you seriously asking for recommendations concerning this or you just joking around? If you can't store your seed phrase off head or maybe private key (which I believe is very hard, almost impossible to do) then why not write down the private key or seed phrase inside a note and make sure to go the airport with many notes, I believe there is no way the security men there will want to search all through your things and even open your notes page by page, one after another simply to find a private key or seed phrase right?

Or let's assume they can possibly do the above which I highly doubt, then separate the seed phrase or private keys share them between 3 to 4 or 5 notes, I believe this should work.

I never knew that the south African government hate bitcoin and crypto this much though, but they even officially banned bitcoin or am I not current with the news?

[Orpichukwu]

I learned to respect people's opinion when it comes to using an alternative digital currency like Bitcoin because government will never support anything that will work in their favor when it comes to making decisions like this, this is where we must make more awareness to people to let them know that they have to be in control of their assets and the only way to ensure this is by embracing on their adoption of Bitcoin under a decentralized network.

I think you might be missing the whole point of this thread; people in the said country can't just embrace bitcoin because their government is against it and wants everyone who holds it to send it over to them. Advising people there to embrace it is like asking them to disobey the government, which there will be punishment for. What the OP seeks now is a possible means to move coins out from the country without it being detected at the airport since giving it to an outsider is another form of risk or even moving it to an exchange.

[sunsilk]

That's crazy, is it martial law there and that's how they're taking care of people's investments? they can't dictate what one should invest but they're free to suggest.

Any recommendations about how to pass airport without leaving with your hardware wallet is welcome.

You have to leave your hardware wallet if it will be confiscated in the frisking area in the airport. But the good part of it is that, you don't need the HW itself to be brought.

Just bring along your recovery seeds with you written somewhere on a plain paper that no one will have an idea of what it is. Maybe try to make it look like some words you're trying to learn or put it in sentences with highlight in a study notebook.

[OcTradism]

You have to leave your hardware wallet if it will be confiscated in the frisking area in the airport. But the good part of it is that, you don't need the HW itself to be brought.

Just bring along your recovery seeds with you written somewhere on a plain paper that no one will have an idea of what it is. Maybe try to make it look like some words you're trying to learn or put it in sentences with highlight in a study notebook.

If you have problems with customs at their airport, it's severe issue for you, not only with that hardware wallet and fund in it.

What would be the best way to get through customs at an airport with your Btc?
When you are going through customs and have security checks at any security border checkpoints, you must behave like you are not a criminal. In fact you are not a criminal so why do you have to react like a criminal at such security checkpoints.

If you don't look suspicious, nobody will check your laptop, phones for finding anything inside.

"Escape with your Bitcoin":

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWGXdn3sdp8
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMQupuGpSsw
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1urPLr83Ojg

[Tetu100]

Share some links on this news, this part of south Africa isn't surfacing at it should, maybe this news is overshadowed by other news coming out of the country South Africa.
Well with the incidences of South Africans chasing people out of their country I don't think it's the right time to talk about living in South Africa just yet, although it just what's trending now out of South Africa.

But concerning this news I used to think that SA was welcoming to Bitcoin, since their technology is one of the most advanced in the continent it will be really bad of them to be negative about Bitcoin in South Africa.

You are right sir, some link to this claims would have make things to be more cleared especially for we that are not living in south Africa. Moreover South Africa to the best of my knowledge is one of the most developed African countries as we speak, so having such report from them even without a concrete evidence is a red flag and I find it difficult to believe it, or maybe probably I will conduct some findings myself to see things for myself.

[Lucius]

To own Bitcoin, you just need to remember a sequence of 12 English words (the seed). Frankly, I've always considered hardware wallets to be quite unsafe for storing Bitcoin, although they are very popular on our forum. The problem, in my opinion, is that almost everyone knows what a hardware wallet looks like these days. So, if you're found with one, people will know you have Bitcoin. This is very dangerous in today's world.🙋
~snip~

If you have an open source device that is also air-gapped, then the question arises, what would be unsafe about that setup in your opinion? The private keys (seed) generated on such a device are never at risk of being exposed online unless someone does so for some stupid reason.

Although today there is HW that comes in various forms, I'm sure that those who are looking for them will not have a hard time recognizing such devices - even though some look like old mobile phones, and some look like a regular USB stick. However, as I already wrote, most HW supports multiple accounts that can be additionally protected (hidden), and therefore I don't see why it would be a problem to carry such devices with you if you are traveling somewhere.

[sunsilk]

You have to leave your hardware wallet if it will be confiscated in the frisking area in the airport. But the good part of it is that, you don't need the HW itself to be brought.

Just bring along your recovery seeds with you written somewhere on a plain paper that no one will have an idea of what it is. Maybe try to make it look like some words you're trying to learn or put it in sentences with highlight in a study notebook.

If you have problems with customs at their airport, it's severe issue for you, not only with that hardware wallet and fund in it.

And that's why it's best not to bring it with him when he's going to board on the airplane.

We've got the seeds that we can bring with us but do the tricky part in there so that no one will know that it's a recovery seed that contains his funds.

Well, we're clever in thinking of some ways on how to keep it in written words.

[SquirrelJulietGarden]

If you have an open source device that is also air-gapped, then the question arises, what would be unsafe about that setup in your opinion? The private keys (seed) generated on such a device are never at risk of being exposed online unless someone does so for some stupid reason.

People can connect their air-gapped wallets to Internet, that's bad but it can be part of their learning and practice. If they are careful with their devices, keep them clean, their wallets will still be safe like hot wallets if used rightly won't be compromised. However in long term, through learning, practicing, making mistakes, they need to improve their practice and no longer connect air-gapped wallets to Internet in the future.

Although today there is HW that comes in various forms, I'm sure that those who are looking for them will not have a hard time recognizing such devices - even though some look like old mobile phones, and some look like a regular USB stick. However, as I already wrote, most HW supports multiple accounts that can be additionally protected (hidden), and therefore I don't see why it would be a problem to carry such devices with you if you are traveling somewhere.

How to Securely Travel with Your Hardware Wallet.
Travel Security: Using Hardware Wallets While Abroad.

The guides have point on using watch only wallets when travelling if the purposes are only tracking payments sent to your wallets, and watching your wallet transaction history so that you can know whether something bad happens with your wallet.

[Lucius]

If you have an open source device that is also air-gapped, then the question arises, what would be unsafe about that setup in your opinion? The private keys (seed) generated on such a device are never at risk of being exposed online unless someone does so for some stupid reason.

People can connect their air-gapped wallets to Internet, that's bad but it can be part of their learning and practice. If they are careful with their devices, keep them clean, their wallets will still be safe like hot wallets if used rightly won't be compromised. However in long term, through learning, practicing, making mistakes, they need to improve their practice and no longer connect air-gapped wallets to Internet in the future.
~snip~

Let's say you're right and at the same time you're wrong because although there are devices that are considered air-gapped but have the ability to connect via cable/Bluetooth - but some devices like the Foundation Passport communicate with the UI exclusively via SD card or QR codes.

Also, if you use a computer to make this type of wallet, then before that you need to remove all components that enable any kind of wireless/wired communication. You can't put yourself in a situation where you make a mistake if you know what you're doing.

[LanternSapphire]

South Africans, what part of time line are we living now? Because it's like we are living in the 1930s

Imagine your government proposing that banks should start giving people who are into Bitcoin to the government because they hate crypto so much, but they plan to take it from you.

The most Bitcoin hated country in the whole world right now is South Africa.
Every bank accounts that has something to do with Bitcoin trade in the past have been banned and till now they have not lifted the ban, it keeps getting serious.

A politician is screaming on life TV that South Africans should be investing in Apple stocks and many others but not Bitcoin, because Bitcoin is nothing but a weapon for con artists and fraudsters.

Crypto investors who can leave have already left for Dubai and other places, it got more scary the moment that Banks CEO are coming out to say that they will have to comply.

If you have the money I think it's better to leave South Africa.

They have all know what a hardware wallet looks like, to now leave for airport with your hardware wallet is even impossible, because I bet the next thing they are going to ask you is to show them what's inside the hardware wallet.

If you are caught they will force you to send it to a government wallet.

Find a way to visit the airports without your hardware wallets, if you can record your recovery seed off head or something else it's better, do not go there with any hardware wallet because they already knew.


Any recommendations about how to pass airport without leaving with your hardware wallet is welcome.

This sounds scary, but it is likely exaggerated. In South Africa, Bitcoin is regulated, not banned. There is no confirmed rule that the government is taking people’s Bitcoin at airports. Best thing to do is stay calm, follow the law, and be careful with panic advice online.

[SquirrelJulietGarden]

Let's say you're right and at the same time you're wrong because although there are devices that are considered air-gapped but have the ability to connect via cable/Bluetooth - but some devices like the Foundation Passport communicate with the UI exclusively via SD card or QR codes.

Also, if you use a computer to make this type of wallet, then before that you need to remove all components that enable any kind of wireless/wired communication. You can't put yourself in a situation where you make a mistake if you know what you're doing.

I understood it and agree with you.

My warning is for people who don't understand core things to create and maintain an air-gapped device and wallets. They possibly make mistakes over time and connect their wallets to Internet.

This very old guide can be helpful.
[Guide] Secure air-gapped crypto wallet storage method.

[cocadalcan]

A country's government cannot easily catch a Bitcoin holder. If he does it through a local exchange. I have no news that the government is encouraging Bitcoin investors to catch him. The government discourages the use of all types of cryptocurrency and this is happening in many countries of the world, but the number of Bitcoin holders is gradually increasing.

Economically weak governments want to control fiat with all their capabilities and centrally control it, but in reality they are destroying the entire country's financial system. Governments are afraid of decentralized Bitcoin system for fear of losing the financial control they have. In fact, they are ignorant of the intrinsic value of Bitcoin.

If you have the security key and seed phrase of your Bitcoin wallet, it is not impossible to recover your Bitcoin wallet if you leave the country without any device. Write it down on paper and store it in multiple places using your own strategy.

[Ucy]

It seems to me that certain countries in the continent of Africa do not deserve the pseudo freedom they currently have and deserve to be colonized again by their oppressors. When their oppressors start attacking, sanctioning and freezing accounts then they will remember Bitcoin which is a neutral currency made to help people in situations like that.

Ironically, one or more core supporters of Bitcoin currently help to prevent the continent from falling into the hands of their oppressors. But what are they repaid with for this? betrayals, treachery, rebellion, insults, etc. People who deserve freedom will be grateful, kind, nice  humble and cautious.
Anyway, a time will come when the window of opportunity to choose where to belong will be over, then you will need to defend yourself with your own power and all you got, from a foreigner who will eventually takeover.

[Zlantann]

This sounds scary, but it is likely exaggerated. In South Africa, Bitcoin is regulated, not banned. There is no confirmed rule that the government is taking people’s Bitcoin at airports. Best thing to do is stay calm, follow the law, and be careful with panic advice online.

There is a proposed draft titled Capital Flow Management Regulations that is targeted at tightening control of cryptocurrencies. Those who own assets like Bitcoin would have to declare them if it is worth a certain amount. Citizens have 30 days to make this declaration or may face sanctions. Another part of the draft that baffles me is that people would have to seek permission from the government before they can crypto outside the country.

I hope this proposal is not adopted because it is against privacy. This law is simply targeted at controlling the financial lives of the people. With the high rate of crime in South Africa, this law would give criminals vital information on those who are rich.

[Marykeller]

South Africans, what part of time line are we living now? Because it's like we are living in the 1930s

Imagine your government proposing that banks should start giving people who are into Bitcoin to the government because they hate crypto so much, but they plan to take it from you.

The most Bitcoin hated country in the whole world right now is South Africa.
Every bank accounts that has something to do with Bitcoin trade in the past have been banned and till now they have not lifted the ban, it keeps getting serious.

A politician is screaming on life TV that South Africans should be investing in Apple stocks and many others but not Bitcoin, because Bitcoin is nothing but a weapon for con artists and fraudsters.

Crypto investors who can leave have already left for Dubai and other places, it got more scary the moment that Banks CEO are coming out to say that they will have to comply.

If you have the money I think it's better to leave South Africa.

They have all know what a hardware wallet looks like, to now leave for airport with your hardware wallet is even impossible, because I bet the next thing they are going to ask you is to show them what's inside the hardware wallet.

If you are caught they will force you to send it to a government wallet.

Find a way to visit the airports without your hardware wallets, if you can record your recovery seed off head or something else it's better, do not go there with any hardware wallet because they already knew.


Any recommendations about how to pass airport without leaving with your hardware wallet is welcome.

Share some links on this news, this part of south Africa isn't surfacing at it should, maybe this news is overshadowed by other news coming out of the country South Africa.
Well with the incidences of South Africans chasing people out of their country I don't think it's the right time to talk about living in South Africa just yet, although it just what's trending now out of South Africa.

But concerning this news I used to think that SA was welcoming to Bitcoin, since their technology is one of the most advanced in the continent it will be really bad of them to be negative about Bitcoin in South Africa.

Link of the news I found: https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/south-africa-proposes-rules-could-force-sale-of-crypto-gold-and-foreign-cash-holdings/hgtqd1b? feel free to read it up.

South Africa is becoming something else in the past few days. I don't know how non citizens of the country are coping nowadays in the country when the citizens of the country are after their lives and businesses

Concerning this new development of South Africa government after the use of Bitcoin in the country is for the government to restrict the cross border use of Bitcoin transfers and to track money leaving the country.

On this,30 days are given to every Bitcoin holder in the country to declare their crypto assets and to offer for as a sale to National Treasury or to an authorized dealer. That's madness

[uchegod-21]

Link of the news I found: https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/south-africa-proposes-rules-could-force-sale-of-crypto-gold-and-foreign-cash-holdings/hgtqd1b? feel free to read it up.

South Africa is becoming something else in the past few days. I don't know how non citizens of the country are coping nowadays in the country when the citizens of the country are after their lives and businesses

Concerning this new development of South Africa government after the use of Bitcoin in the country is for the government to restrict the cross border use of Bitcoin transfers and to track money leaving the country.

On this,30 days are given to every Bitcoin holder in the country to declare their crypto assets and to offer for as a sale to National Treasury or to an authorized dealer. That's madness

South Africa has really been in the news for the wrong reasons lately, and I think that all they are doing right now is just an effort to frustrate black foreigners in their country, as they are agitating for them to leave. It is not only crypto holders that are affected by this; the country has instructed asset disclosure targeting gold, foreign currencies, and crypto in general. According to them, they want to properly monitor capital outflows by tightening financial regulations. The policies are harsh, and if I were there, I would rather choose to leave for a more favourable country than disclose my financial assets to the government. They are shooting themselves in the foot with all the recent developments in the country.

[promise444c5]

Any recommendations about how to pass airport without leaving with your hardware wallet is welcome.

Get a small dictionary, mark the words page with pen or highlight with marker[you don’t need to mark the words, just highlight a entire definition for the word], pick a random page that you will remember and write down only the numbers of page marked in an unnoticeable way or you can find another way to just write  down the numbers instead of the same dictionary . To make it even less suspicious, write it all together but pick a delimiter to separate each word page number.

No one will suspect that, they will think it’s just a bunch of numbers, you can even print the number inside a short novel lol  

[treesintheforestooh]

But South Africa is one of the countries in Africa that are leading when it comes to crypto currency adoption, because from what I have been able to gather South Africa has a large followership when it comes to crypto currency especially Bitcoin. This is really unfortunate that this type of moves are still been taken by the government trying to crack down on the use of crypto currency in the country. I really thinks that the advice that the government is getting about crypto currency is very wrong, because in a time were most countries are trying to adopt crypto currency into their economy due to the economic implications that crypto has , a country like South Africa one of the leading economies in Africa is still fighting about crypto currency.

Yeah, this is really strange all things considered. I was just thinking along the same lines: someone is whispering in someone's ear and giving some really biased information.