🪙 PART 1: Buying Cryptocurrency

🔐 A. Understanding KYC vs. Non-KYC Platforms

  • KYC (Know Your Customer) platforms require ID verification. They’re more regulated and offer higher limits, but less privacy.

  • Non-KYC platforms don’t require ID, allowing for more anonymous crypto purchases, often with limitations on volume and payment methods.

✅ B. KYC Platforms (ID Required) – Easy & Beginner-Friendly

These are ideal if privacy is not your main concern:

  1. Binance – Global, supports most major cryptocurrencies, low fees.

  2. Coinbase – Beginner-friendly, very secure, supports bank transfers and cards.

  3. Kraken – Reliable, supports many coins and funding methods.

🔁 Payment methods: Bank transfer, debit/credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay.

🕵️‍♂️ C. Non-KYC Platforms (No ID Required) – More Private

⚠️ Use with caution and only for legitimate purposes.

Platform Type Notes
Paxful P2P Marketplace Buy BTC with gift cards, PayPal, cash, etc. (KYC optional for small trades)
LocalCryptos P2P Marketplace No KYC for crypto-to-crypto or cash deals
HodlHodl P2P Marketplace No KYC, uses multisig escrow
Bisq Decentralized App Fully decentralized, private, no central authority
Robosats Lightning BTC Only No KYC, uses privacy-enhancing tools, perfect for tech-savvy users

💡 You’ll usually need a non-custodial wallet for these (like Phoenix, Muun, or Sparrow).

🧾 PART 2: Set Up a Crypto Wallet

You need a wallet to store and send your cryptocurrency. Two types:

🛡️ Custodial Wallets (hosted)

  • Easy to use but you don’t hold your private keys.

  • Examples: Binance, Coinbase

🔒 Non-Custodial Wallets (private keys = full control)

  • You own your keys = full control over your funds and privacy.

  • Examples:

    • Exodus (desktop & mobile)

    • Trust Wallet (mobile)

    • Electrum (for Bitcoin only)

    • Muun / Phoenix (Lightning Network BTC)

    • MetaMask (for Ethereum and tokens)

🧠 Always back up your recovery phrase securely when using non-custodial wallets.

💸 PART 3: Buying an Item With Cryptocurrency

Once you’ve bought crypto and have it in your wallet, here’s how to pay:

🛍️ Step-by-Step:

  1. Choose your product and proceed to checkout.

  2. At checkout, select “Pay with Crypto”.

  3. You’ll be shown a wallet address (a long string of letters and numbers) and/or a QR code.

  4. Open your wallet and:

    • Select “Send” or “Transfer”

    • Paste the address or scan the QR code

    • Enter the exact amount of crypto required

  5. Double-check the address and amount.

  6. Confirm and send.

  7. Wait for network confirmations (varies by coin, usually 5–30 minutes).

  8. Once the seller receives your payment, they’ll ship your item.

🔍 Tips for Smooth Transactions

  • Use a reputable wallet to avoid scams or loss of funds.

  • If paying in Bitcoin, check if they support Lightning Network for faster and cheaper transactions.

  • Always confirm fees before sending.

  • If you’re new, start with a small transaction to test everything works.

⚠️ Caution

  • Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible.

  • Always verify addresses—a small mistake can result in permanent loss.

  • Be aware of price volatility; values can change during checkout.

  • Avoid using centralized exchange wallets for direct purchases—they may block or delay your transaction.

✅ Example Flow: Using Non-KYC Method to Buy an Item

  1. Use Bisq to buy Bitcoin anonymously.

  2. Set up a Muun Wallet or Trust Wallet.

  3. Visit your store (e.g., Zhawarma), select products.

  4. At checkout, get the Bitcoin address.

  5. Open Muun, paste the address, send BTC.

  6. Receive confirmation, and your order is processed.

🧠 Summary

Step Action
1 Choose KYC or non-KYC platform
2 Buy crypto (BTC, ETH, etc.)
3 Set up a crypto wallet
4 Visit the store & checkout
5 Send crypto to the provided address
6 Wait for confirmation & receive your item