If you're a first-time crypto user and you're lucky enough to live in New Zealand, congrats. You have getting started with and using cryptocurrency on easy mode. :)
In this short guide, I'll outline the basics on getting started, and provide a brief overview of the NZ cryptocurrency scene for your further exploration.
Getting started
Your first point of action when getting started with cryptocurrency is to learn the basics, and there's no better place to start than with Bitcoin ? (BTC).
Launched in 2009 in the wake of the global financial crisis, Bitcoin was the world's first cryptocurrency. It is currently the largest and is valued at over NZD $27,000 per coin.
Recommended learning resources:
https://cryptocurrency.org.nz/
https://bitcoin.org/en/
https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/
Learning Bitcoin can really be as intensive as you want it to be, however, Bitcoin is widely recognized as the gateway cryptocurrency, so I emphasize the importance of starting here.
On your crypto journey, you will hear many different opinions on Bitcoin from many different people. I would recommend taking them with a grain of salt, while ultimately forging your own perception based on your own research and understanding.
Setting up a wallet
A cryptocurrency wallet is a digital account where you store your Bitcoin and other cryptos. Cryptocurrencies aren't stored in banks, so you're entirely responsible for the safekeeping of your digital crypto assets. When you own crypto, you are your own bank.
Recommend wallets:
https://cryptocurrency.org.nz/wallets/
https://www.ledger.com/
https://trezor.io/
https://www.exodus.io/
Your wallet must be secure and correctly set up. Don't stress too much about this though, setting up and backing up wallets is easy. I would recommend starting by setting up EXODUS wallet, and purchasing $40 worth or less of Bitcoin, and using your Exodus wallet as a sandbox for learning the basics.
Once you feel comfortable with your wallet and how it works, you will find yourself feeling much safer when storing larger amounts of coin.
How to get cryptocurrency
There are many ways to acquire crypto, even in New Zealand, however, the easiest, safest, and fastest way is to buy it.
New Zealand is home to a range of crypto exchanges and services, some making it extremely easy to buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in minutes.
Follow the guide below to learn how to buy cryptocurrency in NZ:
https://cryptocurrency.org.nz/buy-cryptocurrency/
Ways to buy crypto in NZ:
-Easy Crypto NZ
-BitPrime
-Dasset
-Kiwicoin
-Coined.nz
Now that you're a proud owner of crypto and have earned the title 'cryptocurrency investor', your next step is to join the rest of us here in New Zealand and get involved in the local community groups and meetups.
Get involved with the local scene
New Zealand is home to approximately 50,000+ cryptocurrency owners - so if you have any questions or need help, there's usually someone around lending a helping hand.
NZ Cryptocurrency Facebook groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nzcryptocommunity/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/buyandsellcryptocurrencynz/
NZ Crypto Facebook pages:
https://www.facebook.com/CryptoNewZealand
https://www.facebook.com/CryptocurrencyNewsNZ/
NZ Crypto Meetup groups:
Auckland - https://www.meetup.com/Auckland-Bitcoin-Meetup/
Christchurch - https://www.meetup.com/christchurch-cryptocurrency-blockchain-meetup/
Wellington - https://www.meetup.com/wellington-cryptocurrency-meetup/
I hope this guide has provided you with value in one way or another. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me on my New Zealand based cryptocurrency guide website - https://cryptocurrency.org.nz/
Good luck!
