This beginner-friendly walkthrough shows you how to buy Monero (with fiat, with Bitcoin, and P2P) and how to send XMR safely. It also links to reputable wallets and exchanges so you can move from “zero” to your first private transaction fast.
Quick Start
- Install a wallet: Monero.com (Cake) (iOS/Android), Monerujo (Android), Stack Wallet (Android/iOS), or desktop Feather / Monero GUI.
- Back up your 25-word seed. Write it down offline.
- Buy XMR: use a card/KYC exchange (easiest), a no-registration BTC→XMR swap (private), or P2P cash.
- Send XMR: scan the recipient’s QR or paste address, enter amount, confirm, and broadcast.
1) Set Up a Monero Wallet
Choose a reputable, non-custodial wallet so only you control your keys.
- Mobile (iOS/Android): Monero.com (Cake), Stack Wallet
- Android: Monerujo
- Desktop: Feather, Monero GUI
Important: Write down your 25-word seed and keep it offline. Consider connecting your wallet to a node you trust (your own or a reputable remote node) for better privacy.
2) Buy Monero With Fiat (Card/Bank)
These are the most straightforward routes for newcomers:
- Kraken (KYC): Buy XMR with USD/EUR and more, then withdraw to your wallet. Trade XMR on Kraken.
- ChangeNOW: Offers card purchases and crypto swaps. Buy/Swap on ChangeNOW.
- BitcoinVN: Popular in Vietnam; supports local rails. Buy via BitcoinVN.
Note: KYC exchanges are convenient but reduce privacy. Always withdraw to your own wallet—don’t leave funds on exchanges.
3) Swap BTC → XMR (No Account / No Registration)
If you already have Bitcoin, you can instantly swap to XMR without creating an account on these no-registration exchanges:
- Quickex (set BTC→XMR pair): Swap on Quickex
- PegasusSwap: Swap on PegasusSwap
- ChangeHero: Swap on ChangeHero
- Exolix: Swap on Exolix
- Godex: Swap on Godex
- StealthEX: Swap on StealthEX
- Swaponix: Swap on Swaponix
- ChangeNOW (also supports BTC→XMR directly): Swap on ChangeNOW
Tips: Compare rate + miner fee + network conditions, verify the destination address, and keep the swap’s order ID/TXID for support.
4) Buy Monero With Cash (P2P)
Prefer cash and privacy? Consider P2P:
- XMRGlobal (No KYC P2P): Find sellers and pay with cash by mail or other P2P methods; the platform supports dispute resolution and (when needed) video evidence during disputes. Buy on XMRGlobal.
As always with P2P, check seller reputation, read terms carefully, and use the platform’s escrow.
5) How to Send Monero
- Open your wallet and make sure it’s synced (or connected to a synced node).
- Get the recipient address: scan their QR or paste their XMR address (starts with
4
or8
for subaddresses). - Enter the amount, optionally add a note/memo (local only), and review the network fee.
- Double-check the first/last characters of the address, then Send.
- Share your TXID if the recipient needs a proof of payment (wallets can also create a cryptographic payment proof).
Confirmations: funds typically become fully spendable after ~10 confirmations (~20 minutes). Some merchants accept 0–1 confirmation for small purchases—follow their policy.
6) How to Receive Monero
- In your wallet, tap/click Receive to show your address and QR.
- Use subaddresses to keep deposits compartmentalized (one per customer/order).
- For exchange deposits, follow their specific deposit address/subaddress exactly.
7) Safety & Privacy Best Practices
- Seed phrase: store offline, never screenshot, never share.
- Test sends: try a small transfer before a large one or when using a new service.
- Verify downloads: get wallets from official sites, verify signatures when possible.
- Use your own node (or a trusted remote node) for stronger on-chain privacy.
Troubleshooting
- “Not enough unlocked balance”: wait until incoming funds reach enough confirmations, or reduce the send amount.
- Wallet not syncing: check your internet, switch to a reliable remote node, or run your own node.
- Exchange deposit pending: ensure you used the correct deposit subaddress/memo (if required) and wait for their required confirmations.
Helpful Resources
- Wallets: Monero.com (Cake) • Monerujo • Stack Wallet • Feather • Monero GUI
- Buy/Swap: Kraken • Quickex • ChangeNOW • ChangeHero • Exolix • Godex • StealthEX • Swaponix • PegasusSwap • BitcoinVN • XMRGlobal (P2P cash)
- More listings: community directory at Monerica.com
Disclaimer: Links are not endorsements. Crypto prices/fees and exchange policies change. Always verify URLs, compare rates, and move purchased XMR into your own wallet immediately.