WHAT ARE CRYPTOS
Cryptocurrencies, or crypto assets, are virtual currencies that are issued, exchanged, and secured based on cryptography. They are usually decentralized, which means that they are not controlled by any government or institution. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, and, since then, many others with various features and purposes appeared.
CRYPTOCURRENCY GUIDE
HOW TO BUY
TAXATION GUIDE
TIPS
KEY CRIPTOCURRENCIES
FAQS
How do cryptocurrencies work?
Cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies, which means they are not issued in cash and are always exchanged in the digital form. Therefore, to trade cryptocurrencies, you will need a computer or a smart phone with an Internet connection, as well as an account with a broker or a digital wallet. For security reasons, we recommend you using ahardware wallet. On the other hand, cryptos are, as a rule, decentralized, which means there are no governments or financial institutions behind.
What are cryptocurrencies for?
Cryptocurrencies can serve:
1. As a payment method. Actually, a large number of merchants do accept cryptocurrencies.*
2. To send money to another country immediately, without paying high fees and commissions.
3. To use them as change currencies and save you money based on the exchange rates.
4. To save value, if your country’s currency is very much depreciated.
5. To trade, i. e. buy and sell them in the market to obtain the maximum profitability.
6. As a long-term investment.
7. For much more!
* You can see the world map that shows where businesses accept bitcoins as a payment method, below:
What gives value to cryptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrencies base their value on three factors: their usefulness, popularity, and trust of users. A currency is useful when there are businesses and users who accept it, when it has liquidity, it is efficient, etc. It is popular when it is widely accepted and trusted by users.
Cryptocurrencies reflect their value in their price, which, in addition, varies depending on the supply and demand.
What are the most used cryptocurrencies?
The most used cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, NEO, IOTA, etc.
How do I invest into cryptocurrencies?
Buying through an exchange or abroker is the simplest, fastest, and safest option to start trading cryptocurrencies. We recommend some brokers in How to buy cryptocurrencies.
What are the risks cryptocurrency trading?
➡️ The main problem with cryptocurrencies is that they are highly volatile: their prices may experience major fluctuations. That is, they are assets that are subject to a very high risk, and that can cause you to win or lose a lot of money. This is why education is extremely important.
➡️ The cryptos are not explicitly regulatedby governments or financial institutions, while the fact they are subject to tax makes them implicitly regulated. Hopefully they will be fully regulated in the coming years. Visit our Taxation Guide to find out how your cryptocurrencies should be taxed.
➡️ The protocols behind cryptocurrencies are very safe. However, security flaws caused by the human error (loss of passwords, use of unreliable exchanges, etc) cannot be avoided. You are not protected against such errors, as there is no compensation system for losses caused by human factor.
➡️ Their future is still uncertain.
