Guide To Cryptocurrencies In NZ: Invest, Buy and Trade

Table of Contents

• How does cryptocurrency work?
• What are Bitcoin and Ethereum?
• Where can I use cryptocurrency?
• What are the best cryptocurrency exchanges?

Cryptocurrency is an increasingly popular way for New Zealanders to trade and invest. It’s a virtual currency that can be used to purchase and exchange online products. Just like physical money, it has unique and unpredictable codes or encryption to indicate its authenticity and value.

Simply referred to as crypto, it works using blockchain technology to manage and record transactions. One of its best selling points is its security and freedom, as it can exist outside the control of the government and central agencies.

If you want to start trading and investing your money in Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and the like, read this ultimate guide on how to buy, invest, and trade cryptocurrency in NZ.

How does cryptocurrency work?

Cryptocurrency works like digital, encrypted, and decentralised money to exchange goods and services on the internet. Unlike physical currency, it doesn’t have a central or reserve bank that sets the regulations. The users’ behaviour is the biggest factor that influences its value.

As mentioned, the cryptographic process is made through blockchain. This technology makes the transaction verified and recorded, giving you the confidence to entrust your money online.

What is blockchain technology?

Blockchain works like an open ledger that keeps track of every transaction made using cryptocurrency. Each exchange corresponds to a unique code. This makes it almost impossible to make counterfeit and fraudulent transactions. It’s also an open-source and decentralised system to prevent anyone from tampering with the records.

Coming from the name itself, blockchain consists of two components — the block and the chain. They work together to create an easy and secure transaction process.

What is a block?

A block is the data storage for every transaction made using cryptocurrency. 

When you make a transaction, every piece of information is formed into a block. Once the transaction is formed into a block, it can’t be rewritten, edited, nor removed. This ensures the security and reliability of the transaction.

When the block is finalised, it will be formed into a link of other blocks through a set of chains.

What is a chain?

The chain is the digital link between each block. The block comes right after the other, creating a series of tamper-proof blocks containing every single cryptocurrency transaction.

Most blockchains consist of one unbroken chain of blocks — or simply called a blockchain.  Although, some blockchains may branch out different chains, creating a web-like structure rather than a single chain.

It’s important to note that not all cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology, and not all blockchain work similarly. Nonetheless, most cryptocurrencies work along with these principles.

What are Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Bitcoin and Ethereum are some of the most common terms when you start cryptocurrencies. These can be confusing for beginners, but they’re much simpler than what they actually are.

For starters, Bitcoin and Ethereum are types of virtual currency. You can think of them much like Euro and Dollar as their physical counterparts. Of course, there are other cryptocurrencies just like there are plenty of other physical currencies. 

Other popular cryptocurrencies available are:

1. Ripple (XRP) - Ripple was developed with the sole purpose of making international money transfers easier. It’s now used by many companies from all over the world to make their international payment more efficient.
2. Monero (XMR) - Monero is a secured and private cryptocurrency that helps you keep your payments and transactions anonymous. 
3. Golem (GNT) - Golem uses blockchain technology to enable regular computers to turn into supercomputers. This is possible thanks to its assembly and monetisation of the worldwide supercomputer networks. 
4. IOTA - For IoT transactions, IOTA is the only way to go! It’s often named the next generation of blockchain technology with the aim of machine-to-machine network transactions.
5. Dogecoin - Dogecoin started as a meme alternative to Bitcoin. However, it has now become full-pledge crypto and one of the most profitable in the market.

Where can I use cryptocurrency?

Aside from the usual payments for goods and services, there are different ways to use digital currency. Here are some of the most popular methods of crypto use:

Trading and investing

One of the most popular ways to use cryptocurrencies is trading and investing. Users simply hold on to their money and sell them when they finally increase in value. Then, they use the profit to buy more cryptos to sell later on.

Otherwise, they simply take advantage of smart contracts. There are over a thousand cryptos so your ways of trading and investing may vary.

Money transfer and tipping

Some cryptos are designed for quick and easy money transfers. This is a popular choice for international companies as they can make money transfers to different parts of the world in just a few seconds without any additional fees.

Cryptos are also used as a tipping platform. When you find someone entertaining or informative on different social platforms, you can use crypto to tip someone. Popular examples are Bits for streaming on Twitch, and Stars for streaming on Facebook.

How can you get started with cryptocurrency?

Unlike popular belief, getting started with crypto isn’t difficult. Here are three simple steps you need to take to get started with crypto.

1. Pick a cryptocurrency

As mentioned, there are plenty of cryptos available, and getting access to them is very easy. You have to choose a currency that offers you the usage and benefit you want. If you need to diversify your portfolio, Bitcoin and Ethereum can be a good start.

2. Choose a wallet

Like physical money, you also need a wallet to keep your cryptocurrency. Most of these wallets come in the form of a computer program that you can access through your phone or desktop. 

Different wallets also come with different purposes such as holding coins, exchanging on the market, and purchasing. Make sure to get a wallet that matches your needs and usage.

3. Exchange and buy cryptos

Exchanging physical money is the best way to buy cryptocurrencies and services. Conversions from physical to virtual currency are usually calculated with USD, but some can easily be converted into NZD, EUR, or AUS.

For first time buyers, here’s a handy guide.

1. Verify your identity - This step includes sending proofs of identification like a driver’s license or passport. This is standard practice before you can exchange your money into digital tokens.
2. Deposit your payment - You can deposit for your payment through different methods including bank transfers, credit cards, or wire transfers. Check the best methods offered by the digital currency and banks.
3. Buying your coins - Different exchanges have different cryptos for sale. Always conduct your research to know the best practices of buying and selling cryptos.

What are the best cryptocurrency exchanges?

The best digital currency exchanges may vary per person. Generally, these are the most common cryptocurrency exchanges where you can buy, sell, trade, and invest cryptos. Take a look at this side by side comparison.

Transfer your money using crypto!

If you have a family member, relative, or friend overseas that you need to constantly wire money, cryptocurrency may be the best way to go! It’s quick and easy and involves only a simple process. But if you don’t find crypto fitting to your needs, there are plenty of other international money transfer options for you!

Compare international money transfer options right here, at glimp