Converting Bitcoin to Monero A Personal Experience

Today is October 3, 2025, and I’ve been actively involved in the cryptocurrency space for about seven years now. I initially got into Bitcoin back in 2018, and over time, I became increasingly interested in privacy-focused coins. That’s where Monero (XMR) came into the picture. I wanted to share my experience with how I convert bitcoin to monero, the challenges I faced, and the methods I found most reliable.

Why Convert to Monero?

For me, the primary reason to convert bitcoin to monero is privacy. Bitcoin, while revolutionary, isn’t inherently private. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger, and while not directly linked to your identity, they can be traced with enough effort. Monero, on the other hand, uses advanced cryptography – ring signatures, confidential transactions, and stealth addresses – to obscure transaction details, making it significantly more difficult to track funds. I felt it was important to diversify into a coin that offered a higher level of financial privacy.

My First Attempt: Using a Centralized Exchange

My first attempt at converting BTC to XMR was through a popular centralized exchange. I won’t name it specifically, but it was one of the larger platforms. I thought it would be the easiest route. I did deposit my Bitcoin, and the exchange did list XMR as a trading pair. However, I quickly ran into a problem: Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. I had to provide a lot of personal information – ID, address verification, and even a selfie. I wasn’t comfortable with that level of intrusion, especially given my interest in privacy. I ultimately abandoned that approach.

Exploring Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

I then started researching decentralized exchanges. I read about some Monero team members working on a Tor-based DEX, which sounded promising, but it wasn’t fully operational yet. I did find a few options that facilitated swaps, but they often involved a lot of technical complexity. I spent a good few hours trying to navigate one particular DEX, and I honestly found it quite intimidating. The gas fees were also surprisingly high, eating into the amount of XMR I would receive.

The Hybrid Approach: Using a Non-Custodial Exchange

Eventually, I discovered a non-custodial exchange called SuperChange. This turned out to be the sweet spot for me. It didn’t require KYC, and it offered a relatively straightforward interface. I did my due diligence, reading reviews and checking its reputation. I liked that I retained control of my funds throughout the process. I initiated a swap of 0.5 BTC for XMR. The exchange rate at the time was around 364.32 XMR per BTC, which seemed reasonable.

The process itself was fairly simple. I sent my Bitcoin to the provided address, and within about 15 minutes, the XMR appeared in my Monero wallet. I did check the transaction on the Monero blockchain to confirm it. The fees were minimal compared to the DEX I had tried earlier. I was very pleased with the speed and ease of the transaction.

Tips I Learned Along the Way

• Research the Exchange: Before using any exchange, thoroughly research its reputation, security measures, and fees.
• Prioritize Non-Custodial Options: If privacy is a concern, opt for non-custodial exchanges where you retain control of your private keys.
• Be Aware of Fees: Compare fees across different exchanges to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
• Double-Check Addresses: Always double-check the receiving address before sending your Bitcoin. A single mistake can result in lost funds.
• Consider Transaction Volume: For larger amounts, consider breaking up the transaction into smaller chunks to potentially avoid detection.

Current Exchange Rates (as of today)

As of today, October 3, 2025, 1 XMR is worth approximately 0.0026 BTC. The exchange rate fluctuates constantly, so it’s important to check the current rate before initiating a swap. I used a converter to confirm this before writing this article.

Final Thoughts

Converting Bitcoin to Monero can be a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re new to the cryptocurrency space. I found that the non-custodial exchange route offered the best balance of privacy, convenience, and cost. I’m happy with my Monero holdings and feel more confident in my financial privacy. I hope my experience helps others navigate this process successfully. I, Amelia Stone, have personally tested all the methods described above.