Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity globally, including in the island nation of The Bahamas. The Bahamas has developed a relatively friendly regulatory framework for digital assets. In recent years, the country has emerged as a cryptocurrency hub, establishing clear rules around exchanges and trading. This article provides an overview of cryptocurrency regulations in The Bahamas and outlines some of the top options available for locals and visitors who want to buy Bitcoin and other digital currencies.
We’ll explain the country’s stance and then list several local exchanges and wallets that make cryptocurrency purchasing straightforward for Bahamians.
What you'll learn 👉
Crypto Regulations in Bahamas
Following the collapse of the FTX exchange, headquartered in the Bahamas, the country has introduced more stringent cryptocurrency regulations. These regulations are encapsulated in the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges (DARE) Bill, which encompasses several key measures:
Enhanced disclosure requirements for cryptocurrency staking activities.
More rigorous criteria for the issuance of stablecoins.
A new, comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins pegged to the dollar or other stable assets, prompted by the fall of Terra’s terraUSD stablecoin.
Regulation extending to various crypto services, including advisory services, derivatives, and staking.
Inclusion of oversight for non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
The DARE Bill is designed to bolster protection mechanisms in the digital asset sector, introducing new disclosure and reporting requirements, specific registration obligations, and increased ongoing supervision for digital asset operators. The Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB) is currently consulting on these proposed new rules.
Previously, the Bahamas had enacted the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act, under which Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX exchange operated. The new bill is anticipated to be one of the most sophisticated pieces of digital asset legislation globally.
Easiest and cheapest ways to buy crypto in the Bahamas
No matter where they live, people always seek the easiest and cheapest way to buy bitcoin. Buying crypto in the Bahamas is a bit harder than in some other countries so we have compiled a list of exchanges where Bahamian citizens can buy bitcoin.
👛 Ease of Use – Easy 👛 Fees – Low 👛 Verification – 1 Day 👛 Reputation – Trusted 👛 Supported fiat – USD, EUR, GBP
Initiated in 2011, Bitstamp has emerged as a trustworthy name in the world of cryptocurrency exchanges. It’s renowned for being the crypto exchange with the longest history, marked by its cost-effective rates, consistent service, and uncomplicated design. Bitstamp’s reach extends to over 100 countries, though some regions might experience limited features.
The helm of the exchange is in the hands of seven adept professionals with rich experience in both age-old and modern decentralized finance realms. The platform supports an array of over 80 digital assets, with Tether (USDT) being one of them.
However, exchanges like Coinbase seem to have an edge with support for more than 150 digital currencies. Bitstamp’s app is available in a plethora of countries, from Armenia to Austria. Moreover, all EU countries can benefit from Bitstamp’s instant crypto purchases via credit and debit cards.
⚡️ Deposit fees: 0 – 5 % ⚡️ Withdrawal fees: Sepa – 3 EUR, ACH – Free, Credit cards – 5%, International wire – 0.1%, and crypto – depends on the asset (0.0005 BTC) ⚡️ Trading fees: 0 – 0.5 % ⚡️ Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Card, ACH Transfer, SEPA, USD Wallet, Faster Payments, and International Wire. ⚡️ Supported fiat: USD, EUR, GBP
It is one of the oldest crypto exchanges Useful for both beginners and experienced traders Low fees Security and reputation on the high level
The limited number of coins supported (50) No margin or future trading The limited number of coins available for staking (2)
👛 Ease of Use – Easy 👛 Fees – Low 👛 Verification – 1 Day 👛 Reputation – Trusted 👛 Supported fiat – USD, EUR, GBP, and more
LocalBitcoins is one of the oldest P2P online marketplaces where you can buy and sell Bitcoin. It is considered the largest peer-to-peer crypto platform. LocalBitcoins is based in Helsinki, Finland.
LocalBitcoins was founded by Jeremiah Kangas in 2012. It operates in more than 240 countries worldwide. The platform is a peer-to-peer network that connects sellers with buyers in the local area. Users post ads on the platform in which they state payment methods and exchange rates for purchasing or selling Bitcoins. Then, other users reply to these ads in order to make a transaction. LocalBitcoins has a great reputation in the crypto market and it pays a lot of attention to regulations and security of the platform.
👛 Ease of Use – Easy 👛 Fees – Average 👛 Verification – 1 Day 👛 Reputation – Trusted 👛 Supported fiat – USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD + more
Founded back in 2015, with its headquarters in New York, United States, a cryptocurrency exchange platform Paxful offers its services to nearly 5 million users around the globe.
Being one of the longest-lasting P2P Bitcoin exchanges, Paxful offers its users a straightforward and easy-to-use platform where they can buy, sell and trade supported crypto fast. When it comes to supported cryptocurrencies, Paxful supports only 3: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether USD. However, the volume of Bitcoin trading is very high. On the other hand, Paxful supports a stunning amount of fiat currencies, more than 140 different ones.
⚡️ Deposit fees: Free ⚡️ Withdrawal fees: 0.5% – 5% ⚡️ Trading fees: No buyer fee, seller fee varies from 0.5% to 5% ⚡️ Payment Methods: Over 350 payment methods are available ⚡️ Supported fiat: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, and many more
Safe Escrow trading Various payment methods Responsive support forum Support for a large number of fiat currencies
A bit higher fees A lot of scammers
Best Bitcoin Wallets in the Bahamas
It is never a good idea to keep your coins on an exchange as that exposes you to numerous risks (exchange hacks, fund freezes by the exchange or some government regulatory body, etc). That is why you should use one of the wallets we list below to store your digital assets.
But, which bitcoin wallet is available in this country?
The safest option is a hardware wallet like Nano X but ZenGo is also a good choice, especially for newcomers.
👛 Ease of Use – Easy 👛 Fees – Low 👛 Verification – 1 Day 👛 Reputation – Trusted 👛 Supported fiat – USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, and 10+ more
Crypto.com, headquartered in Singapore, is a digital currency exchange platform. They provide a range of services such as a mobile application, trading platform, digital wallet, and an NFT marketplace. With support for over 250 cryptocurrencies, the platform enables users to transact and trade a diverse array of digital currencies.
Currently, Crypto.com is available in more than 150 countries around the world, and it has over 1.5 million users. It prides itself as a one-stop shop where crypto enthusiasts can buy, sell, transfer, spend, earn, and track cryptocurrencies.
It was known initially as Monaco Technologies but swapped to Crypto.com in July 2018. It wasn’t long for it to show that it meant business as it raised $26.7M in a token sale in June 2017 after being accepted into Supercharger, a leading FinTech accelerator. With a built-in exchange, an intuitive mobile app, prepaid VISA cards, and an increasing number of supported cryptocurrencies Crypto.com has established itself as a popular name in the cryptocurrency world.
It accepts both fiat and cryptocurrencies Mobile App (iOS and Android) It provides other financial services like crypto loans, crypto staking, DeFi, etc., depending on your country It offers tax support
The customer support could do better Fiat withdrawals take too long You need to have 50,000,000 CRO (its native token) to benefit from its highest fee discount
Huobi has a massive presence in the Asian markets and its popularity has been spreading globally. With more than 390 cryptocurrencies offered, traders and investors around the world can easily buy crypto.
Huobi client funds are held in dedicated multi-signature cold wallets with 24/7 security monitoring, and a dedicated 20,000 BTC Security Reserve Fund has been created to further provide another level of asset protection.
👛 Ease of Use – Easy 👛 Fees – Average 👛 Verification – 1 Day 👛 Reputation – Trusted 👛 Supported fiat – EUR, USD, and 50+ more
Coinbase is widely considered one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges, especially in the US. It has over 60 million users which is a remarkable number.
It was founded back in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. Coinbase has users in over 100 countries. Coinbase’s headquarters are in San Francisco, California. The platform offers not only exchange-based services but also a wallet so it is a perfect place for all crypto investors.
⚡️ Deposit fees: Credit/Debit Card: 3.99%SEPA: €0U.S Bank Transfer: 1.49% (the US $0.15 min.)Coinbase USD wallet: 1.49%ACH Transfer USD: $0 Wire Transfer USD: $10 ⚡️ Withdrawal fees: SEPA: €0.15U.S Bank Transfer: 1.49% (US $0.15 min.) Coinbase USD wallet: 1.49%Wire Transfer USD: $25 ⚡️ Trading fees: Fees vary ⚡️ Payment Methods: Bank Account, Debit Card, Credit Card, Wire Transfer, SEPA Transfer, ⚡️ Supported fiat: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CNY & 50+ more
A variety of fiat currencies supported Over 100 cryptocurrencies supported A regulated and trustworthy company Large user base and widely popular Provides a Coinbase debit card
No future or margin trading Higher trading fees than main competitors have (Binance for instance)
👛 Ease of Use – Easy 👛 Fees – High 👛 Verification – 1 Day 👛 Reputation – Trusted 👛 Supported fiat – USD, EUR, GBP, RUB
Founded in 2013 in London, UK, and with over 4 million users, Cex.io is among the oldest cryptocurrency exchange platforms on the market. On Cex.io, you can buy, sell, trade, and store over 100 cryptocurrencies.
This centralized exchange supports fiat to crypto purchases, margin trading, spot trading, staking, lending, leverage, and savings. It has more than 100 cryptocurrencies available for trade and over 220 trading pairs. Today, Cex.io is available in more than 180 countries around the globe (including the U.S.). Cex.io applies AML and KYC policies, and it is registered with The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Regulated and licensed Well Established Company Mobile App (Android and iOS) Great support
Lower liquidity than other exchanges Extensive Verification Process
Frequently asked questions about buying Bitcoin in the Bahamas
How can I buy Bitcoin in Bahamas❓
You can buy Bitcoin in the Bahamas on any of the exchanges mentioned in this article. Keep in mind that some of the payment methods include Bank transfer, Cash, Debit or credit card, PayPal, and Revolut.
Is Bitcoin available in The Bahamas❓
Yes, Bitcoin is definitely available in the Bahamas.
Is there a Bitcoin ATM machine in the Bahamas❓
Yes. In Nassau
Which Bitcoin wallet is best in the Bahamas❓
Exodus and Ledger.
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As the Head of Content at Captainaltcoin, I bring years of experience in the crypto industry. With a strong belief in the potential of the web3 market since 2017, I'm passionate about sharing valuable insights and knowledge.
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