Before you start using Bitcoin, which is still experimental but has been operational without any interruptions for over eight years, there are a few things that you need to know in order to use it securely and avoid common pitfalls.

First, Bitcoins are impossible to counterfeit or inflate.

Second, you can use them to send or receive any amount of money, with anyone, anywhere in the world, at very low cost. Bitcoin payments are impossible to block, and bitcoin wallets can’t be frozen.

Third, with Bitcoin you can directly control the money yourself without going through a third party like a bank or Paypal.

Fourth, Bitcoin transactions cannot be reversed or refunded. You should only deal with businesses or people you trust.

FifthTo be valid, a Bitcoin transactions must be confirmed at least once but preferrably 6+ times before it has happened and becomes irreversible.

Sixth, Bitcoin is not anonymous but there is tumbling. All Bitcoin transactions are stored publicly and permanently on the network, which means anyone can see the balance and transactions of any Bitcoin address.

Seventh, you can get bitcoins by accepting them as a payment for goods and services or by buying them from a friend or someone near you. You can also buy them directly from an exchange with your bank account.

Eighth, there is a growing number of services and merchants accepting Bitcoin all over the world. You can use Bitcoin to pay them and rate your experience to help honest businesses to gain more visibility.

Ninth, the Bitcoin industry is always changing and there are many Bitcoin news services to stay up to date.

Tenth, beware of the confusingly similar Bcash, BCH, Bitcoin Cash project.

Setting up your first Bitcoin wallet is simple. There are several quality mobile, desktop, and hybrid wallets available. If you want to do thorough research then you can read our comprehensive guide on how to find the best Bitcoin wallet.

A great path would be:

(1) a mobile wallet like Atomic Wallet (iPhone, Android).

(2) acquire bitcoins from a friend, as payment for a good or service or buy bitcoins from one of the many exchanges.

(3) if you decide to store large amounts of bitcoins and want to know they are absolutely safe then use Armory.