Bitstamp is the second most popular exchange at the moment, after Mt. Gox. Bitstamp is based in Slovenia, but has a mailing address in Great Britain. Buying bitcoins on Bitstamp is pretty straight forward.

How to Buy Bitcoins from Bitstamp

First, you will need to set up an account at Bitstamp. Then you can transfer dollars or other currency to your Bitstamp account. You can transfer the money using SEPA or a bank wire transfer. When you transfer the money, but sure to specify your 11 digit “reference code”. This is critical because without this code there is no way for Bitstamp to know who is sending the money.

Once the money is transferred to your account, you can bitcoins with it. There is no lengthy verification process as there is with other exchanges, such as Mt. Gox.