You’ve probably heard the stories: people getting rich with Bitcoin, friends trading crypto, and people always talking about how digital assets are “going to the moon.” But if you’re in Malaysia and want to get into crypto for the first time, don’t do it without knowing what you’re doing. Before you buy things in Tradu, this is what you actually need to know.

Start with a real exchange
Pick a crypto exchange that is registered with the Securities Commission Malaysia and that you can trust to get your trip off to a good start. You can deposit and withdraw in ringgit without any strange conversion processes or problems with offshore banking on fully licensed platforms like Luno, Tokenize, and SINEGY. Don’t click on random links or sites that strangers send you on WhatsApp or Telegram.

You Don’t Have to Spend a Lot of Money
You don’t have to be a millionaire or a tech bro to invest in crypto. You can start with as little as RM50. You can acquire a part of a coin since Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most other cryptocurrencies can be divided. This means you can try it out without worrying about losing money or fretting out over short-term price changes.

Watch Out for Fees
Always read the fine print. Some platforms charge you when you make a deposit, others when you take money out, and many take a cut from the exchange rate itself. Just because there isn’t a clear “fee” doesn’t mean you aren’t paying something. Doing some research now can help you avoid hidden expenditures later.

First, safety
Your money could disappear if you lose your password, click on a phishing link, or trust the wrong person. Always use two-factor authentication (2FA), make sure your passwords are strong, and never give out your login information or recovery phrases. Use withdrawal whitelisting if your exchange lets you. It keeps your crypto from being transmitted to places you haven’t approved.

Know the Rules
Cryptocurrency is a digital asset in Malaysia, however it is not legal tender. You can sell it, but you can’t use it to pay for lunch at your favorite warung. That being stated, you might need to tell LHDN if you trade a lot or make money on a regular basis. It’s best to be safe than sorry, so keep track of your trades.

Pick the Right Wallet
It’s okay to leave your crypto on an exchange when you’re just starting out. But if you have more than a little bit, you might want to move it to a private wallet. Trust Wallet and other software wallets are suitable for holding little amounts of money. Ledger and other hardware wallets are the safest way to hold money for a long time. Don’t ever post or share your recovery phrase.

Watch out for scams
There are a lot of smooth scams, showy “guaranteed” profits, and bogus investing experts in the crypto realm. If someone tells you to invest quickly or provide them personal information, it’s almost always a fraud. There are no real chances with countdown clocks or group discussions that haven’t been verified.

Don’t rush.
You don’t have to learn everything about crypto right away. Read up, talk to investors in your area, join forums or Telegram groups, and ask questions. People who have been through the ups and downs firsthand often give the finest advise. At first, you should listen more than you act.

Buying crypto in Malaysia might be a terrific way to get ahead in the world of finance, but you have to be careful and curious about it. Take it gradually, keep cautious, and learn as you go. Your future self will be grateful.