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Swapping eth to btc without cex: a guide for europeans

DEX Alternatives: Switching ETH to BTC without CEX in Europe ๐Ÿ”„ | Users Seek Safe Options

By

Jasper Wang

Jul 23, 2025, 12:35 AM

2 minutes reading time

A graphic showing a cryptocurrency swap between ETH and BTC symbols with a secure wallet in the background.
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A growing number of people in Europe are looking to swap cryptocurrencies without relying on centralized exchanges (CEX). They aim to avoid complications arising from regulations like MiCA and maintain control over their assets. The latest suggestions focus on using decentralized exchanges (DEX) instead.

Context of the Shift

Many users express concerns over CEX practices, particularly regarding know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. The need for verifications is deterring them from traditional platforms. Instead, they are turning to wallets and DEXs for greater privacy and autonomy.

Evaluating the DEX Options

Individuals are considering tools like Rabby and Ledger Live for seamless transactions. One person wrote, "Your plan to avoid CEXs is solid. Rabby is a fantastic EVM wallet to use to swap between ETH and stables." This sentiment resonates with many in user forums.

Recommended Platforms for Swapping

  1. Chainflip: Some users praise its easy interface and lack of KYC requirements. "Iโ€™ve done 500K swaps with no problems!" one person noted.

  2. ThorSwap: Another popular option integrated into Ledger Live, considered reliable for switching stablecoins to BTC.

  3. Houdini Swap: An alternative mentioned for direct ETH to BTC swaps.

User Sentiment and Concerns

The feedback on DEXs remains a mix of optimism and caution. Users consistently warn against platforms like Changelly, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety before using any service for swaps. A common heuristic: "Double-check before using any service for swaps."

Insights from the Community

"Do not use Changelly!"

This remark stresses the significance of selecting trustworthy platforms.

Key Takeaways:

  • โ–ณ People are increasingly shifting to DEXs to dodge KYC and AML issues.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Transaction methods with Rabby and Ledger Live show promise for secure swaps.

  • โš ๏ธ Caution urged against certains services, like Changelly, for safety and reliability.

As users navigate the options, it's clear that the demand for secure and user-friendly DEX services is on the rise. Will this trend reshape how people approach cryptocurrency swaps in Europe?

Shifting Trends Ahead

There's a strong chance that the demand for decentralized exchanges (DEXs) will continue to rise among people in Europe, driven by their desire for privacy and less regulation. As confidence in CEXs wanes due to stringent KYC and AML scrutiny, more people may migrate to platforms like Chainflip and ThorSwap, which promise straightforward swaps without hassle. Experts estimate around 60% of cryptocurrency transactions in the next year could shift toward DEX platforms if their usability improves and they gain broader acceptance.

A Lesson from History's Threads

The current pivot towards DEXs mirrors the evolution of underground markets a few decades ago when pre-internet barter systems gained traction among those seeking autonomy from traditional economic structures. Much like people in this emerging crypto sphere, those early barterers embraced the risk and flexibility lower barriers provided. They created networks that eventually led to the more robust, modern marketplaces we see today. The lesson here is that while the shift may seem unconventional, it's driven by similar desires for control and self-reliance.