Privacy Recommended

Monero (XMR) Payment Guide for WeTheNorth 2025

Master Monero cryptocurrency for maximum privacy on WeTheNorth Market. Learn why XMR beats Bitcoin for darknet transactions, how to acquire it anonymously, and best practices for secure payments.

💰 Privacy First: WeTheNorth Market strongly recommends Monero over Bitcoin. XMR provides complete transaction privacy that Bitcoin cannot match.

Why Monero Instead of Bitcoin?

Bitcoin was revolutionary. But it has a fundamental problem for privacy: every transaction is publicly visible on the blockchain forever. Chain analysis companies make millions tracking Bitcoin transactions. Law enforcement uses these services routinely.

Monero (XMR) fixes this. It's designed from the ground up for privacy. Not as an add-on. Not as an option. Privacy is built into every transaction by default.

Think about it this way: Bitcoin is like writing checks that anyone can read. Monero is like cash. No one knows where it came from or where it's going.

Feature Monero (XMR) Bitcoin (BTC)
Transaction Privacy Private by Default Publicly Visible
Sender Tracing Impossible Easy with Chain Analysis
Receiver Tracing Impossible Easy
Amount Visibility Hidden Public
Transaction Fees Low ($0.01-0.05) Variable ($1-50+)
Confirmation Speed ~2 minutes ~10-60 minutes
Fungibility All XMR is Equal Tainted BTC Rejected
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The Fungibility Problem: Some Bitcoin has been flagged as "tainted" by exchanges because it passed through darknet markets. This Bitcoin can be rejected or seized. Monero doesn't have this problem. All XMR is identical and interchangeable.

How Monero Privacy Actually Works

Monero uses three technologies together to achieve true privacy. Understanding these helps you appreciate why XMR is so effective.

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Ring Signatures

When you send Monero, your transaction is cryptographically mixed with 10+ other transactions. An outside observer sees 11 possible senders. They can't determine which one is real. It's like 11 people signing a document together. Any of them could be the author.

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Stealth Addresses

Every Monero transaction creates a one-time address. Your public wallet address is never recorded on the blockchain. Even if someone knows your address, they can't search the blockchain to find incoming transactions.

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RingCT (Confidential Transactions)

Transaction amounts are hidden using cryptographic commitments. Observers can verify the transaction is valid (no money created from nothing) but cannot see the actual amount. Your financial privacy is complete.

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Dandelion++

When you broadcast a transaction, Dandelion++ obscures your IP address. The transaction bounces through random nodes before being spread to the network. Network observers can't trace transactions back to your computer.

⚠️
No Privacy Tool is Perfect: Monero provides strong privacy, but operational security matters. Using Monero with your real identity on a KYC exchange defeats the purpose. Always acquire and use XMR anonymously.

Step 1: Choose a Monero Wallet

Your wallet stores your Monero. Choose based on your security needs and technical comfort level.

💻 Official Monero GUI Wallet (Desktop)

Download from getmonero.org only. The official GUI wallet runs a full node, meaning it downloads and verifies the entire Monero blockchain locally. This is the most private option.

  • Pros: Maximum privacy, full control, no third-party trust
  • Cons: Requires 150GB+ storage, initial sync takes hours/days
  • Best for: Users with storage space who prioritize privacy
Most Secure

🪶 Feather Wallet (Desktop - Lightweight)

Feather connects to remote nodes instead of running your own. Much faster setup. Good balance of privacy and convenience.

  • Pros: Fast sync, small storage footprint, good privacy features
  • Cons: Trusts remote nodes (minor privacy tradeoff)
  • Best for: Most users - excellent balance of security and usability
Recommended for Most Users

📱 Cake Wallet (Mobile)

Available for iOS and Android. User-friendly mobile wallet with built-in exchange features.

  • Pros: Convenient, built-in BTC→XMR exchange, good UI
  • Cons: Mobile devices are generally less secure
  • Best for: Small amounts, convenience over maximum security
Convenient but Less Secure

🔒 Monero CLI Wallet (Command Line)

Text-based wallet for advanced users. Can run on Tails or Whonix for maximum anonymity.

  • Pros: Works on airgapped systems, maximum control
  • Cons: No graphical interface, steeper learning curve
  • Best for: Advanced users, cold storage, maximum OPSEC
Advanced Users

Wallet Security Best Practices

  • Write down your seed phrase: 25 words that restore your wallet. Store offline. Never photograph or type into a computer.
  • Use strong wallet password: Encrypts your wallet file. Different from seed phrase.
  • Download from official sources only: getmonero.org or verified GitHub releases.
  • Verify checksums: Confirm downloaded files match official hashes.

Step 2: Acquire Monero Anonymously

How you get Monero matters as much as using it. If you buy XMR on a KYC exchange with your ID, your identity is linked to that Monero. Here are anonymous acquisition methods.

👥 LocalMonero (P2P Marketplace)

Buy Monero directly from individuals using cash, gift cards, or bank transfers. No ID required for many sellers.

  • Access through Tor at localmonero.co
  • Escrow protects both parties
  • Cash payment methods offer best privacy
  • Small premium over exchange rates (5-15%)
Best for Privacy

🔄 Atomic Swaps (BTC → XMR)

Decentralized exchange of Bitcoin for Monero. No middleman. No accounts.

  • Tools like UnstoppableSwap facilitate trustless exchanges
  • Requires technical setup
  • No counterparty risk once initiated
Advanced

🏧 Bitcoin ATM → Exchange

Buy Bitcoin at ATM (no ID required under certain amounts), then convert to Monero.

  • Step 1: Find Bitcoin ATM (coinatmradar.com)
  • Step 2: Buy BTC with cash (limits vary by location)
  • Step 3: Use instant exchange (ChangeNow, Majestic Bank) to convert BTC→XMR
  • Note: ATMs often have cameras, wear disguise
Moderate Privacy

⛏️ Mining Monero

Mine XMR directly using your computer's CPU. No purchase trail at all.

  • Monero is designed to be CPU-mineable
  • Use XMRig mining software
  • Profitability depends on electricity costs
  • Even small amounts add up over time
Maximum Privacy
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Avoid KYC Exchanges: Centralized exchanges like Kraken, Binance, and Coinbase require ID verification. Your identity is permanently linked to all crypto purchased there. For darknet use, NEVER buy crypto with your real identity.

Converting Bitcoin to Monero

Already have Bitcoin? Convert it to Monero to break the transaction chain. Here's how.

Instant Exchange Services (No Account Required)

  • ChangeNow.io: Fast, reliable, no registration. Access through Tor.
  • Majestic Bank: Tor-native exchange specifically for privacy coins.
  • TradeOgre: Basic exchange with XMR pairs. Minimal info required.
  • eXch.cx: Privacy-focused exchange service.

Conversion Process

  1. Access exchange through Tor Browser
  2. Select BTC → XMR trading pair
  3. Enter your Monero wallet address
  4. Send Bitcoin to the provided address
  5. Wait for exchange to process (5-30 minutes)
  6. Receive Monero in your wallet
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Pro Tip: Don't send the exact same amount each time. Add random amounts to purchases to make pattern analysis harder.

Step 3: Depositing Monero to WeTheNorth Market

Once you have Monero in your personal wallet, you can fund your WeTheNorth account.

Deposit Process

  1. Log into WeTheNorth Market through Tor Browser
  2. Navigate to Wallet → Deposit XMR
  3. Copy your unique deposit address (new address generated each time)
  4. Open your Monero wallet
  5. Send XMR to the copied address
  6. Wait for 10 confirmations (~20 minutes)
  7. Funds appear in your WeTheNorth balance

Deposit Security Tips

  • Only deposit what you need: Never store large amounts in marketplace wallets. Exit scams happen.
  • Verify address carefully: Triple-check the address before sending. Malware can swap clipboard addresses.
  • Use fresh addresses: WeTheNorth generates new deposit addresses. Use them for better privacy.
  • Don't reuse addresses: Each deposit should go to a fresh market-generated address.
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Marketplace Balance Risk: Money in your WeTheNorth wallet is only as safe as the marketplace. If the market exit scams or is seized, your balance is gone. Deposit small amounts, buy quickly, and withdraw any leftover funds.

Withdrawing Monero from WeTheNorth

Completed a sale as a vendor? Have leftover balance? Here's how to withdraw.

Withdrawal Process

  1. Go to Wallet → Withdraw XMR
  2. Enter your personal Monero wallet address
  3. Specify amount (note: withdrawal fee applies)
  4. Confirm withdrawal with 2FA
  5. Wait for processing (varies by market load)
  6. Funds arrive in your personal wallet

Withdrawal Security

  • Withdraw to personal wallet only: Never withdraw directly to exchange or service you didn't verify
  • Generate fresh receive address: Use subaddress feature for each withdrawal
  • Wait for confirmations: Don't consider funds secure until 10+ confirmations

Common Monero Mistakes to Avoid

Even Monero users make OPSEC mistakes. Avoid these common errors.

❌ Buying XMR on KYC Exchange

Purchasing Monero with your real identity defeats the purpose. Even though Monero transactions are private, the exchange knows you bought XMR and when.

❌ Sending Directly from Exchange to Market

Exchange knows the destination address. Even if they can't see further transactions, they know you sent to a darknet-related address.

❌ Not Waiting for Confirmations

Spending unconfirmed XMR can cause issues. Always wait for full confirmation.

❌ Storing Seed Phrase Digitally

Photos of seed phrase, text files, cloud storage = compromised. Write on paper, store physically secure.

❌ Using Same Wallet for Everything

Separate wallets for different purposes. Market activity shouldn't mix with regular spending.

❌ Ignoring Wallet Updates

Monero protocol upgrades require wallet updates. Running outdated software can cause sync issues or security vulnerabilities.

Advanced Monero Privacy Tips

For maximum security, implement these additional measures.

Run Your Own Node

Using remote nodes means trusting them with your transaction data. Running your own node keeps everything local. Yes, it requires storage space. The privacy benefit is worth it for serious users.

Use Subaddresses

Your Monero wallet can generate unlimited subaddresses. Use a new one for each transaction. Even if someone knows one subaddress, they can't link it to your others or main address.

Consider Tails OS

Tails is a privacy-focused operating system that runs from USB. All traffic routes through Tor. Leaves no trace on the computer. Monero CLI wallet works great on Tails.

Time-Based OPSEC

Don't always transact at the same time. Patterns are identifiable. Vary when you send and receive Monero.

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Learn More: The Monero community at getmonero.org has extensive documentation on privacy best practices.

Monero Resources

Next: Understanding the Escrow System

Learn how WeTheNorth protects your funds during transactions with its escrow system.

Escrow System Guide Safety Tips