There is barely any data that reflects the adoption rate of cryptocurrencies in Eritrea; however, as a least-developed country, the growing need for diversification and economic freedom has opened a market for crypto exchange providers.
The hassle and limitations of the traditional financial system in Eritrea, alongside the tech-savvy and young population, are exploring these virtual currencies in a bid to gain from their volatile nature.
In this article, we will explore the crypto exchange providers that are facilitating trade and investment opportunities for Eritreans, their most unique features, and why they are preferred.
Key Takeaways
- Cryptocurrency exchange providers are legal to operate in Eritrea.
- However, there is no legal framework governing their operations.
- UEEx, Binance, and Coinbase rank among the top exchanges in Eritrea.
- Before selecting an exchange, security, fees, liquidity, ease of use, payment methods, and customer support should be considered.
Top Exchanges in the Eritrea in 2025
| Exchange | Best For | Trading Fees | Max Leverage | Available Assets | Fiat Support | Security Features | Unique Features |
| UEEx | Comprehensive dashboard for managing crypto and stocks | 0.09% Maker/Taker (spot);0.08-0.1% Maker/Taker (margin) | 200x | 300+ | 15+ Fiat currency support | – 93% of users’ assets are stored in cold storage, – 2FA- Access control with IP and wallet whitelisting, – Proof of Reserve (PoR) | – UE Coin Miner app – Access to US and Hong Kong stocks |
| Binance | Wide range of assets | 0.1% Maker/Taker (spot and margin); 25% discounts for BNB holders | – Varies by asset- Up to 125x for Futures | 500+ | 100+ currencies | 2FA, SAFU fund, Cold storage | BNB fee discounts,Diverse offering (staking, DeFi, NFTs) Launchpad,DeFi integration |
| Coinbase | Educational resources | Vary, but typically: Taker 0.60%, Maker: 0.40% | Up to 20x | 240+ | 60+ fiat currencies | Cold storage, 2FA, Encryption, Coinbase vault | – Robust educational resource,- Coinbase wallet – Advanced charts |
| OKX | Advanced security infrastructure | Regular Users: Maker fee: 0.08% Taker: 0.1%VIP Users: Maker fee: 0.045%Taker fee: 0.050% | 100x for futures and 10x for spot | 350+ | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and 40+ | OKX risk shield, MFA, Cold storage, PoR, anti-phishing codes, multi-signature wallets | Robust security features with regular external audits |
| Pursa | Strong security and Anonymity | Maker-taker fees (0.05% – 0.25%) | N/A | BTC, ETH, Tether, BNB, LTC, DOGE, and a few others, | 100+ | 2FA, cold storage | Pursa anonymous escrow and instant payment features |
| SpectroCoin | Crypto-backed loan | Maker fees 0.05%. Taker fees: 0.1% | N/A | 50+ | 20+ fiat currencies | 2FA, Cold storage | Personal dedicated IBAN, Debit card |
| Symlix | Online P2P Market | N/A | N/A | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, Bitcoin Cash, Stellar, Litecoin, Dash and Zcash | Numerous, but not explicitly mentioned | 2FA, Cold Storage | Secured PEP exchange (person-escrow-person) |
| Changelly | Quick transactions | Maker/Taker: 0.1%Liquidation fee (margin trading): 0.5% | N/A | 500+ | 10+ | Non-custodial platform | No account needed for instant exchange (crypto-to-crypto) |
| Bitmama | Mobile money and local payment integration | Maker: 0.5%Taker: 0.8% | N/A | BTC, Celo, USDT, XRP, USDC, XLM and others | NGN, GHS, KES, USD, ZAR, EUR, GBP | 2FA, crypto cards spending limits, transaction alerts | Local payment options |
1. UEEx – Overall Winner
Source: UEEx
Summary: UEEx has a comprehensive dashboard that is suitable for beginners and experienced traders alike, with features to manage 300+ cryptocurrencies and other stocks.
Technical analysis during crypto trading and investments can be quite overwhelming, especially for beginners. It even gets worse for a country like Eritrea, where digital literacy is still a work in progress.
This is why most traders in Eritrea are opting for UEEx—a simple and easy-to-use crypto exchange that can satisfy all calibres of traders—beginners, experienced, and pro-traders. It has a user-friendly UI and offers buying and selling of over 200 crypto assets—from Bitcoin to altcoins, stablecoins, and even meme coins.
Crypto traders with other stock investments are not left out, as UEEx also supports other stocks, all in one platform. Traders can also access major US and Hong Kong stocks.
The security and privacy features of UEEx are top-notch, as it offers features such as 2,000 unique deposit addresses per user, storing 93% of user assets in cold wallets, alongside other advanced encryption techniques that comply with regulatory standards.
UEEx has innovative features like the UE Coin miner app, which allows users to mine UE Coin, the platform’s native token. It also offers copy trading, a feature where inexperienced traders can mirror the trades of experienced ones.
Pros
- User-friendly platform suitable for beginners and experienced traders
- Wide range of crypto assets and stocks
- Innovative features like copy trading and the UE Coin Miner app
- Robust security framework with cold storage and advanced encryption
- Multiple language support
Cons
- Relatively new exchange compared to some established players
- The UI of the web platform can be modern
Fees
- Spot Trading: 0.09% (Maker/Taker fee)
- Margin Trading: 0.08-0.10% (Maker/Taker fee)
A detailed breakdown of UEEx’s fees is contained on the image below:
Source: UEEx.com
2. Binance – Best for Wide Range of Assets
Summary: Binance has an extensive list of crypto assets as well as newer projects, which makes it an attractive option for users seeking to diversify their investments.
Binance is notable for its low trading fees, extensive selection of coins, advanced trading features, high liquidity, strong security measures, and large user base. These are recipes for a reliable trading environment for both beginners and experienced traders.
Additionally, using Binance Coin (BNB) for fees can further reduce costs. Users can access features like staking, DeFi integration, and NFT offerings. Binance also provides a user-friendly mobile app, educational resources, and a comprehensive knowledge base.
For a low-income country like Eritrea, every avenue to save more money is always smiled at. The lower the trading fees, the better. This explains the growing interest of Eritreans in Binance.
Binance makes it even better. Through various incentives and regional reward programs, it is capturing the minds of the people.
Pros
- Extensive selection of cryptocurrencies and features, including new projects
- Strong reputation.
- Low-fee approach to crypto investing
- User-friendly platform and mobile app
Cons
- Customer support is sometimes slow
- Some advanced features may be too overwhelming for beginners
Fees
- Trading Fees: Standard fee of 0.1% (makers and takers).
- Using Binance Coin (BNB), this can be reduced by 25% for makers and takers.
- Fee also reduces for VIP levels.
A detailed breakdown of the fees is as follows:
3. Coinbase – Best for Educational Resources
Summary: Coinbase has a lot of educational resources, making it ideal for beginners.
Coinbase offers a flexible dashboard that can cater to all kinds of traders. It has a wide range of educational resources that serve as a safe haven for beginners and up-to-date information banks for pro-traders.
This exchange is flexible and gives Eritreans the option to buy or trade over 240 crypto assets. It has advanced trading and security systems, including advanced charts, cold wallet storage, and MFA encryptions.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Free crypto through its learn-and-earn program
- Fast deposits using PayID
- $20 Bitcoin welcome bonus
- Robust security feature of 98% of assets in offline storage
Cons
- Higher transaction fees compared to other exchanges
- Potentially slow customer support during peak periods
- Fees can be quite expensive for small traders
Fees
- Trading fees: 0.4% for Makers and 0.6% for takers (higher than most competitors)
- PayID deposits: Free
- Advanced trading platform fees: 0-1%
- Withdrawal fees: Vary by method
A detailed breakdown of the fees is as follows:
4. OKX – Best for Advanced Security
Summary: OKX is one of the largest crypto exchanges out there. It offers services such as DeFi, NFTs, and staking. One unique feature of OKX is its security architecture.
The Web3 ecosystem, as we know, is filled with technical complexities that are overwhelming for beginners and sometimes even professionals. Enthusiasts tend to seek help from time to time for their investments and trades, and this creates room for scammers to thrive. This is why security should be prioritized when picking a crypto exchange.
OKX has done pretty well in this regard if you ask me. From the OKX risk shield to multiple authentication systems, use of cold storage, proof of reserves (PoR) strategy, anti-phishing codes, multi-signature wallets, and others. This shows how robust the OKX security infrastructure is and why Eritreans are patronising it.
Aside from its security framework, OKX has over 350 crypto assets, and users can deposit and withdraw in over 40 fiat currencies. The trading fees, on the other hand, are very low.
Pros
- Competitive fees
- Robust security
- High-interest staking opportunities
- Ease to buy cryptocurrency using a card, bank account, or digital wallet
Cons
- Limited payment option
- The user interface may be overwhelming for beginners
Fees
- Trading fees: 0.08% to 0.1% (can be lower with high volume)
- Deposit fees: None (built into the exchange rate)
- Withdrawal fees: Vary by cryptocurrency
- Minimum deposit: None
- Maximum daily withdrawal: $10,000 (can be increased)
- Deposit methods: Bank transfer and credit/debit cards
A detailed breakdown of the fees is as follows:
Source: OKX
5. Pursa – Best for Anonymity
Summary: Pursa is well known for its anonymity, sleek escrow service, and enticing referral program.
Pursa is a crypto exchange where users can buy or sell cryptocurrencies anonymously. It supports a Bitcoin wallet, and an exchange and also has an escrow and a referral program where Eritreans can earn from.
This exchange offers deposits and withdrawals via local channels, making it a suitable and preferred exchange in Eritrea and other 230 countries.
Some of these channels include the Afriland First Bank, Airtel Money, Airtime Mobile Top Up, Bank Transfer, Cash Deposit to Bank, Ecobank, EUR Bank Transfer, MasterCard, MoMo, Moneybookers, Moov Money, MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, PayPal, Perfect Money, Revolut, Skrill, TransferWise, US Bank Transfer, VISA or Wise.
Another amazing feature is the Pursa Escrow—an advanced solution that gives you the ability to set the price at which you want instant users to buy or sell bitcoin (BTC).
The referral program is also catchy as it offers 20% off Pursa’s fees on all referral sales and purchases, including all their future trades.
Pros
- Mobile-optimized website
- Decentralized escrow system
- Anonymity-centric
Cons
- Limited transparency regarding security measures
- No mobile application
Fees
- Maker-taker fees (0.05% – 0.25%)
6. Spectrocoin – Best for Crypto-based Loans
Summary: Spectrocoin does not only offer exchange services but also issues crypto loans, personal IBANs, and debit cards.
Looking for a crypto-based loan? Spectrocoin has you covered. With this exchange, you can use your cryptocurrency holdings as collateral to back your crypto loan. Spectrocoin crypto lending platform supports euros, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other currencies.
Getting a loan is very easy. See the image below for the steps:
Aside from this service, users can also enjoy the services of a wallet that is linked to a personal and dedicated free international banking account number (IBAN) for fiat transactions. This is so cool because you can save your assets in crypto and still be able to make fiat transactions on the go.
Pros
- Crypto loans
- Free IBAN
- Great customer service
Cons
- Low volume
Fees
- Spot: Maker fees: 0.05%. Taker fees: 0.1% across most markets
7. Symlix – Best for Online P2P Market
Summary: Fast P2P and PEP services that are supported by escrow.
Symlix makes it possible for Eritreans to sell cryptocurrencies between themselves via its peer-to-peer (P2P) and person-escrow-person (PEP) schemes. The Symlix marketplace guarantees trade safety by holding crypto assets in escrow until trade is completed.
The security infrastructure of this exchange is quite fair. All sensitive information is encrypted. By default, withdrawals are secured by an approval link to your email and 2-factor authentication (2-FA) for both login and withdrawal. Moreover, a temporary lock is placed on accounts with suspicious activities until verification.
Pros
- Fast and convenient P2P platform
- Trade easily without verification
- Good user-interface
Cons
- Scam-related complaints against some vendors
- Slow customer support
- Not popular
Fees
- Trading Fees: Varies
- Deposit Fees: N/A
- Withdrawal Fees: N/A
8. Changelly – Best for Instant Transactions
Summary: Swift exchange platform without the need of owning an account, or going through numerous verification procedures.
Changelly is a non-custodial instant cryptocurrency exchange platform that focuses on providing a fast and simple way to exchange cryptocurrencies. It supports many coins and tokens, making it a good option for Eritreans who want to diversify their crypto holdings or trade between different assets.
Changelly stands out for its streamlined exchange process. Without an account or lengthy verification procedures, users can simply select the coins they want to exchange, enter the amount, and provide their wallet address. Changelly then finds the best exchange rate available and facilitates the swap quickly and efficiently.
This focus on speed and simplicity makes Changelly a convenient option for those who want quick transactions.
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- Fast and easy exchange process with no account needed
- Competitive exchange rates
- Non-custodial platform, meaning users retain control of their funds
Cons
- Not regulated in Eritrea
- Limited customer support options
Fees
- Trading Fees: Standard fee of 0.1% for both Maker and Taker (for spot and margin).
A detailed breakdown of the fees is as follows:
9. Bitmama – Best for Local Payment Integrations
Summary: One of Bitmama’s greatest strengths is its incorporation of mobile money payment options, which powers easier and faster transactions.
Bitmama is a leading global crypto exchange provider that is supported in over 100+ countries and has a strong presence in Africa. Through strategic partnerships, such as the recent one with MANSA, Bitmama is improving cross-border accessibility across Africa.
This focus on the African continent makes Bitmama a better choice amongst Eritreans, plus its facilitation of crypto trades and investments using diverse African currencies on major coins and tokens such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether (USDT), Celo, Stellar, and USDC.
Pros
- Mobile money integration
- Community-oriented
- Focus on financial inclusion
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited global reach
- Lack of some advanced trading features
- Liquidity concerns
- Customer support could be better
Fees
- Spot: Maker: 0.5%, Taker: 0.8%
Why Use a Crypto Exchange in Eritrea?
The real question is why shouldn’t you? If you’re an investor, you could patronize a custodian wallet or get a hardware wallet and store your assets, but if you are into or interested in buying and selling cryptocurrencies, you definitely need a crypto exchange.
Many crypto exchanges have some cool incentives, such as affiliate and referral programs, that could be a source of revenue generation for you.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin, statesman and inventor.
This quote reflects how to learn better by learning on the job. The copy trading feature offered by these exchanges is taking this to a whole new level by providing an opportunity for novice traders to mirror and replicate trades from experienced traders.
A feature like Coinbase’s learn-to-earn opportunity is another advantage of using a crypto exchange, as it expands digital literacy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exchange
From the list above, it is quite evident there are numerous crypto exchanges around, so how do you know which is best to use?
Although I have hinted at the major strengths of these exchanges, here are some things you should still look forward to before making a decision:
Exchange Rates and Fees
The cheaper the better, right? Look out for exchanges with competitive fees, as this would save you a lot of money, especially if you trade regularly.
It is important to understand all the fees involved, including transaction fees, service charges, and any hidden costs.
| Exchange | Trading Fees | Max Leverage | |
| Maker | Taker | ||
| UEEx | 0.09% | 0.09% | 200x |
| Binance | 0.1% | 0.1% | – Varies by asset- Up to 125x (futures) |
| Coinbase | 0.40% | 0.60% | Up to 20x |
| OKX | 0.08% (regular users) 0.045% (regular users) | 0.1% (regular users) 0.050% (VIP users) | 100x (futures) 10x (spot) |
| Pursa | 0.05% – 0.25% | 0.05% – 0.25% | N/A |
| SpectroCoin | 0.05% | 0.1% | N/A |
| Symlix | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Changelly | 0.1% | 0.1% | N/A |
| Bitmama | 0.5% | 0.8% | N/A |
As you can see in the table above, Spectrocoin, UEEx, Pursa and OKX lead this category, with Binance and Changelly coming close with a tie. Some exchanges like Symlix do not explicitly state their fees on their website.
Transparent crypto exchange providers will list all fees upfront to avoid any surprises. I would suggest you look out for such exchanges with nothing to hide.
Users Reviews
In the words of Peter Drucker:
“The leader of the past knew how to tell. The leader of the future will know how to ask.“
Always ask about reviews of an exchange before making your pick. You can read about other users’ reviews on blogs, articles, and social media, or check out the reviews on Google Play Store and App Store.
Source: TrustPilot.com
Reputation
Look out for exchanges with a solid reputation. Remember, reputation quality is determined by how well an exchange is seen, understood, and trusted, and how different its offering is compared to its competitors.
Factors like the number of users, customer reviews, accountability, and transparency metrics should be top priorities while gauging an exchange’s reputation.
Security
In the crypto-verse, security is everything, as a slight data breach can be catastrophic. Always rule out exchanges with histories of data breaches from your list.
Look out for crypto exchanges with multiple-factor authentication, cold storage and other sophisticated security measures that will ensure the safety of your personal data and, most especially, your assets.
UEEx and OKX do well in this regard as they have strong security infrastructure that makes them stand out. While others such as Pursa’s anonymity feature ensure user security.
Compliance to Regulation
Confirm that the exchange abides by all the legal frameworks set by the country where it operates. In the case of Eritrea, there are currently no regulations governing the activities of crypto exchanges; do well to keep this in mind and always be up to date in case of a future legal framework.
Incentives and Additional Services
From Spectrocoin’s crypto-based loan feature to Coinbase’s learn-to-earn program, most crypto exchanges have one or more additional services that are sometimes exclusive to them in a bid to be unique from their competition.
You could leverage these incentives to make more from your trading or investing experience.
Customer Support
Who do you run to when you have questions? The crypto space is filled with scammers who are looking to take advantage of traders and investors. This is why active and good customer support should be prioritized.
Preferably, a live chat or a few ‘minutes-in-between-response’ customer service options should be sought out. You never know when you will need an on-the-go reply, especially in this space when volatility is everything. The bull run speaks volumes.
Currency Acceptance and Crypto Availability
What currencies do you deal with, and what cryptocurrencies are you looking towards investing, buying, or selling? Is it available on a particular exchange? These are the questions you should be asking.
Also, look out for fiat-conversion mechanisms employed by the exchange. Is it flexible enough? Are there numerous options? Is it swift? Is there P2P?
If the exchange answers these questions to your satisfaction, I think you just found yourself a winner.
Getting Starting With UEEx in the Eritrea
Trading on UEEx in Eritrea is simple. Follow these steps to get started:
Open an Account
Visit the UEEx website and click on Sign Up at the top of the homepage. You’ll need to:
- Enter your email address or phone number with the country code.
- Create a strong password that’s unique to your account.
- If you have an invitation code, use it to receive a commission.
After signing up, you’ll get a verification code sent to your email or phone. Enter the code to confirm and activate your account.
Deposit Funds
Once your account is active, deposit funds to start trading:
- Go to the Asset Management section.
- Decide whether to deposit cryptocurrency or fiat currency.
- Under the Recharge section, select your preferred deposit method.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Be aware that deposits take time to process, depending on the method used. Crypto deposits depend on block confirmations, while fiat deposits depend on bank processing times.
Buy Cryptocurrency
Now that your account is funded, you’re ready to trade:
- Click Trade next to your chosen asset.
- Choose an order type:
- Market Order: Buys or sells immediately at the current market price.
- Limit Order: Allows you to set a specific price for buying or selling.
- Enter the amount of cryptocurrency you want to buy or the amount of fiat currency you want to spend.
- Review your order, then click Buy or Sell to complete the transaction.
Transfer to a Wallet
For better security, move your cryptocurrency to a personal wallet you control:
- Hardware Wallets: Physical devices like Ledger or Trezor that keep your crypto offline.
- Software Wallets: Apps like MetaMask or Trust Wallet that allow you to manage your crypto digitally.
By transferring to a personal wallet, you ensure greater protection for your assets.
Are Crypto Exchanges Legal in Eritrea?
Cryptocurrency exchange providers are legal to operate in Eritrea but are unregulated. However, the limitation and regulation of the internet in the country are affecting their operations.
Conclusion
Simplicity is key, especially for a country like Eritrea where the internet and electricity infrastructure are in a poor state. A heavy and sophisticated user interface will require stable network coverage. This may present a frustrating experience while trading or investing using crypto exchanges.
Keep this in mind together with other features such as security, the exchange’s reputation, user feedback, and customer support should also be prioritized.
Lastly, look out for the exchanges’ fees and other unique features such as referral and affiliate incentives, crypto loans, escrow-powered P2P services, and others, as they may be of interest to you. These additional features could make a difference and can elevate your trading and investing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the Best Crypto Exchanges in Eritrea?
UEEx, Binance and Coinbase top the list due to their extensive list of crypto assets, reputation, security infrastructure and advanced trading tools.
- What is the Most Popular Exchange in Eritrea?
Binance is definitely the most popular exchange in Eritrea.
- Are there any local alternatives to global crypto exchanges?
Yes, exchanges like Pursa, Spectrocoin and Symlix cater specifically to local users by offering payment methods compatible with regional banking and mobile money systems.
