How do you obtain bitcoins?

Bitcoin sounds interesting, but if I want to use this system I will need to get some coins, otherwise there's no way I can spend them! How can I start?

You can use an online exchange such as the following for US dollars:

• Mt. Gox
• CampBX

As well as many others for dollars, and other currencies.

You can also use tools such as bitcoinlocator.com to find people near you who will trade cash for bitcoins, or advertise that you are buying bitcoins. Or find anyone in IRC channels or Bitcoin Forum.

Alternatively, you can buy from Bitinstant.com instantly, but it is more expensive than Mt. Gox or similar exchanges.

However, I believe by far the best way to get bitcoins is to provide goods and services for bitcoin. This stimulates the bitcoin economy and makes the bitcoins you receive more valuable.

Mining bitcoins is very technical, and not for many people. Unless you already have the hardware and technical skill to set it up I would not recommend mining as a way to get bitcoins.