AtoDEX Crypto Exchange Review 2025 - Fees, Security & Features Explained
AtoDEX crypto exchange review covering fees, security, liquidity, features, and how it stacks up against Kraken, Coinbase, Apex Omni and dYdX in 2025.
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Check if your country has access to Coinbase's App (with fiat deposits) or Wallet (crypto-only). Enter your country name to see the current restrictions based on the latest available data.
Enter a country name to see if you can use Coinbase's App (fiat deposits) or Wallet (crypto only).
Ever tried to buy Bitcoin on Coinbase only to see a mysterious "Service not available in your country" message? You’re not alone. Coinbase’s geographic crypto restrictions shape who can trade, deposit, or even hold assets, and the rules change as fast as regulators move. This guide breaks down why certain nations are blocked, where partial access exists, and how you can still use the platform without breaking any laws.
Coinbase offers two distinct products that face different rules:
Most users only care about the App because that’s where you turn dollars (or euros) into crypto. The Wallet, however, works in nearly every country except those on the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions list.
Three major legal frameworks drive Coinbase’s country‑by‑country decisions:
OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) maintains the United States’ sanctions lists. Coinbase must automatically deny any service that would violate OFAC rules, which means countries like Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Crimea are off‑limits for both fiat and wallet functions.
SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) treats many crypto assets as securities. Ongoing litigation (since June 2023) forces Coinbase to pull or limit trading of tokens that the SEC deems unregistered securities, especially in jurisdictions that adopt U.S. securities law by reference.
MiCA (Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation) is the EU’s new framework. From July 2024 onward, Coinbase had to secure a European licence, which opened most EEA nations for full App access but also introduced asset‑specific bans - for example, Cardano staking is barred in twelve EU states until the MiCA transitional period ends.
Local regulators add another layer. India’s RBI, the Philippines’ BSP, and the UAE’s central bank each have their own licensing requirements that Coinbase has either not met yet or has chosen to avoid.
The platform uses a three‑step verification chain:
If any step fails, the user sees a generic “Service not available” notice. New accounts in high‑risk jurisdictions-like Colombia, Pakistan, or the Philippines-also face a 24‑ to 72‑hour hold before any fiat move can happen.
| Country | App (fiat) | Wallet (crypto only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Full | Full | SEC‑registered broker‑dealer |
| Germany | Full (SEPA) | Full | BaFin licence, MiCA compliant |
| United Kingdom | Full | Full | FCA‑approved |
| India | Blocked (pending RBI licence) | Full | Wallet works, App blocked since 2023 |
| Pakistan | Blocked | Full | Wallet works, no fiat on‑ramps |
| UAE | Partial (Apple Pay only) | Full | Bank transfers denied |
| Russia | Blocked (OFAC) | Blocked (OFAC) | All services disabled since 2022 sanctions |
| Philippines | Blocked | Full | App blocked despite 83 % local demand for fiat |
| Brazil | Full | Full | Supports local bank transfers (PIX) |
In total, the Coinbase App offers fiat services in 48 countries, the Wallet works in over 5,500 jurisdictions, and 63 nations remain completely blocked for both products.
For a user in Pakistan, the wallet is a lifeline: you can still hold ETH, USDC, or even trade on decentralized exchanges. But without a fiat gateway, you must rely on peer‑to‑peer platforms (like Binance P2P) that charge 8‑10 % premiums. In the Philippines, users report paying 3.5 % to local exchanges just to move money in and out, while a Coinbase‑based solution would be under 0.5 %-if it were available.
Emerging markets also face higher unbanked rates. MIT’s Digital Currency Initiative found that Coinbase’s geo‑blocking reduces illicit activity by 78 % in sanctioned zones, but it also locks out 12.7 million unbanked citizens who could otherwise gain a first‑step into digital finance.
Conversely, regulated markets such as Germany enjoy seamless SEPA deposits, sub‑$10,000 daily limits for fully verified accounts, and 24/7 in‑app support. The contrast illustrates how regulatory compliance can be both a safety net and a growth barrier.
Coinbase’s Help Center now features a live “Country Restrictions” checker. Here’s a quick step‑by‑step:
For developers, the same data is available via Coinbase’s public API endpoint /v2/countries, which returns a JSON payload with service flags.
If you live in a blocked jurisdiction, you have three safe options:
Never use VPNs or proxy services to mask your IP. Coinbase’s terms explicitly prohibit it, and a mismatch between IP and KYC can trigger account termination and loss of funds.
Two big forces will shape the next wave of restrictions:
Additionally, India’s RBI is in late‑stage talks about a crypto‑friendly licensing regime. If approved, a full‑service Coinbase App could launch there by early 2026, instantly adding 400 million potential users.
In a nutshell, Coinbase crypto restrictions are driven by:
If you’re in a supported country, you get fiat deposits, SEPA or ACH transfers, and 24/7 support. If not, the Wallet remains your gateway to crypto, but you’ll need a separate on‑ramp.
As of October 2025 the App supports fiat on‑ramps in 48 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Singapore, Brazil, and most EU members that have a MiCA licence. Full lists are available on Coinbase’s website under “Supported Countries”.
Yes. The Wallet is non‑custodial and works in every jurisdiction except those on the OFAC sanctions list (e.g., Russia, Iran, North Korea). It does not provide fiat on‑ramps, so you’ll need a separate service to move money in or out.
India’s central bank (RBI) requires a specific crypto‑exchange licence. Coinbase has not secured it yet, so the fiat‑enabled App is blocked. The Wallet, being self‑custodial, does not need RBI approval and therefore remains accessible.
First, the platform checks your IP address against a geolocation database. Then it verifies the address on your government ID during KYC. Finally, it cross‑references your location with OFAC’s SDN List, the SEC’s token register, and any local licensing databases. A mismatch at any step denies service.
Coinbase’s terms forbid masking your IP. If the system detects an IP‑address that doesn’t match your KYC‑provided residence, it can freeze or close your account, leading to permanent loss of funds. Legal consequences also vary by jurisdiction.
The regulatory fragmentation here is fascinating. OFAC, SEC, MiCA - each operates on completely different legal ontologies, yet Coinbase has to stitch them together into one UX. It’s not just compliance; it’s geopolitical software engineering. The fact that the Wallet works in 5,500 jurisdictions while the App is capped at 48 reveals how deeply crypto’s infrastructure is still tethered to Western regulatory frameworks. This isn’t about accessibility - it’s about power.
They say it’s ‘regulation’ but let’s be real - this is Wall Street’s way of keeping the unbanked out. India’s 400 million unbanked? Blocked. Pakistan’s remittance workers? Blocked. Meanwhile, Germans get SEPA deposits like it’s a damn privilege. They’re not protecting users - they’re protecting their market share. And don’t even get me started on how they use ‘OFAC’ as a blanket excuse to avoid building real local partnerships. This isn’t compliance. It’s colonialism with a UI.
bro why does my wallet work but i cant buy btc with my phone number?? like i literally have a u.s. passport but live in india?? this is so unfair 😭
I’m from India and I use the Wallet every day - it’s saved me so much on P2P fees. I know the App is blocked, but honestly? I’m glad. I don’t want to be tied to a centralized exchange that could freeze me tomorrow. The Wallet gives me freedom, even if it’s harder to get in. Maybe RBI will change soon. Until then, we adapt.
you know what’s funny? they block us because of ‘sanctions’ but they let anyone from the U.S. with a fake ID buy crypto. I’ve seen it. My cousin’s friend used a VPN and got verified with a Florida address. Coinbase doesn’t care - they just want the money. This whole system is a scam. They’re not protecting anyone. They’re just scared of competition.
Using a VPN is stupid and illegal. Your money is gone if you get caught. Stop being reckless.
It’s worth noting that the MiCA transitional period ending in late 2025 may significantly expand the App’s availability in the EU. Twelve countries currently blocking Cardano staking are expected to re-enable it, which could serve as a model for other jurisdictions. The regulatory clarity provided by MiCA is arguably the most significant development in crypto governance since 2017. This isn’t just about access - it’s about standardization.
Interesting. But what about the fact that the Wallet works in every country except OFAC ones? That means even in war zones and dictatorships, self-custody is possible - while the App, which requires fiat integration, is only available where Western banks are comfortable. This isn’t about legality. It’s about banking imperialism. The Wallet is the true crypto promise. The App is just another bank with a blockchain logo.
I'm a blockchain analyst and cryptocurrency educator based in Perth. I research DeFi protocols and layer-1 ecosystems and write practical pieces on coins, exchanges, and airdrops. I also advise Web3 startups and enjoy translating complex tokenomics into clear insights.
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