How to Get Started with Sui
Setting up a wallet and accessing SUI are often the first steps in getting started in the Sui ecosystem.
Sui offers a vibrant ecosystem of apps and digital assets, and you will need to understand how to access and manage assets to make the most of the network. If you're new to Web3 and Sui, we will familiarize you with concepts like wallets and on-ramps. And even if you're a Web3 veteran, you'll want to find out about the best options to get started on Sui.
SUI can be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for goods and services, purchasing unique digital assets, or engaging in DeFi activities. No matter your goals, the first step is setting up a wallet and accessing SUI to begin exploring the ecosystem. Wallets, on-ramps, and bridges are key tools to getting started on your journey into the Sui ecosystem.
Sui wallets
To interact with most Sui apps, you’ll need a wallet, which works like an account on the network. With a wallet, you can connect to apps and manage digital assets, such as SUI, NFTs, stablecoins, and other fungible tokens. Wallets are typically either a browser extension or a mobile app, offering different experiences and serving the needs of different users.
A typical wallet setup requires the creation of a new Sui account which can be accomplished one of two ways: creating a new passphrase account or creating an account using a Web2 login such as your gmail account via zkLogin. Those using a passphrase will need to secure their recovery phrase provided during setup. Make sure to save the recovery phrase and store it securely offline. If you lose access to your recovery phrase, you will not be able to access your wallet. If creating an account with a Web2 login, simply follow the prompts to sign in and ensure that access to the account used is restricted to only yourself.
Here are some of the top wallets in the Sui ecosystem:
Sui on-ramps
With your wallet set up, you can now convert traditional fiat currency into SUI using an on-ramp. On-ramps are essential for new users, as they provide a simple and secure way to purchase SUI and other assets with fiat, such as USD or EUR.
The most common type of on-ramps are centralized exchanges, such as Coinbase or Binance. The second most common on-ramp types are payment processors. These on-ramps are very convenient as they are often embedded directly into wallets and may allow users to pay with credit or debit cards.
The following is a list of payment processors that support SUI. Note that availability is dependent on the country you are in.
Sui bridges
Web3 veterans with assets on other networks can easily bridge into the Sui ecosystem. A bridge allows you to transfer digital assets between different blockchains, enabling you to bring your existing tokens into the Sui ecosystem. Typically, bridging requires users to connect both a source wallet and a receiving wallet to the same app and submit a transaction from the source wallet. Depending on the networks involved, bridging transactions can take up to 15 minutes to complete.
Currently, the Wormhole Portal Bridge is the primary option available on Sui Mainnet for transferring assets to Sui. Many DeFi apps within Sui also embed the Wormhole bridge, providing a convenient location to bridge assets when exploring DeFi.
Looking ahead, the native Sui Bridge (currently on Testnet) is expected to launch on Mainnet in September, offering another bridging option for the Sui ecosystem.
Begin the journey
With wallets, on-ramps, and bridges at your disposal, you are now equipped with the knowledge needed to access SUI and explore the ecosystem. These tools form the foundation of your journey into Sui. As the ecosystem continues to grow and more features are developed for these tools, the onboarding experience will become even more smooth. Sui strives to offer user experiences on par with traditional web apps, welcoming all users to the Sui ecosystem.
Note: This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as an endorsement or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any asset, investment or financial product and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.