In order to use Zcash in private (shielded) transactions, you need to have ZEC. To get ZEC, you'll need to buy it. You can buy ZEC from a number of different exchanges, which we will list below. It is recommended that you use an exchange that supports shielded withdrawals.
Gemini is a regulated cryptocurrency exchange, wallet, and custodian that makes it simple and secure to buy ZEC, Ether, and other cryptocurrencies. You can buy ZEC with fiat or other cryptocurrencies.
The Rock trading is the first European crypto exchange. You can buy cryptocurrencies in a simple, safe manner and in full compliance with European legislation. You can buy ZEC with fiat or other cryptocurrencies.
Sideshift is a no sign-up crypto exchange, meaning you don't have to give out personal information (KYC). You can exchange between ZEC, BTC, ETH, and 50+ other cryptocurrencies. You can buy ZEC with other cryptocurrencies.
Airtm, Binance, Bitfinex, Coinbase, Exmo, Kraken, Poloniex and Bittrex all support buying ZEC with fiat or cryptocurrencies.
These exchanges support transparent withdrawals. This means when you withdrawal ZEC to your wallet, you need to send it to your transparent address, your public ZEC address.
When doing this, we recommend using a wallet that autoshields funds. Here's a video that explains how to do that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2msuzrxr3s
You can also mine ZEC, but that is usually not possible for average consumers. More on that here._