Chapter 1: Introduction to Arweave and AR Tokens

I am currently experimenting with Arweave for the purpose of securely storing NFT images and metadata over the long term. My previous experiences have left me skeptical about "decentralized" IPFS solutions, which often rely on ongoing subscription fees.

As I delve into this process, I felt it would be beneficial to outline how to acquire AR tokens, which are essential for using Arweave. For U.S. citizens, the acquisition process is anything but straightforward, and it lacks comprehensive documentation.

After two days of navigating various exchanges, I encountered numerous obstacles. Platforms like Binance and Gate.io denied my access due to my U.S. residency, while Coinbase, despite being listed as an Arweave partner, does not support AR token transactions. It’s amusing to think that they’re partners but have no actual collaboration in this regard.

Setting Up a Wallet for AR Tokens

To start, I installed the ArConnect extension for the Brave browser. This tool acts similarly to MetaMask but is tailored for the Arweave ecosystem. While using ArConnect isn't mandatory, it simplifies the process significantly. Once installed, it functions like any standard wallet extension.

After setup, I obtained a wallet address for my AR tokens, although I haven't secured any yet. Alternatively, you can visit arweave.org and click "Claim a Token," which will initiate a basic setup and provide a small amount of AR for testing purposes. However, I preferred the ArConnect method and aimed for a larger AR token amount, as my tests require substantial data storage.

Acquiring AR Tokens: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of obtaining AR tokens is not as easy as it seems, especially for U.S. citizens. Here’s how I managed to get started.

#### Step 1: Transfer USDT to Your MetaMask

USDT, commonly known as Tether, is a widely-used stablecoin. Although I typically operate in the Ethereum ecosystem, I wanted to clarify this process for others. Begin by opening the ASSETS tab in your MetaMask wallet:

Next, scroll down and select "Import Tokens":

On the following screen, click the "Custom Token" tab:

You will need the USDT contract address, which you can find on Etherscan by navigating to the Tokens section:

Once you locate Tether, click on it to access its contract address:

Copy this address and paste it into the appropriate box in MetaMask. After saving, you should see the USDT asset in your wallet.

#### Step 2: Swap ETH for USDT

You can now swap some ETH for USDT. This step might incur additional fees, but it's a quick way to acquire the tokens you need.

Now that I have USDT, let’s move on to the next step.

#### Step 3: Convert USDT to AR

At this point, I recommend using everPay, which has proven to be one of the few accessible platforms for U.S. residents looking to acquire AR tokens. Connect your MetaMask wallet to their deposit app, set the coin to USDT, and enter the amount.

The transaction will incur gas fees, which is typical in this process.

Once you have confirmed the swap, proceed to finalize the transaction in MetaMask.

Your AR tokens will be visible in your everPay wallet.

#### Step 4: Transferring AR to Your ArConnect Wallet

To withdraw your AR tokens to your ArConnect wallet, click on your balance and select the amount you wish to transfer. Ensure you select the Arweave network and input your wallet address.

Confirm the transaction in MetaMask, and note that it may take several minutes to complete.

Eventually, your AR tokens will arrive in your ArConnect wallet, enabling you to conduct further tests related to long-term metadata and image storage for your NFTs.

In my upcoming articles, I plan to delve deeper into using Arweave for NFT storage, as I believe there’s much to explore in this area.

Jim Dee is a prolific writer, developer, and multimedia creator from Portland. For more about him, his work, and his projects, visit JPD3.com. Thank you for reading!

Chapter 2: Storing NFT Data on Arweave

This video titled "Store your NFT data on Arweave" provides a comprehensive overview of how to effectively utilize Arweave for NFT storage.