Trading $ for L$ ... How and where?

There is no direct mechanism in Second Life to buy L$ using real money, or to sell your L$ for real money. However, there are two third party sites that provide this service.

The first and most well known is Gaming Open Market. It uses a commodity market approach to buying and selling, so the price can fluctuate. Check the site for current pricing.

A second site that buys and sells L$ for cash is IGE. IGE uses a fixed price model for selling, instead of a market based approach, so the price is constant.

Both sites deliver the money quickly in the case of purchase, and both use Paypal as their method of payment. After purchase, your money is paid directly to you in game within 24 hours, normally much sooner (dependent upon PayPal clearance).

Both sites are safe to use, though obviously the sites are the responsibility of their owners and should be used with caution. We make no representation of which site to use, or give any endorsement to either site. We are simply providing this information.

Note - it is currently possible to pay your land use fees in Second Life using L$. Notice that the L$ to USD rate offered in game is quite horrible compared to third party sites. It is not recommended that you pay your fees in this way, as the rate is often up to 800% more expensive to pay in L$ based upon current market value for L$.

I have heard that it is possible to trade $L and other in-game items for real $ via some web site. I am new to SL. Where would I go to do this?

Thanks,

Persephone