Currently Bitcoin has for some whom the time will be even up to 48h to come to desired place.
Also keep in mind BTC fee, currently suggested one for AVERAGE transaction size is 0.0005424BTC while many services have it bigger so we can make it to 0.0001 which is 1,2USD.
Currently you have to pay at least 1,2 USD and wait hour up to a day. Doesnt sound like a good deal.
So what to do when you see opportunity at some exchange to buy coin X fast cheaper, yet BTC takes few hours up to a day to confirm?
Solution is simple.
When you want to move BTC from one exchange to another, buy LTC, transfer the LTC then buy back BTC.
Why LTC?
- Its trading almost everywhere where BTC is.
- Its more stable in price than most currencies right now on the BTC run.
- It has fast block times (you will have money in like 15 minutes)
- It has small fees (you will pay a cent)
- Has huge liquidity - you can transfer 10-100 BTC without a problem.
LTC/USD price is almost the same since a year floating around 3,8USD of course has its spikes and downs but nothing that you can feel while using the coin to actually move BTC between sites.
If you want to do math before using the method take into consideration as @Transisto suggested: you will pay double transaction and withdrawal/deposit fees. Make sure the time/opportunity is worth it.
With this simple method you will waste less time and possible make money.
STEEM and BTS Are Also Good For This!
While having less exchanges yet having 0 fees and super fast transfer times both of this coins are also good for the trick BUT ONLY FOR SMALL NUMBERS. Liquidity is not that big right now. Just last days the spread between buy/sell is big esp on STEEM hence the main currency in article is LTC. But if you want to transfer small amount like 0.01 or 0.1BTC it might be even faster and cheaper with this two!
The idea is to send and sell as fast as exchange is reached, spreads would give you extra loss.