Ask HN: Where do you buy Ethereum?

Simplest I've found is to use a converter and keep my wallet file myself. myetherwallet.com can generate a wallet for you and facilitates the swaps. Just don't loose your wallet or password.

https://www.bitstamp.net/

Coinbase is looking into an issue with the CVN errors. https://status.coinbase.com/incidents/xjkssrrmlbw4

I bet you bank blocks the charge from coinbase because it's a foreign charge.

Coinbase doesn't work for you? Sounds like a credit card problem.