Which ones are reliable?
Which ones are people actually using?
How do they work?
Instant exchange that i know to be secured and free from the regulations is the p2p exchanges, you can make this using the crypto networks on the blockchain, its either you go through a centralized exchange or a decentralized one, you can also make a physical or offline crypto p2p exchange when you have a credible and trusted escrow service provider to hander your trade for you, i want to believe you're not referring to the fiat systema and currency exchanges.