If your circumstance is such that you aren't able to freely exchange your funds in and out of BTC, HODLing would indeed be much efficient. However, using any of the major exchanges would solve your problem with ease. You should check out Bitfinex. This is the exchange that I use, and I'm loving it!

I also believe that the long term trend is very bullish. However in times of uncertainty like the past 2 weeks, and the upcoming week, there are lots of volatility that give rise to multiple opportunities. Please do not forget that you're losing heaps on opportunity costs!

If you're a new investor, HODLing would indeed be the best strategy, and even as an experienced trader I am a HODLer too! But I make sure to take opportunities in times of volatility. There are so much money to be made, that would be lost if appropriate actions aren't taken.