Ever wondered, “Can PayPal work in Nigeria?” You’re not alone. Most Nigerians, including myself, have endured the hassle of the absence of online payment services.

Can PayPal be used in Nigeria is a question that keeps arising, especially when we’d want to make purchases online from abroad or get paid from abroad.

Luckily, there is a way to do that. Can you use PayPal in Nigeria can come across as such a simple query, but the answer requires some understanding.

In this article we are therefore going to break the steps down. Ultimately, following this guide shall show you how to use PayPal in Nigeria, and you are able to then interact with the international digital economy that bit more smoothly.

Let’s get down to the basics and simplify this process.

What is PayPal?

PayPal is the online wallet facility of an American financial organization registered in the United States and several other countries. The company is also registered in other countries like Canada, Luxemburg, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

It has a worldwide marketplace and is the biggest internet wallet facility by far.

The service was launched to scores of countries in 2014. It was officially launched for Nigerian residents in July 2014. Earlier, it was only Nigerian residents in supported nations who could open and hold an account.

Can PayPal Work in Nigeria?

PayPal services are available in Nigeria, albeit with severe limitations. Specifically, Nigerian PayPal accounts can send and not receive payments.

This restriction poses a hindrance to individuals and businesses willing to use PayPal to accept money.

For purposes of accepting payments, Nigerian users would have to open a PayPal account in a foreign country where receiving payments is accepted.

This typically entails opening a business entity and bank account in such a country. Despite all these difficulties, PayPal still facilitates making payments outside Nigeria.

Features of PayPal Accounts in Nigeria

So what can you do with PayPal in Nigeria? Here are a few of the things that you can do:

Shop online at sites which take PayPal as payment at checkout
Make payments on sites like eBay
Pay money to friends and family (you will have to check if it is something your recipient can get money for using PayPal in their country).

Also Read – 10 Best Selling Niche on Amazon KDP in 2025

How to Use PayPal in Nigeria

It may be tricky to use the platform, particularly for new users. Thus, we will walk you through using PayPal in Nigeria, from signing up for an account to sending and receiving payments.

Opening a PayPal Account

Go to paypal.com/ng
Sign up with an email address and password
Enter your name, address, and contact details
Add a payment method like a debit or credit card, or bank account
Confirm your email address and complete any required identity verification

Sending Money with Paypal

Enter the recipient’s details
Enter an amount, choose currency, and add an optional note
Tap your payment method, review your information, and tap Send

Receiving Money with Paypal

PayPal will inform you when someone pays to your mobile number or email address
You can see the money on your PayPal account home page
You can choose to transfer it to your bank account, or keep it in your balance

What are the Charges and Fees for Using PayPal in Nigeria?

Here are some usual charges that users might incur while using PayPal in Nigeria:

Transaction Fees: PayPal typically charges a fee for each transaction made. This fee varies based on the type of transaction and the amount being transferred.

Currency Conversion Fees: When paying in a foreign currency, PayPal imposes a currency conversion fee. This fee is generally a payment amount percentage.

Withdrawal Fees: Moving funds from a PayPal account to a bank account may involve a fee. The fee may be chargeable based on the withdrawal process and bank.

Which Bank Uses PayPal in Nigeria?

A few banks and institutions in Nigeria take PayPal payments, though these processes are somewhat more intricate compared to other countries.

A number of such banks and institutions allowing PayPal transactions in Nigeria are:

1. Access Bank: Access Bank is only one of the many banks through which the services facilitation of PayPal transactions is provided. They can connect their Access Bank account to their PayPal account in a bid to have a free flow of transactions.

2. GTBank: GTBank also assists PayPal in connecting the customer accounts with the bank for money transfers and online purchases.

3. Zenith Bank: Zenith Bank is another choice above for Nigerians who are willing to use PayPal. The bank accommodates the linking of a PayPal account for online payments.

4. Other Banks: Other Nigerian banks might also provide other services with PayPal. It would be best to contact your bank for particular verification and requirements.

Limitations of PayPal Nigeria Accounts

Even though PayPal is in Nigeria, there are certain limitations to be aware of:

Receiving Payments: Nigerian PayPal accounts for individuals can send payments but not receive payments. But business accounts can receive payments through their sites.

Payment Methods: PayPal can be paid with Visa or Mastercard, which one can purchase at banks in Nigeria. Verve cards cannot be used to make PayPal payments.

US Bank Account: To be able to receive money via PayPal in Nigeria, one can link a personal account to a US bank account.

Why Use PayPal in Nigeria?

PayPal offers several benefits which are:

Shopping Worldwide Made Easy: PayPal allows you to shop on global sites like Amazon and eBay even when Nigerian debit cards are not acceptable. It is a good idea to buy a phone online without the extra transfer fee or currency exchange hassle.

Secure Payments: PayPal protects your financial details while paying, avoiding the risk of fraudsters picking up cash payments. Also, buyer protection provides refunds in the event of mismatched items.

Low Cost to Send Money: Sending money abroad is cheaper than the traditional option of using Western Union or MoneyGram, which are not available in Nigeria.

E-commerce Opportunities: While personal accounts do not allow for payments, business accounts allow freelancers and entrepreneurs to receive international clients. This opens up opportunities for international revenue streams.

Prevention of Bank Charges: No need for offshore bank fees or domiciliary accounts—PayPal simplifies cross-border payments.

Regulatory Compliance: PayPal is regulated by anti-money laundering laws, reducing the risks of frozen funds compared to unregulated channels.

Future Potential: Although limited currently, PayPal’s use in Nigeria may be expanded through regulatory changes, offering more features in the future.

Alternatives When Necessary: If receiving payments is necessary, Paystack or Super are native alternatives while PayPal allows sending.

By integrating security, ease, and global reach, PayPal remains a viable resource for Nigerians when making online transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PayPal Function in Nigeria?

Yes, PayPal can be used in Nigeria. It allows for the sending of money, online shopping, and receiving payments through a business account. Personal accounts are limited to money sending and purchasing

Can I Use PayPal in Nigeria to Shop Online?

Yes! PayPal makes it secure for Nigerians to shop internationally on Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba. Simply link your debit card or credit card to your PayPal account for seamless transactions

Can I Withdraw PayPal Money to My Nigerian Bank Account?

No, PayPal doesn’t currently support withdrawals to Nigerian bank accounts. However, you can use the money from PayPal to make online payments or transfer money to other individuals. You might use payment platforms like Payoneer or WorldRemit for withdrawals since they support Nigerian bank transfers.

What If My PayPal Account Is Restricted in Nigeria?

If your account is restricted, PayPal may request additional verification (e.g., ID, proof of address). Contact PayPal support via email or website to resolve.

Is PayPal Safe to Use in Nigeria?

Yes! PayPal uses encryption and buyer/seller protection for security. Don’t forget to log out after use and never give your password to anyone.

Conclusion

The answer to “Can PayPal work in Nigeria?” is an enormous yes! With its simple-to-use platform and secure payment process, PayPal is a good option for Nigerians wishing to make online transactions.

By merely following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily sign up for a PayPal account, link your debit or credit card, and start receiving and sending payments. So go ahead and give PayPal a try – it’s easy, secure, and convenient!