Okay, let’s face it. If you’ve ever tried using PayPal in Nigeria, you already know it’s not straightforward. Like, one moment you’re hyped that “Yasss, international money is coming,” then boom—PayPal says, “This feature is not available in your country.”
Omo, it can pain o. Especially if you’re a freelancer, a small biz owner, or someone just trying to earn cool legit dollars online.
But wait… don’t give up yet. Let me walk you through how Nigerians are using PayPal in 2025 — without stress, without bending the rules, and without losing your hard-earned money.
First Things First – Can Nigerians Use PayPal in 2025?
Short answer? Yes.
But not in the way you’d expect.
The Nigerian version of PayPal only allows you to send money and shop online, like for things on Amazon, Netflix subscriptions, or even buying software like Canva or Adobe.
Receiving money? That part is where wahala starts. As of 2025, Nigeria’s PayPal doesn’t support receiving funds.
So how are people in Naija still using PayPal to collect money from clients abroad?
Let me break it down in full for you.
How to Open a Nigerian PayPal Account (For Sending & Buying Online)
If all you want is to pay for things online, no stress at all. Just follow these steps:
- Visit www.paypal.com/ng
- Click Sign Up and choose Personal or Business account
- Enter your real details (name, address, phone)
- Link your Naira or Dollar card – make sure it’s either Visa or MasterCard
- Verify your email, and you’re live!
That’s it. You can now shop online, subscribe to tools, or pay freelancers abroad.
But if you’re here for receiving money, oya follow me, let’s dive deeper.
How to Receive Money with PayPal in Nigeria (The Smart Way)
Let me just say this straight — you can’t receive PayPal payments with a regular Nigerian PayPal account. You need to use other smart methods that Nigerians have been using since forever.
Here are the top ones that still work in 2025:
Option 1: Use a Legit Foreign PayPal Account (Without Trouble)
So here’s the trick:
Some Nigerians are using PayPal accounts registered in countries like Lesotho, UAE, South Africa, or Kenya — because those ones allow receiving and withdrawing.
To do this right, you’ll need:
- A foreign email and phone number (some virtual services help with that)
- A virtual bank account in USD (from platforms like Grey, Geegpay, or Payoneer)
- A way to verify your identity, e.g., with your Nigerian passport or driver’s license
⚠️ Don’t go and use fake info o. If PayPal catches suspicious activity, they will freeze your account just like that.
It’s working. But it’s not for everybody — especially if you’re not tech-savvy.
Option 2: Open a US or UK Business Account (100% Clean and Safe)
This one is for people who are really about their business. Like if you’re:
- A freelancer on Fiverr or Upwork
- Running an online store
- Offering digital services to clients abroad
Here’s how people are doing it legally:
- Register a US LLC or UK Ltd — no, you don’t need to travel. You can do it online through trusted agents.
- Open a USD business bank account via Mercury, Wise, or Payoneer
- Use your business details to open a PayPal Business Account (US version)
- Link your USD account to withdraw your money — then convert to naira using trusted fintech apps
It might cost a bit to set up, but once it’s running, you’re good to go — no stress, no account blocks, no palava.
Option 3: Use a Trusted Friend or Family Member Abroad
This one is for people who just need a quick and safe way to receive one-time payments.
If you have a trusted relative or padi abroad, they can help you:
- Use their PayPal to receive the money
- Then send it to your Nigerian bank using Wise, WorldRemit, or even crypto
Just make sure this person is 100% reliable—you don’t want to end up chasing someone over your own money.
What About Withdrawing the Money?
If you go the foreign account route, here’s how you withdraw your dollars:
- Withdraw from PayPal into your USD virtual bank (Mercury, Payoneer, etc.)
- Then use platforms like Chipper, Grey, or Geegpay to convert to Naira and send to your local bank
Simple.
Some apps even let you generate a virtual USD card you can use for online shopping.
Tips to Avoid Getting Your Account Limited
You know PayPal doesn’t joke with fraud, right? If you want to keep your account safe, take these seriously:
- Don’t use public VPNs. If you must use VPN, pick a consistent location (e.g. always US).
- Never fake your identity. PayPal will request verification sooner or later.
- Avoid logging in from too many devices.
- Don’t rush to withdraw funds immediately — let the account warm up first.
- Always read their policy updates. It can save your money.
Final Words
Using PayPal in Nigeria isn’t as smooth as we wish it was, but it’s not impossible either.
If you:
- Just want to shop or subscribe online — go with the Nigerian PayPal.
- Want to receive payments from clients or foreign customers — explore the foreign business account method or use a trusted partner abroad.
Don’t just jump into anything because someone said “E go work.” Do your research, take your time, and build your system properly.
Because at the end of the day, money wey reach your hand is better than stories that touch.
PS: If this helped you, share it with someone else hustling online in Naija. Let’s all eat this global money together.
