How to Receive Money From Abroad as A Remote Worker in Nigeria

Are you a remote worker in Nigeria with no idea how to receive money from abroad? Or a freelancer on Fiverr or Upwork turning down foreign clients because you don't know how to receive money from abroad in Nigeria?

If your answer to either question is Yes, then keep reading. Receiving payments in Nigeria from abroad can be challenging. But many options have arisen as the number of remote job opportunities increased.

The internet has allowed people worldwide to work together, regardless of location. This has led to an increase in the number of remote job opportunities available to Nigerians. To get a remote job in Nigeria, you will need to:

1. Learn a digital skill.
2. Build in public through social media.
3. Have a good device (mobile or pc)
4. Have a good internet connection.
5. Apply for remote jobs in your field of interest.

How To Find A Remote Job in Nigeria

One of the best ways to find remote job opportunities is through online job portals such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.

These websites have a large number of job listings from companies around the world that are looking for remote workers. You can search for jobs matching your skills and qualifications and apply directly through the website.

Additionally, you can join online communities and groups on social media platforms, e.g. Facebook, dedicated to connecting remote workers with job opportunities.

Another option to get remote jobs from Nigeria is to contact companies directly. Many companies now have a presence on social media, and you can use this to your advantage by reaching out to them and asking about any remote job opportunities they may have.

Nigerian Remote Workers' Guide to Receiving Money From Abroad

The next step as a remote worker in Nigeria is to figure out how you can receive payments from abroad. We'll highlight five different options in this article.

1. Bank transfers

This is the most common method of receiving money from abroad. In Nigeria, most banks offer online banking services which enable you to accept payments from abroad.

To receive money through a bank transfer, you must provide the sender with your bank account details, including your account number and bank name. The sender will then initiate the transfer through their bank, and the funds will be credited to your account within a few days.

Advantages of Bank Transfers

1. Your funds are credited directly to your account, which means you can access them immediately.
2. They are safe and secure because the bank's security measures protect them.

Disadvantages

1. It takes time to set up a dollar account with local banks.
2. It can be quite expensive, as banks typically charge a fee for each transfer.
3. Currency conversion rates could be lower.

2. E-Wallets

These systems allow you to receive payments through an authorised third-party account, which can then be transferred to your bank account. This method is faster than bank transfers and is also secure.

Popular examples of e-wallets are Skrill, Payoneer, Paypal, and Wise.

For online freelancers and remote workers, PayPal is one of the most popular options. It is widely accepted by clients and customers worldwide and allows you to receive payments in various currencies.

However, it's important to note that PayPal is not available in Nigeria; thus, you can only use it by having a PayPal account in another country.

Skrill and Payoneer are used mostly by remote workers in Nigeria. Both platforms allow you to receive payments in various currencies, and you can withdraw funds to your Nigerian bank account, which is not possible with PayPal.

E-wallets allow you to receive money from anywhere in the world, and the funds can be withdrawn to your bank account or used to make online purchases.

To receive money through an e-wallet, you must create an account and provide the sender with your email address. Once the transfer is complete, the funds will be credited to your e-wallet account.

Advantages of E-wallets

1. It is generally fast and convenient, as the funds can be credited to your account within a few minutes.
2. They are safe and secure because the e-wallet provider's security measures protect them.
3. You can get your money with higher conversion rates in a few cases.

Disadvantages

1. It may take a longer time to convert your e-wallet currency.
2. You must pay fees on all transfers, sometimes between $8-$10).

3. Cryptocurrency

This option is highly favoured in the Nigerian remote work community because of its ease and speed.

Companies like BitBarter allow you to receive payments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which can then be converted to Nigerian Naira or any other currency.

The process is fast, secure, convenient and cheaper than other methods. With BitBarter, for example, you can receive money using your email address.

This is possible through the use of Bitcode vouchers. The Bitcode vouchers are represented by unique codes and reference numbers, allowing users access to claim their cryptocurrencies.

Learn more about Bitcode.

Advantages of Cryptocurrencies.

1. It doesn't take time to send/receive.
2. You can easily convert it to your local currency(Naira).
3. Its conversion rates are higher compared to bank transfers or wallets.
4. It is secure because all transactions are recorded on a public ledger(Blockchain).
5. It charges lower transaction fees than other methods.

Disadvantages

1. Mistakes cannot be reversed. You can't recover your funds if you send the wrong wallet address.
2. The value of cryptocurrency is highly volatile, and it can fluctuate rapidly. It is always recommended to transact in stablecoins.

4. Wire Transfers

Another popular method of receiving money from abroad in Nigeria is through a money transfer service such as Worldremit, Western Union or MoneyGram.

These services allow you to receive money from anywhere in the world, which can be picked up at your local bank.

To receive money through a money transfer service, you will need to provide the sender with your name and a reference number, which they will use to initiate the transfer. Once the transfer is complete, you can pick up the funds at the nearest agent location.

Advantages of Wire transfer

1. It is faster than a bank transfer, as the funds can be picked up within a few hours of the transfer being initiated.
2. Money transfer services are available in most countries, which makes them a convenient option for remote workers.

Disadvantages

1. It can be quite expensive, as money transfer services typically charge a high fee for each transfer.

Can I work remotely for a US company from Nigeria?

Yes, you can. You can choose from the options highlighted above when deciding how to get paid.

How do I get paid/receive money from abroad as a freelancer in Nigeria?

The most popular way to get paid as a freelancer in Nigeria is through E-wallets (like Payoneer, and Wise) and cryptocurrencies.

Related Things To Note When Receiving Money From Abroad in Nigeria.

1. Fees/Charges.

There may be fees associated with the transfer. These fees can vary depending on the transfer method and the sending bank. It is important to research the fees associated with the method of transfer you choose and factor them into your budget.

2. Currency conversion.

If the money is being sent in a different currency than the one used in Nigeria, it will need to be converted. The conversion rate can vary depending on the transfer method and the sending bank. To get the best exchange rate, shopping around and comparing rates from different banks and money transfer services is important.

3. Legal and regulatory requirements.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has strict regulations to monitor and control the inflow of foreign currency into the country. To comply with these regulations, you may need to declare any funds received from abroad and provide documentation to prove the source of the funds.

Taxes may also be charged in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

4. Documentation.

To receive money from abroad as a remote worker in Nigeria, it's important to have all your documents in order. This includes your Nigerian bank account details, a valid government-issued ID, and any documents required by your bank or payment platform. Additionally, keeping all your records and receipts is essential, as they can be helpful in case of any disputes.

5. Rapid exchange rate fluctuations.

This means that the value of the money received may change depending on the current exchange rate. To avoid losing money due to exchange rate fluctuations, it is important to keep track of the exchange rate and to receive the money at the right time.

How To Protect Yourself When Using Online Payment Methods

1. Only use secure websites: When you're making an online payment, make sure the website is secure by looking for the https:// protocol and a lock icon in the address bar.
2. Beware of phishing emails: Phishing emails are emails that appear to be from a legitimate company, but they're actually sent by scammers. These emails often contain links that, when clicked, will take you to a fake website that looks like the real website. Once you're on the fake website, the scammers will try to steal your personal information, such as your credit card number or bank account number.
3. Never give out your personal information over the phone or in an email: If someone calls you and asks for your personal information, hang up. If you receive an email that asks for your personal information, don't click on any links in the email. Instead, go to the company's website and contact them directly to verify the request.
4. Use strong passwords and security questions: Your passwords should be at least 8 characters long and should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also use different passwords for different accounts. For security questions, don't use answers that are easily guessed, such as your birthdate or your pet's name.
5. Be careful about what information you share on social media: Scammers can use information that you share on social media to target you with phishing emails or other scams. Be careful about what information you share, and don't share any personal information that you wouldn't want a stranger to know.
6. Keep your software up to date: Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your computer from malware and other threats. Make sure to keep your software up to date, including your operating system, web browser, and antivirus software.
7. Be aware of the signs of fraud: If you think you might have been scammed, there are a few things you can look for. These include:

• A request for payment in a way that is unusual or suspicious, such as a wire transfer or gift card.
• A sense of urgency, such as a threat that your account will be closed if you don't pay immediately.
• A story that doesn't make sense or sounds too good to be true.

By following these safety tips, you can help to protect yourself from online scams and fraud.

Conclusion

Say goodbye to declining job offers because you cannot receive money from abroad. Our remote work options are presented to you, don't hesitate to review them all.

With these solutions in mind, you can be confident in your ability to receive money from abroad in Nigeria. If your chosen option is cryptocurrencies, get started with Bitbarter. To buy your first Bitcoin, learn how to buy Bitcoin in Nigeria.