How to Get Paid in Dollars from Nigeria (Legally and Safely)

Is it your goal to get paid in dollars in Nigeria? Are you looking for dollar payment platforms Nigeria. Do you want to know how to receive money from abroad in Nigeria. I got the answers for you and I will also show you how to do it from the comfort of your phone.

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If you’re in Nigeria and looking to earn in dollars, you’re not alone.

Many Nigerians are tapping into international opportunities through freelancing, online businesses, or remote work.

But how do you actually receive those dollar payments without a hitch?

In this article, we’ll break down some of the best platforms, like Payoneer and Grey, and show you how to set up a domiciliary account to make it all happen.

With the rise of remote jobs, freelance gigs, digital marketing, and eCommerce, getting paid in dollars has become a dream come true for many Nigerians.

Why? Because the naira keeps dropping, while the dollar keeps rising.

But how exactly do you receive dollar payments in Nigeria legally, safely, and without getting scammed or losing money to crazy exchange rates?

This guide will show you the best, verified ways to receive payments in dollars from clients or platforms abroad, even if you don’t have a domiciliary account.

Why Nigerians Want to Be Paid in Dollars

Let’s break it down:

The naira depreciated by approximately 41% in 2024, following a 49% devaluation in 2023, according to CBN exchange rate data
Being paid in dollars means you can earn more in naira after conversion.
Most online jobs and platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon KDP, etc.) pay in USD.

Nigeria’s digital economy revenues is rapidly growing and you should be part of it now. For instance, it rose from US$5.09 billion in 2019 to US$7.13
billion and US$9.97 billion in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

The good thing is that it is projected to reach US$18.30 billion by 2026 According to a CBN report by Olugbenga Agboola

So, where does that leave you? Or what does that tell you? This: Take action now!

Now, let’s talk about how to key into this.

5 Verified Ways to Get Paid in Dollars in Nigeria

1. Payoneer

Payoneer is one of the most trusted platforms for freelancers and businesses to receive USD, EUR, and GBP globally.

Features:

Offers a virtual US bank account
Free to receive payments from platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon, etc.
Withdraw directly to your Naira bank account.

How to Use:

Sign up at payoneer.com.
Verify your identity and link your Nigerian bank account.
Share your virtual USD account details with clients.
Receive payments

Best For: Freelancers, affiliate marketers, Amazon sellers

“Withdraw funds from your Payoneer account to your bank account in over 190 countries and 70 currencies or at ATMs, worldwide.”
— Payoneer Freelancer Page

This means that freelancers in African countries can:

Receive payments from international clients and marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and others.
Withdraw earnings locally in their own currency.
Avoid high international wire transfer fees and delays.
Use virtual or physical cards for spending or ATM withdrawals.

Payoneer essentially acts as a bridge between global clients and local freelancers, making it easier for African professionals to participate in the global digital economy.

2. Grey

Receive foreign payment in Nigeria through Grey

Founded in 2020 by Idorenyin Obong and Femi Aghedo, Grey is a Nigerian fintech startup that has rapidly earned its place as a key player in Africa’s digital payment ecosystem.

Originally launched as a solution to help Nigerians exchange foreign currencies from their domiciliary accounts, Grey has since evolved into a full-fledged cross-border payment platform that empowers freelancers, remote workers, and businesses across the continent.

Grey enables users to:

Create virtual international bank accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR for free.
Receive payments from over 88 countries.
Withdraw directly to local bank accounts or mobile money wallets.
Convert foreign currencies to local ones seamlessly within the app

The company’s mission is clear: to make international payments as easy as sending an email.

This vision has resonated with users, especially digital nomads and freelancers in Africa who often face barriers in accessing global financial services.

Grey’s impact is already being felt in countries like Kenya and Uganda, where it has expanded its services and integrated with platforms like M-Pesa.

In 2022, Grey raised pre-seed funding, a testament to investor confidence in its model and potential. The startup has also launched Grey Business; a service tailored to African companies needing efficient global payment solutions.

As Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, Grey stands out as a homegrown solution tackling one of the continent’s most persistent challenges: seamless, affordable, and accessible cross-border payments.

Features:

Get a US, UK, or EU account number.
Convert dollars to naira at real black market rates.
Withdraw to your local bank in minutes.

How to Use Grey:

Visit grey.co.
Sign up,
verify BVN/ID, and
get access to your virtual account.
Share account info with international clients or platforms.

Grey is best for: Remote workers, agencies, creators.

At some point, some people may want to go a different route with receiving funds from outside of Nigeria. That is where a DOM account comes in.

3. Domiciliary Account in Nigeria

You can open a domiciliary (DOM) account with major Nigerian banks like GTBank, Access Bank, and Zenith Bank.

Features:

Receive wire transfers (SWIFT)
Deposit dollar bills over the counter.
Withdraw dollars via ATM or teller.

Requirements:

Valid ID, utility bill, 2 referees
Minimum opening balance ($50–$100)

Drawbacks:

Higher fees
Delays in international wire transfers

Granted, having a DOM account is good, but if you need speed, convenience and lesser hassle, you should consider Fintech solutions like those mentioned above.

4. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is known for low-fee international transfers and virtual multi-currency accounts.

Features:

Create a USD, GBP, or EUR account.
Receive payments from clients worldwide.
Send to Nigerian bank accounts easily.

Best For: Clients in Europe, the UK, or the US and for those who wants to send money abroad.

5. Cryptocurrency (Use with Caution)

Crypto (USDT, BTC, etc.) is still a popular way for freelancers to receive payments, especially when platforms don’t support Nigeria.

Popular exchanges: Binance, Quidax, Luno

Note: The CBN and SEC have unclear stances on crypto as of the time of this article. Only use it if you understand the risks and can convert via peer-to-peer platforms.

Method	Features	Strengths	Weaknesses	Cost/Fees	Best For
Payoneer	Virtual USD account, global platform, local withdrawal	Widely accepted, trusted by top freelance sites	Can have delays during high traffic	Low fees for withdrawals	Freelancers, Amazon sellers
Grey.co	Virtual USD/GBP/EUR accounts, instant conversion to Naira	Fast withdrawal, great rates, easy setup	Not accepted by all clients/platforms	Competitive P2P-style rates	Remote workers, creators
Domiciliary Account	Real USD account at Nigerian bank, ATM & wire transfers	Secure, works with global banks	High fees, slow, paperwork heavy	Higher bank fees, bad exchange rates	Big transactions, formal jobs
Wise	Multi-currency account, low-cost international transfers	Transparent fees, good rates	Not available for some platforms	Low, depends on destination	EU/UK clients, tech consultants
Crypto (USDT)	Blockchain-based P2P payments via wallets/exchanges	Fast, borderless, discreet	High volatility, legal grey area	Exchange fees, wallet fees vary	Tech-savvy freelancers, risk-takers

How to Convert Dollars to Naira Smartly

Converting dollars to naira doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some smart tips to get the best rates:

Avoid Bank Rates: Banks typically offer lower rates. Instead, look for platforms that provide parallel market (black market) rates.
Use Reliable Platforms: Consider using
- Grey: A popular choice for currency conversion.
- AbokiFX: Great for checking current rates.
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Exchanges: These can often provide better rates than banks.
Tip: Stay away from PayPal if you’re in Nigeria. It’s not fully supported, and you can’t receive payments with a Nigerian PayPal account. While some claim to have found workarounds, they often come with risks and complications.

By following these tips, you can maximize your naira when converting from dollars!

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Receiving Money in Nigeria

Receiving money in Nigeria is straightforward if you know where and how to look, but there are some common pitfalls you should steer clear of:

Don’t Rely on Local Banks for Conversion: Using your bank to convert dollars at the official rate can cost you. You might lose value compared to better options available in the market.
Beware of Fake Agents: The internet is full of them. Be cautious of agents on Telegram or WhatsApp promising quick conversions or better rates, they are just looking for ways to take your money.
Protect Your Information: Never share your BVN or sensitive account details with strangers. Your security should always come first!
Verify Before Big Transactions: Always verify your account with valid ID before sending or receiving large sums. This step adds an extra layer of protection and helps avoid potential issues.
Read pear to pear reviews.

How Much Can You Earn from Foreign Exchange?

It depends on your skill, but here are average freelance USD earnings:

Graphic designer: $100–$500/month
Content writer: $200–$1,000/month
Web developer: $500–$3,000/month
But if you are just starting out, there is nothing bad if you charge less to get a feel of it.

If you save and convert at the right time, you can beat inflation and grow wealth even from Nigeria.