Money intelligence for Nigeria.
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Rates cached 3 hours · open.er-api.com
Send money to Nigeria.
Sendwave (Wave)
Remittance · US/UK/CA → NGNLowest-fee remittance for USD and GBP to Nigerian bank accounts. No transfer fee on most corridors. Rates track market closely. Delivery within minutes.
Taptap Send
Remittance · Multi-corridorStrong GBP-to-NGN corridor. Competitive on EUR-to-NGN. Flat fee model. Popular with UK-based Nigerians. Delivers to all Nigerian bank accounts.
Lemfi
Remittance · DiasporaBuilt specifically for African diaspora. Strong US-to-NG corridor. Delivers into local NGN wallets not just bank accounts. Multi-currency wallet included.
Wise
Currency TransferMid-market rate transfers with transparent fees. Best for large transfers where rate accuracy matters. 1–2 business day delivery for NGN.
Cards and wallets
Grey
Virtual USD/GBP CardIssues virtual USD and GBP account numbers. Widely used by Nigerian freelancers. Use for international subscriptions and foreign card requirements inside Nigeria.
Geegpay
Virtual Multi-Currency CardIssues USD, GBP, and EUR virtual cards. Competitive FX rates. Pairs well with a local OPay wallet for daily spend.
OPay
Digital Wallet · Local PaymentsDominant Nigerian digital wallet. Accepted at most market stalls, restaurants, and transport. USSD *955# works without internet. 80M+ users.
Moniepoint
Business & Personal WalletStrong POS coverage including markets and informal traders. Better acceptance in secondary cities. Bank-grade reliability.
Kuda Bank
Neobank · Nigerian AccountFully digital Nigerian bank. NGN current account with physical/virtual Mastercard. Zero maintenance fees. For visitors staying 30+ days.
Wise Card
Travel Card · Foreign VisitorsHold and spend multiple currencies at mid-market rates. Best foreign card option for ATM withdrawals. Notify Wise of Nigeria travel in-app.
The six money rules.
CBN banned illegal FX trading. Rates may appear better but risks include counterfeit notes, robbery, and criminal liability.
Licensed BDCs are required to operate near the official I&E window rate. Find locations via the CBN website.
ATM withdrawals above ₦50,000 should be performed inside secure locations - hotel lobbies or bank branch interiors.
$1, $5, and $10 bills are most accepted at informal exchanges. $100 bills attract additional scrutiny.
Some US and UK banks block Nigeria entirely. Call before travel. Wise and Revolut have more permissive Nigeria policies.
Airport and hotel helpers offering exchange or phone top-up services are a common scam corridor.
Pay like a local
OPay
Largest mobile money platform. Accepted at market stalls, restaurants, and fuel stations nationwide. Instant transfers.
Moniepoint
POS agent network covers even rural markets. Reliable for cash withdrawals and bill payments.
PalmPay
Zero-fee transfers, cashback on transactions. Widely used by vendors in Lagos and Abuja.
Bank USSD Codes
All major banks support USSD (*737#, *966#, etc.) for transfers without internet. Useful in low-coverage areas.
Frequently asked.
What is the best way to exchange money in Nigeria?
CBN-licensed Bureau de Change operators inside or near bank branches in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Avoid airport counters (10–20% below market) and never use street operators. ATMs inside bank branches only.
What is the best app to send money to Nigeria?
Lemfi, Grey, Chipper Cash, and Sendwave track closest to the mid-market NGN rate with low or zero fees on USD and GBP. Compare on the day; spreads vary 2–5%.
Can I use my US or UK card in Nigeria?
Visa and Mastercard work at major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Lagos and Abuja, unreliably elsewhere. Carry naira cash and use PalmPay or OPay for vendors.
How much naira should I bring?
NGN 100,000 to 250,000 in cash covers transport, food, and incidentals for the first days. Do not carry large amounts in public; most vendors accept app transfers.