If you’ve ever tried to receive money from abroad while living in Africa, you probably know how frustrating it can be. Especially when you realize PayPal doesn’t fully work in your country, you can send money, but not receive it. Crazy, right?
I remember when I started freelancing online in 2020. My first client was from the U.S., and after completing the project, he asked, “What’s your PayPal email?” My heart sank. I had an account, but it couldn’t receive funds. That’s when I went on a hunt for alternatives and trust me, I discovered plenty.
If you’re a freelancer, small business owner, content creator, or just someone who gets paid internationally, this post is for you. Let’s talk about real, working ways to receive international payments in Africa without PayPal.
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Why You Might Need an Alternative to PayPal
Let’s be honest, PayPal is great when it works. But in many African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya (to name a few), receiving funds directly is restricted. That means you can’t get paid for your hard work online.
Besides, even where PayPal works, their fees can be high, and exchange rates? Sometimes they eat deep into your earnings. So it’s no wonder many Africans are turning to other platforms that are easier, cheaper, and actually available.
1. Payoneer – The Freelancer’s Best Friend
If you’ve ever worked on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs, you’ve probably heard of Payoneer. It’s one of the best PayPal alternatives for receiving international payments in Africa.
How it works:
- You sign up for a free Payoneer account.
- Payoneer gives you virtual bank accounts in currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP.
- Your clients can pay you directly into those accounts.
- You can then withdraw your money to your local African bank account.
Why people love it:
- It’s supported in most African countries.
- You can receive payments from major companies and freelance platforms.
- Their customer support is pretty responsive.
A quick tip: Always withdraw when the exchange rate is favorable, it can make a real difference.
2. Wise (formerly TransferWise) – For Transparent, Low-Cost Transfers
Ever felt like you’re losing money every time someone pays you? Wise might be your new favorite tool.
What makes Wise stand out is how transparent it is. You always know how much you’re getting before the money arrives. No hidden conversion fees, no surprises.
How it works:
- Create a free account on Wise.
- Set up your Wise “multi-currency” account.
- Get local bank details in USD, GBP, EUR, or AUD.
- Clients or platforms can pay you directly.
- You can transfer the money to your local bank in your currency.
Wise supports many African banks including in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana.
Bonus: Their app is super easy to use, and the transfer speed is often impressive.
3. Grey.co – Africa’s Rising Fintech Star
Grey (formerly Aboki Africa) is one of the newest and most exciting payment solutions built specifically for Africans who work online.
I personally love Grey because it feels like it understands what African freelancers need. You can create virtual bank accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR and get paid directly by foreign clients or companies.
How to use it:
- Sign up on grey.co.
- Get your virtual accounts (they’re real bank accounts in the U.S. and U.K.).
- Receive your international payment.
- Convert it to your local currency instantly and withdraw to your local bank.
Why it’s great:
- Designed for Africans.
- Fast verification process.
- Clean, simple dashboard.
If you’ve been struggling with other platforms, Grey might be the game-changer you need.
4. Deel – Perfect for Remote Workers
If you’re working remotely for a foreign company, Deel is a brilliant option. It’s used by many global companies to pay employees and contractors in over 150 countries, including African nations.
How it works:
Your employer sets up payments through Deel.
You get paid directly to your local bank, Wise, or Payoneer account.
You can also withdraw in cryptocurrencies if that’s your thing.
Why it’s worth considering:
- It’s 100% legit and used by major companies.
- Taxes and contracts are handled smoothly.
- Payments are always on time.
It’s ideal if you’re doing remote employment rather than one-off freelancing.
5. Crypto Wallets (Cautiously!)
Now, let’s talk crypto. Many Africans have turned to cryptocurrency especially stablecoins like USDT or USDC to receive payments from abroad.
Why it’s popular:
- Fast and borderless.
- Low fees.
You can convert crypto to local currency using trusted exchanges like Binance or Luno.
But a word of caution:
Crypto prices can fluctuate, and not every exchange is trustworthy. Always research before using any platform, and make sure it complies with your country’s regulations.
Other Options Worth Mentioning
If none of the above fits perfectly, you can also explore:
WorldRemit or Remitly: Great for family or business transfers.
Skrill: Works in several African countries and supports withdrawals to local banks.
Revolut (if available): Offers virtual cards and multi-currency accounts.
The best option depends on what you do, freelancing, business, or remote work and where your clients are based.
Tips to Get Paid Smoothly
Before wrapping up, here are some simple tips to make sure your international payments go through without stress:
1. Use your real details. Avoid fake names or mismatched documents, they can get your account suspended.
2. Verify your account early. Upload your ID and bank details as soon as possible.
3. Check fees and limits. Some services charge less when you withdraw larger amounts.
4. Keep your clients informed. Let them know your preferred payment method upfront.
5. Stay updated. New fintech apps are launching every year in Africa, keep an eye out!
Final Thoughts
Receiving international payments in Africa without PayPal is not just possible, it’s now easier than ever.
Whether you go with Payoneer, Wise, Grey, or Deel, the key is to pick what works best for your specific situation. The goal isn’t just getting paid, but doing it safely, quickly, and affordably.
So, next time someone asks for your PayPal email, just smile and say, “Actually, I use Payoneer (or Grey, or Wise) instead, it works perfectly for me.”
Who knows? You might even help someone else struggling with the same issue.
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