Currency & Payment

Nigeria uses the Nigerian naira (NGN, ₦), which circulates only within the country. Prices are quoted in naira, and cash is still widely used for smaller everyday purchases. Because the naira is not easily obtained or exchanged abroad, most visitors bring a major foreign currency and change it after arrival.

Many visitors bring US dollars and exchange them in Nigeria at banks or licensed Bureaux de Change (BDC). Exchange only through legitimate channels and keep your receipts. Be aware there can be a gap between the official rate and the parallel-market rate, and use bright, established outlets rather than informal street changers for safety.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger stores and restaurants in cities such as Lagos and Abuja, but acceptance is less consistent outside those settings. Because of card-fraud concerns, many businesses and travellers prefer cash, so it is wise to carry enough naira for smaller places. Use cards on secure terminals and monitor your statements.

ATMs are widely available in cities and dispense naira. For safety, use machines inside banks, malls or hotels during daylight, and be alert to your surroundings. There are often per-transaction withdrawal limits, and your home bank may add foreign fees, so plan withdrawals accordingly and always decline home-currency conversion (DCC) for a better rate.

Digital payments are widespread in Nigeria. Bank transfers, USSD banking (short codes dialled from any phone) and online gateways such as Paystack and Flutterwave are commonly used by residents. Most of these require a local bank account, so visitors typically rely on cards and cash, though some hotels and services can send you a payment link you can pay by card.

Tipping is not strictly required in Nigeria but is increasingly common in upscale restaurants, hotels and for services aimed at visitors. Check whether a service charge is already added to your bill before tipping again. A small extra amount for good service, or for porters and drivers, is appreciated; keep small notes handy as change may be limited.

Local street food, markets and public transport in Nigeria can be inexpensive, while imported goods, international-standard hotels and dining in Lagos and Abuja are noticeably pricier. Prices at markets are often negotiable, whereas supermarkets and chain stores are fixed. Carrying small naira notes helps for everyday purchases and transport.

Nigeria charges Value Added Tax (VAT) on many goods and services, which is usually included in the displayed price. Unlike some countries, Nigeria does not operate a general tourist VAT-refund scheme at the airport, so visitors normally cannot reclaim VAT on shopping. Keep receipts for your own records, and check official sources for any changes before you travel.