Established in 1998, it is today a juggernaut of global e-commerce, powering transactions across borders in billions of US dollars annually.
PayPal typically partners local banks in African countries where it offers a fuller service. For example, it partners FNB in South Africa, Botswana; First Bank in Nigeria; Mauritius Commercial Bank in Mauritius; Equity Bank in Kenya etc.
With over 200 million users across over 200 countries and territories, PayPal supports 25 global currencies but notably does not support any African currency natively – not even the convertible South African Rands.
It is nearly impossible for businesses in some African countries to receive money from PayPal. While the payments giant has not given reasons why this is so, speculation hints at factors like insufficient regulation and poor banking security in said countries. The reasons why PayPal may not work in a country can vary. Some countries may have legal restrictions or regulations that prevent PayPal from operating there, while others may not have the necessary infrastructure or financial systems in place to support PayPal’s services.
Since the company’s expansion to Africa, it has maintained a one-sided relationship with most countries on the continent, allowing them only to send money. And according to its website, only 12 African countries can send and receive money on the platform, but to varying degrees. They include: Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles and South Africa.
An account is free to open. There is $0 cost for opening an account but you will be charged some fees for sending funds to business accounts, receiving funds, and withdrawing to a bank account or bank card. Sending and/or receiving to Personal account within the same country are free.
PayPal South Africa
PayPal users in South Africa has some of the richest experience in Africa. Users can open Personal or Business accounts; can Send, Receive and/or withdraw via FNB.
Note: Par Forex regulations, users in South Africa are legally required to withdraw all received funds to a bank account, and then spend from a bank card if/when necessary.
Withdraw
Once you have a PayPal account, withdrawing through FNB does not require an FNB bank account. You only need an FNB profile. Simply register for the FNB Online Banking profile, and withdraw money to any South African bank account.
Withdraw in USD
It is possible to withdraw your PayPal funds into an FNB Business Global (CFC) account, effectively allowing you to make foreign payments in US Dollars. This helps lower the risk and cost incurred with exchange rate fluctuations and double conversion. Customers must be registered for the FNB PayPal service and would need to contact FNB for assistance with enabling this option.
Do note that this USD withdrawal feature requires a minimum transaction amount of $5,000 and is only available for businesses, not individuals. EUR and GBP Global accounts are not supported; it is only available to FNB USD denominated Global (CFC) accounts. Other terms apply, as would be specified by FNB.
Spending
Aside from the ability to spend directly from your Credit or Debit Visa or Mastercard linked to the PayPal account, you have the added convenience of topping-up from your South African Rands if you bank with FNB.
The FNB Top-up Service allows you to top up funds from your qualifying FNB ZAR account to your linked PayPal account to shop online or make payments with PayPal. The Top-up service is only available to FNB customers. A Top-up takes less than 10 minutes to reflect in your PayPal account. Do note that USD/ZAR forex rates would apply to this transaction.
PayPal Nigeria
Residents of Nigeria have more limited access to PayPal. Local users can only send money on Personal accounts, not receive. They cannot maintain a balance and can only spend from their verified/linked Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.
Business Accounts can receive money but only through a website. The PayPal account would need to be configured on an online shopping cart.
While First Bank Nigeria appears to be the local banking partner, there is no meaningful effect of this considering there is no formal withdrawal service in Nigeria.
Skrill – another popular payment gateway that offers similar features to PayPal. It has a global reach and allows businesses to send and receive payments in multiple currencies. Benefits include low transaction fees, fast processing times, and fraud protection.
Wise (former TransferWise) – a money transfer service that specializes in global payments. It allows businesses to send and receive money in different currencies at a competitive exchange rate. Benefits include low fees, transparency, and quick transfers.
Payoneer – a payment service that provides businesses with a global payout solution. It allows businesses to pay their freelancers, contractors, and suppliers in different currencies with ease. Benefits include competitive pricing, multiple payment options, and easy setup.
Authorize.Net – a payment gateway that allows businesses to accept online and mobile payments. It is known for its strong security features and user-friendly interface. Benefits include flexible payment options, fraud protection, and easy integration.
Coinbase is a digital currency exchange that allows users to buy, sell, and store Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. With Coinbase, users can connect their bank account or credit/debit card to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies instantly.
It is possible to withdraw your PayPal funds into an FNB Business Global (CFC) account, effectively allowing you to make foreign payments in US Dollars. This helps lower the risk and cost incurred with exchange rate fluctuations and double conversion. Customers must be registered for the FNB PayPal service and would need to contact FNB for assistance with enabling this option.
Do note that this USD withdrawal feature requires a minimum transaction amount of $5,000 and is only available for businesses, not individuals. EUR and GBP Global accounts are not supported; it is only available to FNB USD denominated Global (CFC) accounts. Other terms apply, as would be specified by FNB.
Spending
Aside from the ability to spend directly from your Credit or Debit Visa or Mastercard linked to the PayPal account, you have the added convenience of topping-up from your South African Rands if you bank with FNB.
The FNB Top-up Service allows you to top up funds from your qualifying FNB ZAR account to your linked PayPal account to shop online or make payments with PayPal. The Top-up service is only available to FNB customers. A Top-up takes less than 10 minutes to reflect in your PayPal account. Do note that USD/ZAR forex rates would apply to this transaction.
PayPal Nigeria
Residents of Nigeria have more limited access to PayPal. Local users can only send money on Personal accounts, not receive. They cannot maintain a balance and can only spend from their verified/linked Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.
Business Accounts can receive money but only through a website. The PayPal account would need to be configured on an online shopping cart.
While First Bank Nigeria appears to be the local banking partner, there is no meaningful effect of this considering there is no formal withdrawal service in Nigeria.
PayPal Mauritius
Any resident of Mauritius who is over 18 years old having a personal Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) Current or Savings Account and registered to the Juice app can use PayPal services on Juice. Only Mauritian PayPal accounts are eligible for this service.
It is available to both individual customers and online sellers having an MCB account with access to MCB’s Juice app.
MCB offers a top-up service and withdrawal options for PayPal users. MCB will convert your withdrawal funds from USD to MUR and your Top-up/Send money from MUR to USD according to bank’s daily conversion rate. A withdrawal from a PayPal account takes a maximum of 3 business days to reflect in your linked MCB Savings or Current account.
Any resident of Mauritius who is over 18 years old having a personal Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) Current or Savings Account and registered to the Juice app can use PayPal services on Juice. Only Mauritian PayPal accounts are eligible for this service.
It is available to both individual customers and online sellers having an MCB account with access to MCB’s Juice app.
MCB offers a top-up service and withdrawal options for PayPal users. MCB will convert your withdrawal funds from USD to MUR and your Top-up/Send money from MUR to USD according to bank’s daily conversion rate. A withdrawal from a PayPal account takes a maximum of 3 business days to reflect in your linked MCB Savings or Current account.
PayPal Kenya
PayPal partners Equity Bank in Kenya for residents of Kenya to withdraw their money locally. The Equity Bank Withdraw Service is exclusive to Equity Bank and enables PayPal account holders to withdraw funds paid into their PayPal accounts through Equity Bank. The service is available to customers with an Equity Bank account. Funds can be withdrawn from PayPal to Equity Bank transactional accounts in KES, USD, GBP, or EUR, excluding credit cards.
When performing a withdraw transaction Equity Bank will verify your Equity Bank and personal details and you will be redirected to PayPal to confirm the withdraw transaction. A withdrawal takes 3 business days to reflect in your Equity Bank account.
It is important that the e-mail address on your Equity Bank Account and PayPal Account is the same.
PayPal partners Equity Bank in Kenya for residents of Kenya to withdraw their money locally. The Equity Bank Withdraw Service is exclusive to Equity Bank and enables PayPal account holders to withdraw funds paid into their PayPal accounts through Equity Bank. The service is available to customers with an Equity Bank account. Funds can be withdrawn from PayPal to Equity Bank transactional accounts in KES, USD, GBP, or EUR, excluding credit cards.
When performing a withdraw transaction Equity Bank will verify your Equity Bank and personal details and you will be redirected to PayPal to confirm the withdraw transaction. A withdrawal takes 3 business days to reflect in your Equity Bank account.
It is important that the e-mail address on your Equity Bank Account and PayPal Account is the same.
PayPal Ghana
As of January 2020, PayPal is not available to residents of Ghana in any shape or form. While there has been a lot of speculation over the years regarding a potential entry into the West African country, there is no sound evidence as of when or if it would be available.
As of January 2020, PayPal is not available to residents of Ghana in any shape or form. While there has been a lot of speculation over the years regarding a potential entry into the West African country, there is no sound evidence as of when or if it would be available.
PayPal Botswana
PayPal partners FNB in Botswana for funds withdrawal. The FNB Withdraw Service with PayPal allows you to withdraw funds paid into your verified PayPal account to your qualifying FNB Bank account. The Withdraw Service is exclusive to FNB customers in Botswana and is available to both individual and business customers.
If your account contains funds in a different currency, PayPal will auto-convert those funds into US Dollars during the withdrawal process. FNB has a $10,000 USD limit per transaction. The Botswana Pula is currently not an available currency on PayPal but when you withdraw your money it will be converted by FNB into Pula according to the banks daily conversion rate and settled into the linked FNB bank account. FNB charges 1.5% of the US Dollar (USD) amount per withdrawn transaction. A successful withdrawal will take 5-8 business days to appear on your bank account balance.
PayPal partners FNB in Botswana for funds withdrawal. The FNB Withdraw Service with PayPal allows you to withdraw funds paid into your verified PayPal account to your qualifying FNB Bank account. The Withdraw Service is exclusive to FNB customers in Botswana and is available to both individual and business customers.
If your account contains funds in a different currency, PayPal will auto-convert those funds into US Dollars during the withdrawal process. FNB has a $10,000 USD limit per transaction. The Botswana Pula is currently not an available currency on PayPal but when you withdraw your money it will be converted by FNB into Pula according to the banks daily conversion rate and settled into the linked FNB bank account. FNB charges 1.5% of the US Dollar (USD) amount per withdrawn transaction. A successful withdrawal will take 5-8 business days to appear on your bank account balance.
Best alternatives to PayPal
Luckily, there are now a lot of PayPal alternatives: from those that deal with bitcoins to the global-spread services.
Stripe – a payment gateway that allows businesses to accept payments from customers. It is known for its easy integration and user-friendly interface. Benefits include lower transaction fees, strong security, and flexible payment options.
Luckily, there are now a lot of PayPal alternatives: from those that deal with bitcoins to the global-spread services.
Stripe – a payment gateway that allows businesses to accept payments from customers. It is known for its easy integration and user-friendly interface. Benefits include lower transaction fees, strong security, and flexible payment options.
Skrill – another popular payment gateway that offers similar features to PayPal. It has a global reach and allows businesses to send and receive payments in multiple currencies. Benefits include low transaction fees, fast processing times, and fraud protection.
Wise (former TransferWise) – a money transfer service that specializes in global payments. It allows businesses to send and receive money in different currencies at a competitive exchange rate. Benefits include low fees, transparency, and quick transfers.
Payoneer – a payment service that provides businesses with a global payout solution. It allows businesses to pay their freelancers, contractors, and suppliers in different currencies with ease. Benefits include competitive pricing, multiple payment options, and easy setup.
Authorize.Net – a payment gateway that allows businesses to accept online and mobile payments. It is known for its strong security features and user-friendly interface. Benefits include flexible payment options, fraud protection, and easy integration.
Coinbase is a digital currency exchange that allows users to buy, sell, and store Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. With Coinbase, users can connect their bank account or credit/debit card to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies instantly.
