ATM, Check Card, PrePaid Card or Credit Card...

[MyJourney1 15]

Cash can easily come up lost or stolen; I do have a Debit card, ATM, etc. Can I use any of these in Nigeria? If so, would you recommend it?

Edited June 3, 2012 by MyJourney1

[del-2-5-2014 1,339]

(1) Cash can easily come up lost or stolen; I do have a Debit card, ATM, etc. (2) Can I use any of these in Nigeria? (3) If so, would you recommend it?

(1) True but I've never had that problem.

(2) Yes you can, as an example some of the stores at this mall takes credit card but of course not here.

(3) Yes, but I am a trusting person but will only use it at reputable outlets such as at world class hotels (Hilton), international airline counters, etc

You can always send Western Union to yourself.

Consider opening this (I have one - works flawlessly) though only useful on your next trip and beyond.

[Aya820 33]

Cash can easily come up lost or stolen; I do have a Debit card, ATM, etc. Can I use any of these in Nigeria? If so, would you recommend it?

I wired the bulk of the cash I was taking to my then future husband, which he put in an account until I arrived. I also carried a few hundred on my person during the flight (in a sock in my bra - you can also purchase money belts that you can't tell it is a money belt). I also had my mother Western Union to me any remaining funds once I arrived in Lagos.

I carried my debit/credit card just in case, but only used it at the airline counter (bag was overweight, departure & return). As the previous poster said major known businesses...Hilton, airline counter. I definitely would not have used it at an ATM or anywhere else.

One thing to keep in mind is if you do use it in Nigeria, be sure to notify your bank because I have read of people using their cards overseas and the bank freezing the card as a protection.

[MyJourney1 15]

(1) True but I've never had that problem.

(2) Yes you can, as an example some of the stores at this mall takes credit card but of course not here.

(3) Yes, but I am a trusting person but will only use it at reputable outlets such as at world class hotels (Hilton), international airline counters, etc

You can always send Western Union to yourself.

Consider opening this (I have one - works flawlessly) though only useful on your next trip and beyond.

Thank you so much, Gowon! You helped me good!

Edited June 4, 2012 by MyJourney1

[MyJourney1 15]

I wired the bulk of the cash I was taking to my then future husband, which he put in an account until I arrived. I also carried a few hundred on my person during the flight (in a sock in my bra - you can also purchase money belts that you can't tell it is a money belt). I also had my mother Western Union to me any remaining funds once I arrived in Lagos.

I carried my debit/credit card just in case, but only used it at the airline counter (bag was overweight, departure & return). As the previous poster said major known businesses...Hilton, airline counter. I definitely would not have used it at an ATM or anywhere else.

One thing to keep in mind is if you do use it in Nigeria, be sure to notify your bank because I have read of people using their cards overseas and the bank freezing the card as a protection.

Oh Yeah! That's right! Thanks for reminding me...

I think I'm going to bring a pocket full of cash & stuff in certain clothing places, if you know what I mean. I'm so sill; What a shame!

Edited June 4, 2012 by MyJourney1

[His Glory 25]

I opened a capital one checking account so i can use in france and nigera. chase said their debit cards dont work in nigeria. capital one does. eventually i didnt want to hassle with any of it. and took 700 in a neck belt and had my sister send money gram which is cheaper than western union. whenever i needed extra cash. i had her send it to a friend whos bank accepts money gram. then my friend converted for me. i didnt carry much with me. didnt have to. but when i wanted something I let my friends negotiate for me as I stayed quiet lol otherwise i paid extra. plus whoever i was with i had them hold a small amount of my money if we were going shopping. accept at the mall. there is no problem.

Edited June 4, 2012 by FreeByrd

[pascanda 13]

I took $3500 with me on the plane and then used my ATM cards while I was there. I had to call the bank on one of my cards to release it for use in Nigeria. They automatically block Nigeria, so call the bank before you leave. My only problem was always being able to find a machine that would accept Mastercard/Visa. In Lagos, it was easy but in the East isn't wasn't so easy. Also something to consider, you can exchange your money on the black market for a higher exchange rate than what you will get withdrawing money from the ATM. I tried to exchange my money at a bank and they referred me to the black market. You have to make sure your significant other is with you when you do this, because they will know the local "tricks" of ways to get your money. Don't ever leave your money with someone (meaning, if they don't have enough money to exchange for you, let them go get more before you give them your dollars).

[MyJourney1 15]

I took $3500 with me on the plane and then used my ATM cards while I was there. I had to call the bank on one of my cards to release it for use in Nigeria. They automatically block Nigeria, so call the bank before you leave. My only problem was always being able to find a machine that would accept Mastercard/Visa. In Lagos, it was easy but in the East isn't wasn't so easy. Also something to consider, you can exchange your money on the black market for a higher exchange rate than what you will get withdrawing money from the ATM. I tried to exchange my money at a bank and they referred me to the black market. You have to make sure your significant other is with you when you do this, because they will know the local "tricks" of ways to get your money. Don't ever leave your money with someone (meaning, if they don't have enough money to exchange for you, let them go get more before you give them your dollars).

Oh I see. Would a Money Converter do me any good? It's so I can know the value of US dollars over there.

Edited June 4, 2012 by MyJourney1

[pascanda 13]

you can find out the current rate at the bank there and also, they will tell you on the black market. I still think the black market exchange rate is N157 to $1 and the exchange rate used at the ATM was N150 to $1. A money converter will give you an iddea.

[MyJourney1 15]

you can find out the current rate at the bank there and also, they will tell you on the black market. I still think the black market exchange rate is N157 to $1 and the exchange rate used at the ATM was N150 to $1. A money converter will give you an iddea.

Thanks!