Shopping from Abroad
How to Pay Lagos Traders Safely from Abroad
Buying from a Lagos market while you live in the UK, US or Canada? How to send naira to a trader's account, avoid scams, and protect yourself with deposits and receipts.
Paying is the part that worries most people buying from Lagos while living abroad, and for good reason: once money leaves your account, it is hard to get back. The good news is that a few simple habits make paying a Lagos trader from the UK, US or Canada very safe.
How Lagos traders expect to be paid
Most traders in Lagos markets are paid by bank transfer in naira into a Nigerian bank account. Some also accept POS card payments in person. Very few accept foreign cards or PayPal directly, so you need a way to get naira into their account.
Your payment options
International money transfer services
Several licensed money transfer apps and companies let you send money from the UK, US or Canada straight into Nigerian bank accounts in naira. When comparing them, look at:
- The exchange rate they give you (this matters more than the fee).
- Fees and any minimum or maximum amount.
- Speed: many transfers arrive within minutes or hours; some take longer.
- Regulation: use services regulated in your country.
A relative or friend in Nigeria
Many people simply ask a trusted family member to pay the trader by local transfer, then reimburse them. This is fast and avoids extra fees, and that person can often visit the shop to check the goods too.
Avoid
- Unofficial "black market" currency exchangers you don't know.
- Gift cards or crypto requested by a trader you have never met. These are common scam methods.
- Paying to an account whose name doesn't match the trader or business.
A safe step-by-step process
- Agree everything in writing: item, quantity, price, delivery method, and when you'll receive photos or video.
- See the real goods: a live video call or a fresh daylight video, not catalogue images.
- Confirm the account name on your banking or transfer app before you hit send.
- Pay a deposit (for example half) for a new trader.
- Get a video of the packed goods with your name or order note visible.
- Pay the balance, then share the shipper's tracking details or pickup arrangement.
- Keep everything: chat history, transfer receipts and shipping documents.
Red flags
- Prices far below what other traders quote for the same item.
- Refusing a live video "because of network" every time.
- Pressure to pay immediately "before the price goes up".
- Changing account details halfway through the deal.
- A brand-new social media page with no history, comments or real customers.
Building a long-term relationship
Once you find a reliable trader, stick with them. Regular customers get better prices, first pick of new stock and more flexible payment. Save their number, pay promptly, and recommend them to friends; it pays off on your next order.
Next steps: buying aso-ebi from abroad and shipping from Lagos to the UK, US and Canada.
Frequently asked questions
How do I send money to a Nigerian trader from the UK or US?
Use a licensed international money transfer service that pays into Nigerian bank accounts in naira, or ask a trusted relative in Nigeria to pay the trader and reimburse them. Always confirm the account name before sending.
How do I avoid being scammed when buying from Nigeria online?
Deal with traders recommended by people you know, insist on a live video of the actual goods, pay a deposit before the full amount, confirm the account name matches the business, and keep the full WhatsApp chat and receipts.
Should I pay the full amount upfront?
For a new trader, pay a deposit to start and the balance after you see the packed goods on video. Established traders you have used before may ask for full payment, which is more reasonable once trust exists.
