Can I use Revolut in Nigeria?

Planning a trip to Nigeria, or planning to move there permanently? If you’re a customer of UK money app Revolut, you might find it useful to know if it works in Nigeria.

The simple answer to this is yes, you can use Revolut in Nigeria. However, not every feature is available.

We’ll cover everything you need to know here in this handy guide, so read on.

Plus, we’ll take a quick look at an alternative for low-cost overseas spending - the Wise international debit card.

How does Revolut work in Nigeria?

Revolut doesn’t currently operate in Nigeria, so there isn’t a dedicated Revolut Nigeria website and you can’t sign up as a new customer there.

But if you signed up elsewhere, such as with Revolut UK, you can still use your account when visiting Nigeria.

Using your UK Revolut account in Nigeria

If you’re simply looking to spend and withdraw cash using your Revolut card during your trip to Nigeria, you’re in luck.

The card supports spending in Nigerian Naira (NGN).¹ However, you’ll need to check exchange rates and currency conversion fees carefully. This is particularly important at weekends, when Revolut charges an additional fee to convert currency.²

You should be able to use your Revolut card at anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard. This might only be an option in major towns and cities though, as elsewhere you’re likely to need cash (or at least have some as a back-up).

However, there are some things you can’t do with your Revolut account in Nigeria, or in relation to Nigerian currency.

For example, card top-ups aren’t available in Nigeria.³ You also can’t convert currency to and from NGN in your account. This means you can’t convert GBP to NGN to top up before you go.

You can use Revolut to send money to Nigeria before or after your trip, such as to pay for holiday accommodation for example. However, you can only send it in US dollars (USD) and not the local currency of Nigerian Naira (NGN).⁴

You’ll also need to stick to the limits and restrictions of your UK Revolut plan. For example, if you’re on a free Standard plan, you’ll only be able to withdraw £200 a month in overseas ATM withdrawals for free. Above this, there’s a 2% fee.²

Wise - an alternative to Revolut in Nigeria

If you’re looking for a convenient, low-cost way to spend while visiting Nigeria or other international destinations, check out Wise.

Open a Wise multi-currency account online and you can manage your money in 50 currencies, including GBP and NGN.

There are no monthly subscription fees to worry about. You’ll only pay a low, transparent fee when you want to make a transfer or convert currency, and this is available upfront.

And for a one-off cost of just £7, you can get a Wise international debit card for spending in 174 countries. It works all over the world, including Nigeria. Whenever you spend, it automatically converts your money to NGN at the mid-market exchange rate.

Join Wise today

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees. Wise Card: Country restrictions apply.See countries where the Wise Card is supported.

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Sources used:

1. Revolut - Help - What currencies are supported for spending?
2. Revolut - Standard fees (UK)
3. Revolut - Help - What banks and countries are supported for card deposits?
4. Revolut - Send money to Nigeria

Sources last checked on date: 29-May-2023