Money in Nigeria

Naira (NGN) — exchange USD or EUR at licensed Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Lagos, Abuja, and major cities for the best rates; banks (GTBank, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA) also exchange at official rates; bring crisp, undamaged bills for best rates; GBP, EUR, and AUD are exchangeable

Nigeria uses the Nigerian Naira (NGN). The most favourable rates for USD and EUR are available at licensed Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos), Abuja airport, and in commercial areas of Lagos (Victoria Island, Ikeja) and Abuja (Wuse II, Central Business District). Major banks (GTBank, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA) exchange currency at official rates. Bring crisp, new bills in good condition — old or damaged notes are often refused or given worse rates. EUR and GBP are also exchangeable. CHF, AUD, and CAD are exchangeable at some city branches and airport desks. Always use licensed operators and keep exchange receipts.

ATMs widespread in Lagos and Abuja — GTBank, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, and UBA ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard; availability in Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano; rural areas have very limited coverage; Naira shortages can occur at ATMs; withdraw during banking hours

ATMs are widely available in Lagos (Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja), Abuja (CBD, Wuse II, Maitama), Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and other major cities. GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and First Bank ATMs have the most consistent international card acceptance for Visa and Mastercard. Naira cash shortages have historically caused ATM supply issues — if one ATM is empty, try nearby branches. International fintech cards work at Nigerian ATMs but fees can run higher than at home. Daily withdrawal limits apply and vary by card issuer and bank. Withdraw during banking hours for security and better availability.

Card acceptance growing in Lagos and Abuja — upscale hotels, restaurants, supermarkets (Shoprite, Game, SPAR), and larger malls accept Visa and Mastercard; Apple Pay not widely supported; Google Pay not available; mobile money (Opay, Kuda, Palmpay, GTBank app) dominant for locals

Card acceptance for international Visa and Mastercard is growing in Lagos (Victoria Island, Lekki), Abuja (Wuse II, Maitama), and Port Harcourt at upscale hotels, restaurants, and major supermarket chains (Shoprite, Game, SPAR). Apple Pay is not widely supported. Google Pay is not available. Nigerian mobile money services (Opay, Kuda Bank, Palmpay, Moniepoint) are extremely popular among locals but require a Nigerian bank account/SIM. GTBank, Access Bank mobile apps are widely used for interbank transfers (NIP transfers, USSD banking). For tourists, a physical Visa or Mastercard is the most practical card. Cash (NGN) is essential outside major city commercial areas.

Prices vary widely by location and establishment type — budget accommodation and street food cost a fraction of business hotels and upscale restaurants; domestic flights are considerably pricier than local transport

Nigeria has a wide price range depending on location and establishment type. Budget hotels in Lagos and Abuja cost a fraction of business-class hotels in Victoria Island or the diplomatic districts, and mid-range accommodation sits between the two. A meal at a local restaurant (buka or canteen) is inexpensive by international standards; suya from a street vendor and fresh fruit juice cost even less. Domestic flights between Lagos, Abuja and other major cities are the priciest routine expense for most itineraries, considerably more than a local bus (danfo) or ride-app fare within a city. Exchange rates move — check a live source rather than relying on a fixed figure, and budget with some buffer given how quickly rates can shift.