Money in Nigeria
Nigeria uses the Nigerian naira. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- NGNNigerian naira
- Symbol
- ₦
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Nigeria
Carry cash. Card acceptance is patchy outside large hotels and malls.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Cash is described as still king, and World Travel Guide says to carry it as a backup, especially outside major cities. Card acceptance is limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
- ATMs
- ATMs are widely available in cities and large towns, but may be out of service or have low withdrawal limits. World Travel Guide advises using ATMs inside banks or other secure areas.
- Foreign currency
- Wise (2018) says US dollars are commonly accepted at airports, hotels and tourist destinations, but rates vary.
- Exchanging money
- Wise (2018) advises exchanging only through a bank or official exchange service, and says airport and hotel rates are usually weaker. It says converting foreign currency into naira is generally easy, while converting naira back is harder.
- Watch out for
- Wise (2018) warns that black market changers may involve counterfeit notes, and that card cloning and fraud are frequent. World Travel Guide (2019) says amounts over US$10,000 must be declared on entry or exit.
Tipping in Nigeria
Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Small tips for drivers and porters.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: World Travel Guide, Wise, Agate Travel, Rex Clarke Adventures, Eat Drink Lagos.
Convert to and from NGN
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,343 NGN | 1,505 NGN | 1,803 NGN |
| 10 | 13,434 NGN | 15,050 NGN | 18,026 NGN |
| 50 | 67,168 NGN | 75,248 NGN | 90,131 NGN |
| 100 | 134,337 NGN | 150,497 NGN | 180,263 NGN |
| 500 | 671,685 NGN | 752,484 NGN | 901,314 NGN |
What each amount is worth in NGN. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Nigeria use?
Nigeria uses the Nigerian naira (NGN).
Do you need to tip in Nigeria?
Appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Small tips for drivers and porters.
Can you pay by card in Nigeria?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is described as still king, and World Travel Guide says to carry it as a backup, especially outside major cities. Card acceptance is limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
Are there ATMs in Nigeria?
ATMs are widely available in cities and large towns, but may be out of service or have low withdrawal limits. World Travel Guide advises using ATMs inside banks or other secure areas.