GUIDE

How to get paid in dollars from a remote job

You’ve landed a remote job with a company abroad. Here’s how the money actually reaches you in Nigeria, step by step.

1. 1

   Ask how the company pays

   Before you sign, ask: “How do you pay contractors outside your country, and in what currency?” Most remote employers use one of three routes: an employer-of-record or contractor platform (like Deel or Remote.com), a direct international bank transfer, or a freelance platform. The answer tells you what kind of account you need.

2. 2

   Open an account that can receive foreign currency

   A regular naira account isn’t built to receive a US salary. A foreign-currency receiving account gives you account details in dollars (and often pounds and euros) that you can hand to your employer or connect to their payroll platform.

   What we suggest: Raenest. It’s built for Nigerians working remotely: you get accounts in dollars, pounds and euros to receive your pay, and can move money to your Nigerian bank when you need naira. Check their current fees and limits in the app before you start.

   Open a Raenest account

   Partner link: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

3. 3

   Give your employer the right details

   Send the account details exactly as shown in your app: account name, number, routing/sort code and bank address. Double-check the name matches your ID; mismatched names are the most common reason a first payment bounces.

4. 4

   Decide when to convert to naira

   You don’t have to convert everything on payday. Many people keep part of their salary in dollars and move only what they need for bills to their Nigerian bank account. Compare the exchange rate and fees in your app before each conversion.

5. 5

   Keep records

   Save your contract, invoices and payment receipts. You’ll need them for banks, visas, loans and tax, and they protect you if a payment goes missing.