Nigeria - Money
Currency & Money
The Nigerian Naira (NGN; symbol ₦) is divided into 100 kobo. Banknotes are in denominations of ₦1,000, ₦500, ₦200, ₦100, ₦50, ₦20, ₦10, and ₦5. Coins are rarely used but officially available in ₦1 as well as 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 kobo denominations.
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and some large retail outlets in cities, but their use is limited in smaller towns and rural areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. Travellers should carry cash as a backup, particularly when travelling outside major urban centres.
ATMs are widely available in cities and large towns, and many accept international cards. However, machines may occasionally be out of service or have low withdrawal limits. Visitors should use ATMs located inside banks or secure areas for safety.
When entering or leaving Nigeria, travellers are required to declare amounts exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, authorised bureaux de change, and some hotels. The US dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency, followed by the euro and the pound sterling. It is not advisable to exchange money on the street due to the risk of fraud. Always request a receipt when exchanging currency.
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