Is cash still widely used?
Yes. Despite Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy, cash remains dominant for most daily transactions. Local transport (danfo buses, okadas), markets, street food, and smaller businesses all rely on naira. Cards exist but infrastructure can be unreliable.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Lagos, Abuja, and larger cities. Zenith Bank and GTBank machines are the most reliable for foreign cards.
- Fees are around 500 NGN per withdrawal for foreign cards
- ATMs frequently run out of cash — visit multiple machines if needed
- Use ATMs in shopping malls or bank branches for security
Card acceptance
Moderate but inconsistent. Hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger businesses in Lagos and Abuja accept cards. Network failures and connectivity issues can disrupt payments unpredictably.
Tips for travelers
- Always carry naira cash as backup — card systems can fail unexpectedly
- Check current travel advisories before visiting certain regions
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants
- Lagos is Africa’s most dynamic city — vibrant but requiring security awareness