Before colonisation, Nigerians primarily used a trade-by-barter system for transactions. Our forefathers exchanged goods like livestock, grains, and other products. Because of the limitations of trade-by-barter, cowries were introduced and used for longer.
Then came the British colonisation in the late 19th century, which introduced coins and paper money. They were easier to carry and exchange. The Nigerian pound, and later the naira (after independence in 1960), became the official currency.
As banking systems improved, cash became the primary means of payment, followed by checks for larger transactions. By the 1990s, the introduction of electronic banking paved the way for debit and credit cards, allowing Nigerians to make payments without needing cash.
Fast forward to 2024, and Nigerians can make payments on international platforms from the comfort of their homes, using a Virtual dollar card. Virtual cards are easy to use, can be funded with Naira, and offer access to a broad range of global services, from online shopping to cloud subscriptions.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the question: “What can I use my dollar card to pay for in Nigeria?” We will showcase the various services and platforms that accept payment from a virtual dollar card for Nigerians and we will also summarise the spending limits on the dollar card.
What Can I Use My Dollar Card to Pay For in Nigeria?
A virtual dollar card opens the door to a range of international services that were previously difficult to access due to local banking restrictions.
Here are some of the services or products you can pay for with your dollar card in Nigeria:
- Apple & iCloud Subscriptions: You can use your dollar card to pay for Apple services like Apple Music, iCloud storage, or apps on the App Store.
2. Google Storage, Workspace, and Ads: Google offers a range of products such as Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and cloud storage options, all of which can be paid for using your dollar card. For business owners and marketers, using your dollar card for Google Ads ensures that your campaigns run smoothly without interruptions.
3. Cloud Services: Businesses that rely on cloud services like AWS and Digital Ocean for hosting websites or applications can easily pay for these services with their virtual dollar card. This simplifies managing monthly or yearly cloud subscriptions.
4. Slack Subscriptions: As many companies continue to embrace remote work, Slack is an essential communication tool. Your dollar card allows you to subscribe to Slack’s premium features, helping your teams stay connected globally.
5. Project Management Tools: ClickUp and Jira are popular project management tools, particularly for tech companies. Whether you’re managing sprints or tracking bugs, paying for these tools using your dollar card ensures your projects keep running smoothly.
6. Microsoft Office Tools: Paying for Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or subscribing to Microsoft 365, is easy with your virtual dollar card.
7. Accounting Tools Like QuickBooks: For businesses that rely on accounting software like QuickBooks for managing finances, paying with a virtual dollar card ensures continued access to important financial data and tools.
8. Airbnb: When planning your next international trip, baecation or holiday, you can use your dollar card to book accommodations on Airbnb, ensuring ease of payment for your stay.
9. Online Shopping on Amazon, Zara, AliExpress: A significant bonus for having a dollar card is the ease of online shopping. Platforms like Amazon, Zara, and AliExpress allow you to buy products from around the world, Nigeria included and your dollar card ensures you can make payments in foreign currency without your card being declined.
10. Shopify: For shoppers or store owners on Shopify, you can make payments for goods or host your online stores with a virtual dollar card.
Related: The Benefits of Using a Virtual Dollar Card in Nigeria
11. Flight Tickets: Use your virtual dollar card to book flight tickets across various airlines, ensuring a smooth travel experience without payment restrictions.
12. Visa Application Payments: Visa application fees can often only be paid in dollars. With your dollar card, you can conveniently settle these fees and move forward with your travel plans.
13. Hotel Bookings: Whether it’s a luxury stay or a budget-friendly option, hotel bookings for international destinations can be paid for effortlessly using your virtual dollar card.
14. Uber Fees on Foreign Trips: If you plan to Japa or you are already abroad, you can use your dollar card to pay for Uber rides without worrying about currency exchange issues.
15. Digital Advertising on Social Media and Search Engines: For those in the field of digital marketing, using a virtual dollar card for advertising campaigns on platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter) ensures that ads continue to run seamlessly. For a premium subscription on LinkedIn and X, a virtual dollar card is your go-to.
16. Travel Per Diem Allowance for Staff: If your company provides a travel per diem to employees, a virtual dollar card can make it easier to disburse these funds, allowing for simple tracking and use during foreign trips.
17. Website Hosting and Domain Registration: Web hosting and domain registration services like GoDaddy are essential for businesses with an online presence. With the Falconlite dollar card, these services remain uninterrupted.
18. Image Banks: If you are a designer and you make use of high-quality images for your business or personal projects, subscription-based platforms like Shutterstock and Freepik can be paid for using a virtual dollar card.
19. Medium: If you’re a writer or an avid reader, subscribing to Medium’s premium services can be done easily with your dollar card.
20. Adobe Suite: Creative professionals using Adobe tools like Photoshop or Illustrator can pay for their subscriptions using a virtual dollar card.
21. Zoom: As remote work grows, Zoom remains a vital tool for video conferencing. Your dollar card guarantees you can maintain premium access to these services.
22. Email marketing platforms: Businesses using email marketing platforms like MailChimp, Customer.io, SendGrid, or Hubspot, need a dollar card to pay for premium features and to keep their marketing efforts running smoothly.
23. Entertainment platforms: Entertainment lovers can use their dollar cards to “netflix and chill” on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, or Mubi, enjoying their favourite shows and movies uninterrupted.
Can I Fund My Dollar Card with Naira?
Yes, most virtual dollar cards available in Nigeria can be funded with Naira. While the funding happens in local currency, it is converted to dollars at the current exchange rate.
For Falconlite users, you can add funds to your dollar card from a linked naira account, and then convert the funds to USD to top up your card. This simplifies the process of funding cards for international transactions, eliminating currency conversion issues.
What Is the Limit on the Dollar Card in Nigeria?
The limit for your virtual dollar card in Nigeria usually varies depending on the provider. At Falconlite we have a monthly limit of $20,000 on issued cards and a single online payment of $10,000. For other card providers, check with them and know their exact limit, as this can vary widely based on the issuing company or bank.
Finally, with the growing popularity of virtual dollar cards in Nigeria, managing international payments has never been easier. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a frequent traveller, or someone who enjoys online shopping and streaming, a dollar card makes it easy to pay for services without stress. From Apple subscriptions to digital advertising and flight tickets, the range of services accessible through a dollar card is vast. If you’re not yet using one, now is the best time to sign up with a reliable platform and enjoy transparent transactions with Falconlite.
Sign up here