Venmo is a payment platform that offers swift transactions between US-based users of their app. Its service is tailored for people living in the US, and this makes its user experience impressive in such regions.
Does Venmo Work in Nigeria?
No, Venmo is not available in Nigeria, but there is a payment platform you can use as an alternative, and it is as functional as Venmo. This payment platform is Azimo. It supports global transactions and Nigeria is one of the countries it supports.
How to register with Azimo
- Download the Azimo
Android users can download the app on Playstore while iPhone users can download it on App Store.
- Provide personal details
You’ll need to submit your full name, email, and you’ll create a password. If the details are verified by Azimo, you’ll receive a confirmation mail which means you’re now ready to send your first transfer.
How to send money on the Azimo app
1. Install the Azimo app
Log in to the app. Tap on “new transfer” then tap on “send to someone new”
2. Input an amount
Enter the amount you want to send in the empty field box. Azimo will automatically convert the amount to the currency you’re sending to. They will also show you the corresponding delivery methods that are available for your chosen currency.
3. Add a recipient
On the next page that opens up, you’ll see “add a recipient”, tap on it. Azimo will ask you to enter some details, make sure they are correct.
The details you’ll most likely be asked are —
- Your recipient’s first and last name.
- Email address
- Your recipient’s address and city.
- Your recipient bank account number
- Branch code/name
- Payment reference (optional).
- SWIFT-BIC (SWIFT transfers only).
How to send money on the Azimo website
- Visit the Azimo website
Input Azimo.com into your web browser then login to your account. Then click on ‘Add new recipient’.
- Choose your recipient’s country
There is a drop-down menu you’ll click on. Then you’ll pick your recipient’s country.
- Choose a currency
You’ll choose the currency in which your recipient will receive the money. For instance, if the recipient country’s currency is USD, then that is what you’ll input here.
- Choose a delivery method
The available delivery options for the currency will be listed. You’ll choose the one that suits you the most. These are the available delivery options on Azimo — bank deposit, cash pick-up, mobile wallet, swift, home delivery. Not all delivery options are available in some countries.
- Input recipient details
You’ll need to input the recipient details now. If you’re sending it to a bank, these are the details you’ll need.
- Your recipient full name
- Email address
- Full address
- Mobile number
- Bank name
- Bank account number
- Account SWIFT-BIC (SWIFT transfers only)
- Input the amount
You’ll enter the amount you want to send in your local currency. Azimo will show you the corresponding amount in the recipient currency.
- Make payment
You’ll have to pay for the transfer. You can pay via bank transfer or credit/debit card. You will need to check to see the one available for you.
Tap on “send money” and Azimo will handle the rest.
The money will be sent to a bank or cash pick-up provider that Azimo partners with. This is where your recipient will pick up the cash.
Azimo allows its users to track their transfers. They do this as a way of showing their transparency. Azimo offers updates with every step it takes in transferring your money until it gets to your recipient. You can check the transfer status via push notifications, email updates, or by checking recent transfers via the app or website.
When the money arrives at the recipient’s destination, both you and the recipient will be notified via mail.
How to receive money via Azimo in Nigeria
If you have a client sending you money from abroad, there are certain steps you need to take before you can get your money.
- Send your details
You’ll need to send some details about you to the sender. The details are — Your full name, email address, street address, mobile number, bank name, bank account number, SWIFT-BIC (SWIFT transfers only)
You’ll also provide your sender with a pick-up location. The available pick-up locations in Nigeria are FCMB, Fidelity Bank, and Zenith Bank.
- Await Azimo notification
You’ll be notified via email when your money is available for pick up. Then you’ll go to your bank.
- Provide identification
You’ll need to provide a photo ID (passport, national ID, Bank Verification Number/BVN, or driver’s license)
You need to submit your pick-up reference number (you’ll receive it via your email)
You might also be asked to provide the name of Azimo’s local partner “cash pot”.
Make sure you collect your cash within 60 days. If you don’t, the money will be returned to the sender.
Conclusion
Azimo has a limitation, which is the number of banks it supports. As of now, it supports only three banks, so if you’re to use their payment service, you will have to create an account with the supported banks if you don’t have an account with them already.