Sending money from Australia to Nigeria can be done online without visiting a bank or sending cash physically. Depending on the service you use, you can send Australian dollars and have the recipient receive Nigerian naira directly into a bank account or through another supported payout method.

The process is generally straightforward, but there are several things to consider before sending money, including the exchange rate, transfer fees, delivery time, recipient details and the payment method available to you.

This guide explains how to send money from Australia to Nigeria online, what information you need, how much it can cost and what to check before completing a transfer.

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Key Takeaways

• Online money transfer services are one of the simplest ways to send money from Australia to Nigeria. Pesa supports Australia-to-Nigeria transfers online, so you can send money from the same app where you hold it.
• The total cost isn't just the transfer fee. The AUD-to-NGN exchange rate can also affect how much your recipient receives.
• Before sending money, check the recipient's details, exchange rate, total cost and expected delivery time.

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How to Send Money from Australia to Nigeria Online

You can send money from Australia to Nigeria using an online money transfer service, bank transfer or other supported remittance methods.

For most online transfers, the process follows these steps:

1. Choose a money transfer service that supports Australia-to-Nigeria transfers.
2. Create an account and complete any required identity verification.
3. Enter the amount you want to send.
4. Select Nigeria as the destination.
5. Add the recipient's details.
6. Review the exchange rate, fees and amount the recipient will receive.
7. Pay for the transfer.
8. Track the transfer until the money reaches the recipient.

The exact process varies between providers, but you will generally need to provide information about yourself, the recipient and the purpose or source of the funds for certain transactions.

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Step 1: Choose a Money Transfer Service

The first step is choosing how you want to send the money.

There are several ways to transfer money from Australia to Nigeria, including:

A: Online money transfer services

Online remittance services allow you to set up a transfer through a website or mobile app.

You can generally see the exchange rate, fees and expected amount the recipient will receive before completing the transaction. Pesa is one example, with Australia-to-Nigeria transfers available directly in the Pesa app.

B: Australian banks

Banks can also facilitate international transfers to Nigeria.

You may need to provide international banking details, and the transfer may take longer depending on the banks and payment networks involved.

C: Cash pickup services

Some money transfer providers allow recipients to collect money in cash at supported locations in Nigeria.

This can be useful if the recipient does not have access to a suitable bank account or prefers cash.

D: Mobile wallets and other digital methods

Some providers support mobile wallets or other local payout methods.

The available options depend on the provider and the destination.

For most people looking to send money online, an online remittance service provides a convenient way to arrange the transfer without visiting a physical branch.

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Step 2: Create an Account and Verify Your Identity

If you're using an online money transfer service for the first time, you'll usually need to create an account.

You may be asked for:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Australian address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Government-issued identification

Depending on the provider, transaction amount and regulatory requirements, you may also need to provide additional information.

This verification process is part of the requirements that financial institutions and remittance providers follow to help prevent fraud and financial crime.

If you're planning to send money regularly, completing verification before you urgently need to make a transfer can make future transactions easier.

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Step 3: Enter the Amount You Want to Send

Once your account is ready, enter the amount you want to send in Australian dollars.

For example, you might enter: AUD $500

The provider will then calculate the equivalent amount in Nigerian naira.

At this stage, pay attention to more than the amount you're sending.

Look at:

• AUD-to-NGN exchange rate
• Transfer fee
• Total amount charged
• Amount the recipient receives
• Estimated delivery time

These figures give you a clearer picture of the actual cost of the transfer.

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Step 4: Add the Recipient's Details

You'll need to provide information about the person receiving the money.

For a Nigerian bank transfer, this can include:

• Recipient's full name
• Nigerian bank name
• Bank account number
• Other required banking information

The exact information required depends on the provider and payout method.

Double-check these details before confirming the transfer.

A mistake in the recipient's name or bank account information can result in delays or cause the transfer to be rejected or returned.

If you're sending money to someone for the first time, ask them to confirm their current bank details before starting the transfer.

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Step 5: Check the AUD to NGN Exchange Rate

The naira to australian dollar exchange rate determines how many Nigerian naira you receive for your Australian dollars.

For example, if a provider offers an exchange rate of: 1 AUD = X NGN

The amount your recipient receives will depend on that rate and the amount you're sending.

Exchange rates change, so the rate you receive today may be different from the rate available tomorrow.

Why the exchange rate matters

Two providers can charge different fees but still give you different final amounts.

For example:

Provider A

• Lower transfer fee
• Less favourable exchange rate

Provider B

• Higher transfer fee
• More favourable exchange rate

Looking only at the transfer fee doesn't tell you which transaction gives the recipient more money.

The more useful comparison is the total amount you pay versus the final amount the recipient receives.

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Step 6: Check the Transfer Fee

Money transfer services can charge fees for sending money internationally.

The fee may depend on:

• Amount being sent
• Payment method
• Destination
• Delivery method
• Account type
• Current promotions or pricing

Some providers charge a fixed fee, while others use different pricing structures.

Some may advertise zero transfer fees but apply a margin to the exchange rate.

That's why it's important to look at the complete quote before confirming your transfer.

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Step 7: Pay for the Transfer

Once you've entered the recipient's information and reviewed the transaction, you'll need to pay for the transfer.

Depending on the provider, you may be able to pay using:

• Australian bank account
• Debit card
• Credit card
• Other supported payment methods

The available payment methods and any associated charges vary between providers.

Make sure the payment method you're using is supported before confirming the transaction.

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Step 8: Track the Transfer

After payment, the provider will process the transfer.

Depending on the service, you may receive:

• Confirmation email
• Transaction reference
• SMS notification
• App notification
• Transfer status updates

Keep the transaction reference until the recipient confirms that they've received the money.

If the transfer is delayed, the reference can also help the provider locate the transaction.

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How to Send Money from Australia to Nigeria with Pesa

If you are considering the best way to send money from Australia to Nigeria, then Pesa is your go to choice.

Pesa is an online financial platform that supports international money transfers between Australia and Nigeria.

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Why Use Pesa When Sending Money From Australia

Pesa's Australia-to-Nigeria service currently offers zero transfer fees, and transfers from Australia to Nigeria are instant.

Pesa also supports the reverse direction. If you need to receive money from Nigeria into Australia, Pesa supports transfers that can arrive in around 48 hours, subject to the applicable processing and transaction conditions.

This makes the service relevant not only to people sending money to family in Nigeria, but also to people who regularly move money between the two countries.

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How it works

The process is simple, fast and takes a few minute:

1. Create a Pesa account.
2. Complete the required verification.
3. Add Australian dollars to your Pesa wallet.
4. Select Nigeria as the destination.
5. Enter the recipient's details.
6. Enter the amount you want to send.
7. Review the transaction.
8. Confirm the transfer.

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How Long Does It Take to Send Money from Australia to Nigeria?

Transfer times vary considerably.

An online transfer may arrive within minutes, while other international transfers can take longer.

Factors that can affect the delivery time include:

• Payment method
• Payout method
• Recipient's bank
• Transfer amount
• Identity verification
• Compliance checks
• Weekends and public holidays
• Banking processing times

Some providers offer instant or near-instant transfers, while traditional international bank transfers can take longer.

If the recipient needs the money urgently, check the estimated delivery time before confirming the transfer.

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How Much Does It Cost to Send Money from Australia to Nigeria?

The cost depends on the provider, amount, payment method and exchange rate.

There are two main costs to pay attention to.

1: Transfer fees

This is the fee charged for processing the transaction.

2: Exchange-rate markup

The exchange rate offered by a provider may differ from the underlying market rate.

This difference can affect how much your recipient receives.

For example, two providers could charge:

Provider A: $0 AUD transfer fee

Provider B: $5 AUD transfer fee

But if Provider B offers a significantly better AUD-to-NGN exchange rate, the recipient could potentially receive more money with Provider B.

The easiest way to compare providers is therefore to look at the final amount received, rather than the transfer fee alone.

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Can I Send Money Directly to a Nigerian Bank Account?

Yes. Many money transfer services support direct deposits into Nigerian bank accounts.

You'll normally need the recipient's:

• Full name
• Bank name
• Account number
• Any additional information required by the provider

Bank transfers can be particularly convenient if the recipient already has a Nigerian bank account and doesn't need to collect cash.

Before sending, ask the recipient to confirm their current account details.

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What Information Do I Need to Send Money from Australia to Nigeria?

The exact requirements depend on the provider, but you may need information about both yourself and the recipient.

A: Sender information

You may need:

• Full legal name
• Australian address
• Date of birth
• Identification
• Contact information
• Payment details

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B: Recipient information

You may need:

• Full name
• Nigerian bank name
• Account number
• Phone number
• Mobile wallet details, if applicable

For larger or unusual transactions, the provider may also request information about the source or purpose of the money.

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What Is the Cheapest Way to Send Money from Australia to Nigeria?

There isn't one fee that applies to every Australia-to-Nigeria transfer.

The total cost can change based on the amount you're sending, the provider's exchange rate, the payment method and any applicable fees.

Instead of searching only for a provider advertising the lowest transfer fee, compare: amount you pay, fee, exchange rate versus amount received.

For example, if you're sending  $1,000 AUD, compare how many naira the recipient will actually receive from each provider.

This gives you a more meaningful comparison than looking at the advertised transfer fee alone.

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Why People Send Money from Australia to Nigeria

People send money between Australia and Nigeria for many different reasons.

1: Supporting family

Family support is one of the most common reasons for international remittances.

Money may be used for:

• Household expenses
• School fees
• Rent
• Groceries
• Bills
• Medical expenses
• Emergencies

2: Paying for goods and services

People may also send money to Nigeria to pay businesses, contractors, suppliers or service providers.

3: Business

Australian businesses working with Nigerian companies or contractors may need to make cross-border payments.

4: Managing personal finances

Someone living in Australia may still have financial commitments, property or accounts in Nigeria and need to move money between the two countries.

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Tips for Sending Money from Australia to Nigeria

Before you complete your transfer, use this checklist.

1: Check the recipient's details

Confirm the recipient's name, bank and account number.

2: Compare the final amount received

Don't focus only on the transfer fee. Check how much Nigerian naira the recipient will actually receive.

3: Check the exchange rate

Exchange rates change, so check the rate at the time you're making the transfer.

4: Check the delivery time

If the money is needed urgently, make sure the provider's estimated delivery time meets your needs.

5: Check transfer limits

Large transfers may have different limits or verification requirements.

6: Keep your transaction reference

Save the confirmation until the recipient confirms that the money has arrived.

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Sending Large Amounts from Australia to Nigeria

If you're sending a large amount, the provider may require additional verification.

You could be asked to provide information about:

• Your identity
• Source of funds
• Purpose of the transfer
• Supporting documents

This can apply particularly to large or unusual transactions.

If you're planning a significant transfer, check the provider's current limits and requirements before starting.

You should also allow additional time if further verification is required.

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Can I Send Money from Nigeria to Australia?

Yes. Money can also be transferred in the opposite direction.

This is useful for people who live in Australia but still receive money from family, businesses or other sources in Nigeria.

Pesa supports the Nigeria-to-Australia corridor, with eligible transfers arriving in around 48 hours.

This means the same service can be used for both directions:

Australia → Nigeria: Instant

Nigeria → Australia: Around 48 hours

The availability and timing of a particular transfer can depend on the transaction and applicable processing requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1: Can I send money from Australia to Nigeria online?

Yes. You can use an online money transfer service to send Australian dollars to a recipient in Nigeria. You'll generally need to create an account, verify your identity, provide the recipient's details, pay for the transfer and track its progress.

2: How long does an Australia-to-Nigeria transfer take?

It depends on the provider and payment method. Some services support instant transfers, while traditional bank transfers can take longer. Always check the estimated delivery time before confirming a transaction.

3: Can I send money directly to a Nigerian bank account?

Yes. Many online money transfer services support direct deposits into Nigerian bank accounts. You'll generally need the recipient's name, bank and account number.

4: Is there a fee to send money from Australia to Nigeria?

Some providers charge a transfer fee, while others offer zero-fee transfers. However, you should also consider the exchange rate because it affects the final amount received.

5: Can I receive money from Nigeria in Australia?

Yes. International money transfer services can support transfers in the opposite direction. Pesa, for example, supports receiving money from Nigeria to Australia, with eligible transfers arriving in around 48 hours.

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Final Thoughts

Sending money from Australia to Nigeria online is a relatively straightforward process.

Choose a service that supports the corridor, create and verify your account, enter the recipient's details, check the exchange rate and fees, and confirm the transfer.

The most important thing is to look at the complete transaction rather than one individual feature. Check how much you're paying, how much the recipient will receive and how quickly the money is expected to arrive.

For people who regularly move money between Australia and Nigeria, services such as Pesa provide an online option for managing transfers in both directions. Pesa supports instant Australia to Nigeria transfers with zero transfer fees, while eligible Nigeria to Australia transfers can arrive in around 48 hours.

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