When it comes to receiving PayPal payments in Uganda, most people are confused if this is possible or not because of the restrictions we have on the country from PayPal. An ordinary Paypal account in Uganda can only help you send payments but not receiving. If your interested in both sending and receiving payments in Uganda, then will recommend you to setup a “virtual PayPal account in Uganda”.
If your not familiar with the word Virtual PayPal account. Well this is an account which can help you receive payments in Uganda. With this account, you can receive payments in Uganda just like people from other countries where PayPal is fully supported. Its crucial when setting up such an account, you choose the right category which is suitable for what you will be getting payments for
For example if your a website designer in Uganda and want to get payments from abroad for work done, you can create the Paypal account and use category related to website design or IT, To the person who wants to get payments for Ebooks he/she is selling online, use category Ebooks or something close to that
Can I receive PayPal payments in Uganda and withdraw to my Bank directly?
Receiving money from PayPal in Uganda and withdrawing it directly to a Ugandan bank account is generally not possible, although there are rare instances where it might work. It’s essentially a 50/50 chance that a Ugandan bank account can successfully receive funds from PayPal. Even if you manage to withdraw funds once or twice, there is a high likelihood that the process will fail in subsequent attempts. This is because Uganda is officially restricted from receiving PayPal payments, and this restriction affects all banks in the country.
Banks in Uganda, including Stanbic Bank Uganda, Centenary Bank, Absa Bank Uganda, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, Bank of Baroda Uganda, Equity Bank Uganda, dfcu Bank, Housing Finance Bank, PostBank Uganda, United Bank for Africa Uganda, KCB Bank Uganda, Bank of Africa Uganda, NCBA Bank Uganda, I&M Bank Uganda, Cairo Bank Uganda, Ecobank Uganda, Orient Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank Uganda, FINCA Uganda, and Tropical Bank, can all be used to send payments via PayPal. However, they are all subject to the same restriction that prevents them from receiving PayPal payments. Uganda is not the only country facing this limitation; there are other countries where users can only send payments through PayPal but cannot receive them.
For those in Uganda looking to receive PayPal payments and withdraw them to a bank, it’s recommended to use alternative methods. One option is to use a virtual USA bank account, which can be linked to PayPal and used to receive payments. Another option is to use a Safaricom M-Pesa line from Kenya, which can be linked to PayPal for withdrawals. Additionally, peer-to-peer methods, where you exchange PayPal funds with someone in return for cash or mobile money, can also be a solution. If you do manage to link your Ugandan bank account to PayPal and successfully withdraw funds, that’s fortunate, but it’s important to be aware that this method may not be reliable or sustainable in the long term.
If you would like us to help you with this setup, Call/Whatsapp us on +256773168506
Can I receive PayPal payments in Uganda and withdraw to Mobile money directly?
In Uganda, directly receiving and withdrawing PayPal funds to MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money is not supported. However, there’s a workaround that many Ugandans use, involving Kenya’s Safaricom network and its M-Pesa service. Here’s how you can do it:
Using Safaricom and M-Pesa to Withdraw PayPal Funds
While direct PayPal withdrawals to Ugandan mobile money accounts are not possible, you can utilize Kenya’s M-Pesa service to access your PayPal funds. This method involves using a Safaricom line registered in Kenya, which can be linked to PayPal via the M-Pesa PayPal service. Here’s how it works:
- Get a Safaricom Line:
- Travel to the Kenya-Uganda border, specifically the Busia border.
- Register for a Safaricom line in your name. This process requires proper identification, such as your Ugandan national ID.
- Safaricom lines are free, making this an affordable option.
- Activate M-Pesa on Your Safaricom Line:
- Once you have your Safaricom line, activate the M-Pesa service, which is Kenya’s leading mobile money service.
- Ensure your M-Pesa account is fully functional and can receive and send money.
- Link Your M-Pesa to PayPal:
- Visit the official M-Pesa PayPal link: https://www.paypal-mobilemoney.com/m-pesa/
- Follow the instructions to link your PayPal account to your M-Pesa account. This link allows you to transfer funds from PayPal to M-Pesa.
- Withdraw Funds from PayPal to M-Pesa:
- Once linked, you can withdraw your PayPal funds to your M-Pesa account in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
- The transfer process is straightforward and usually quick, allowing you to access your money promptly.
- Transfer Funds from M-Pesa to MTN or Airtel Money in Uganda:
- After receiving the funds in your M-Pesa account, you can transfer them to your MTN Uganda or Airtel Money account.
- Use cross-border money transfer services available on M-Pesa to send the money directly to your Ugandan mobile money account.
Why This Method is Easier Than Other Options
- No Need for a Kenyan Bank Account: Setting up a bank account in Kenya or a virtual bank account in the USA can be complex and costly. The Safaricom and M-Pesa method bypasses the need for a bank account entirely.
- Accessible and Affordable: Safaricom lines are free with proper Ugandan identification, making this option accessible to many. Additionally, M-Pesa is widely used and trusted across East Africa.
- Seamless Transfer Process: Once set up, transferring money from PayPal to your Ugandan mobile money account via M-Pesa is quick and reliable. It offers a practical solution for Ugandans looking to access their PayPal funds without the hassle of international banking.
Understanding Safaricom and M-Pesa
For those unfamiliar, Safaricom is Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider, and M-Pesa is its mobile money service, similar to MTN’s MoMo (Mobile Money). When people refer to Safaricom and M-Pesa, they’re essentially talking about the same service, with M-Pesa being the specific financial service offered by Safaricom.
This method provides a reliable and efficient way to withdraw PayPal funds, making it a popular choice for Ugandans who need to access their money without the complexities of international banking.
If you would like us to help you with this setup, Call/Whatsapp us on +256773168506
Can I receive PayPal payments in Uganda without a bank account account
Yes, You Can Receive PayPal Payments and Withdraw from PayPal Using Third Parties if you don’t have bank account in Uganda
In Uganda, receiving and withdrawing PayPal payments directly into a local bank account can be challenging due to the lack of direct PayPal banking integration. However, it’s possible to work around this limitation by using third-party services or agents who facilitate PayPal withdrawals. These third parties can include individuals or businesses that specialize in converting PayPal funds into local currency, commonly known as “PayPal agents” in Uganda, or through specialized applications that offer withdrawal services.
PayPal agents are individuals or businesses that help you withdraw money from your PayPal account in exchange for a small fee. They often operate in major cities like Kampala, where they offer services such as converting your PayPal balance into Ugandan shillings (UGX) and transferring it to your mobile money account or directly handing you cash. While this service is convenient, it’s crucial to exercise caution when choosing a PayPal agent.
Importance of Dealing with Reputable Agents
To avoid the risk of being scammed, always choose agents or services with a physical presence—those with established offices where you can meet in person. These agents are usually more reliable, as they have a reputation to uphold. Dealing with “briefcase businesses” or individuals who only operate through social media platforms like Facebook, without a verifiable business location, can be risky. These individuals may disappear after receiving your money, leaving you with no way to retrieve your funds.
Using Applications for PayPal Withdrawals
There are also applications that offer PayPal withdrawal services, where you can link your PayPal account and transfer the funds to your mobile money account or bank account. When using such apps, ensure they are well-known and have positive reviews from other users. Some of these apps may also offer better exchange rates and lower fees compared to individual agents.
While using third-party services for PayPal withdrawals is a practical solution, it’s essential to be cautious and selective about who you trust with your money. Always verify the legitimacy of the agent or application, and avoid dealing with individuals who cannot provide verifiable information or a physical business address. This way, you can safely and securely access your PayPal funds in Uganda without falling victim to scams.
If you would like us to help you with this setup, Call/Whatsapp us on +256773168506
Frequently asked Questions;
