How to Get Paid in Dollars Without Japa-ing

Let’s be real, the dream of earning in dollars has crossed your mind more times than you care to admit. Whether it’s when the exchange rate goes up (again) or when you see a Nigerian influencer casually buying a designer bag with their “foreign currency”, you’ve probably thought: Omo, I need to start earning in dollars! But you don’t have a visa, let alone flight money, so what now?

Good news! You don’t have to sell all your belongings and move to Canada to get paid in dollars. Here are some fun and legit ways to start earning in foreign currency while still enjoying your suya and Agege bread.

1. Freelancing

The internet is your friend, and platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal are your plug. If you can write, design, code, edit videos, or even just speak English fluently (hello, voice-over gigs!), there’s someone out there willing to pay you in dollars.

All you need is a laptop, decent internet, and the ability to answer emails like a professional (no “Good morning sir/ma” nonsense; just get to the point).

Optimize your profile with keywords and set your rates in dollars. Remember, you’ll get paid in dollars, so no converting to naira in your head and short-changing yourself.

2. Investing via Bamboo on Fusion

Invest in US Stocks from Nigeria to get paid in dolars

If freelancing sounds like too much wahala, why not let your money hustle for you? Through Bamboo on Fusion, you can invest in U.S. stocks, ETFs, and other assets; meaning you’re earning in dollars without lifting a finger.

Imagine sipping zobo on your bed while your Apple and Tesla stocks do all the work. Doesn’t that sound like the soft life? The best part? You don’t need to be a millionaire to start investing; just a few dollars and the willingness to wait (and not panic-sell when the market dips).

3. Teach English (or Anything, Really) Online

Believe it or not, people in China, Japan, and even Brazil are willing to pay you to teach them English. And no, you don’t need a British accent or a Harvard degree; just good grammar and the ability to explain things clearly. Platforms like VIPKid and Cambly make it easy to start.

Not into English? You can teach literally anything on sites like Udemy and Teachable; cooking, coding, makeup, how to properly make jollof rice without offending Ghanaians, etc. People will pay!

4. Become an Affiliate Marketer

This is the online version of “Come and buy from my shop,” except you’re recommending products and services from global companies and getting a cut of every sale.

Amazon, Shopify, and many other e-commerce sites have referral programs where you can earn commissions in dollars. Just drop your referral links in strategic places (not spammy WhatsApp groups, please) and watch the money trickle in.

5. Sell Your Digital Products

Do you have knowledge people are willing to pay for? Package it into an e-book, template, or course and sell it on platforms like Amazon, Gumroad, and Etsy. The best part? It’s passive income; create it once and keep making money from it.

To get paid in dollars isn’t as complicated as it seems. You don’t need to japa or sacrifice your Nigerian passport at an embassy altar. Whatever you choose, the opportunities are endless.

So, my dear hustler, pick your path and in no time, you too can get paid in dollars. And if you see me flexing small, just know my Bamboo investments are working overtime. 😉

Now go forth and secure the bag!

And, if you’re still looking to japa, join the Japa community on Fusion for more insights and tips to help ease your process.

Nesiama Fasola

Nesiama (Ness) Fasola is a community manager, tech enthusiast, writer and full time hopeless romantic. She loves to scribble words in a bid to make sense of the jumble of thoughts, ideas and emotions that constantly plague her mind. At her leisure, you can either find her nose-deep in a book, brewing coffee or poking around in her garden.