In 2019, Marcel, a university student in Douala, wanted to start freelancing online to earn extra income.
But there was one major hurdle he faced: receiving payments.
Almost all the platforms he explored — whether it was for graphic design, writing, or online surveys — required a PayPal account for payouts.
The problem was that PayPal was not fully supported for sending or receiving payments in Cameroon at the time.
Despite the challenges, Marcel figured out a way.
And now, as someone in Cameroon who wants to navigate this process, I’m going to walk you through how to create a PayPal account that works for you.
Step 1: Understand PayPal’s Services in Cameroon
Before diving into the actual steps, it’s important to understand that PayPal’s services in Cameroon are limited.
As of now, PayPal does not allow receiving payments directly into a Cameroonian PayPal account.
However, you can still create an account and use it for online purchases and sending payments.
But don’t worry!
There’s a workaround that many Cameroonians use to receive funds using PayPal.
Let’s get to it.
Step 2: Ensure You Have the Right Requirements
Creating a PayPal account in Cameroon is simple, but there are a few things you’ll need to have:
A valid email address: This is how you’ll log in and manage your account.
An active phone number: You will need this for account verification.
A bank account or credit/debit card: PayPal will request a funding source for your account.
Some Cameroonians opt to use virtual cards like UBA’s Africard or Ecobank’s Xpress Cash, which are widely accepted by PayPal.
A strong internet connection: Since PayPal is an international platform, you need a stable internet connection for smooth sign-ups and transactions.
Step 3: Visit the PayPal Website
Now that you have your essentials in order, here’s the next step:
Open your browser and go to www.paypal.com.
You will be automatically directed to PayPal’s homepage. Since you’re in Cameroon, the site will likely load with settings tailored to your region.
Step 4: Click on ‘Sign Up’
On the homepage, you’ll see a “Sign Up” button. Click it, and you’ll be directed to a page where you can choose between creating a personal or business account.
For most individuals starting out in Cameroon, a personal account is sufficient.
But if you plan to use PayPal for larger transactions or for e-commerce, it might be worth exploring a business account later.
Select your choice and click Next.
Step 5: Fill in Your Information
You’ll be required to provide the following details:
Email address: Make sure this is an email you use often.
Password: Choose a strong password to keep your account secure.
Personal information: Enter your full name, nationality, date of birth, and address. Ensure everything is accurate.
Step 6: Link a Debit/Credit Card
After entering your personal information, PayPal will prompt you to link a debit or credit card.
If you have a Cameroonian Visa, MasterCard, or a virtual card like UBA’s Africard, you can enter its details here.
Linking a card will allow you to make payments online and verify your PayPal account.
If you don’t have a card yet, you can skip this step and link one later, but doing this upfront helps verify your account faster.
Step 7: Verify Your Email and Phone Number
Once you’ve filled in your information, PayPal will send you a verification email.
Go to your inbox, open the email, and click the verification link.
Next, PayPal will also send a verification code to your phone.
Enter this code when prompted on the website, and your account will be successfully verified.
Step 8: Navigate the Dashboard
After verifying your account, you’ll be taken to your PayPal dashboard.
Here, you’ll be able to view your balance (though this won’t be useful yet in Cameroon), link other bank accounts or cards, and send payments.
However, as noted earlier, receiving payments directly into your Cameroonian PayPal account is still not allowed.
This is where some users turn to alternative solutions.
Step 9: Workarounds for Receiving Payments
Marcel, like many other Cameroonian freelancers, discovered a way to receive PayPal payments using a foreign PayPal account.
Here’s how it works:
1.Create a PayPal account using a different country’s settings: Some Cameroonians use a VPN to register a PayPal account in countries like South Africa or the USA.
This method is risky and against PayPal’s terms of service, so it’s not officially recommended.
2. Partner with friends abroad: Marcel chose to work with a trusted family member in France who already had a PayPal account.
His clients would send payments to that account, and his relative would withdraw and send the funds to him through traditional means.
3. Use virtual bank accounts: Some online platforms offer virtual bank accounts in countries where PayPal allows receiving payments.
Marcel signed up for a service like Payoneer, which provided him with a US-based virtual bank account that he could link to his PayPal account.
This allowed him to receive payments, convert them to local currency, and withdraw through a local bank.
Step 10: Using Your PayPal Account in Cameroon
Even though the process for receiving payments can be tricky, there are still several ways you can make the most of your PayPal account in Cameroon:
Online shopping: Use PayPal to buy items from international stores like eBay, Amazon, and Alibaba.
Send money to friends and family abroad: PayPal’s money-sending service works well if you have friends or relatives in countries where PayPal is widely supported.
Make donations: Many international charities and crowdfunding platforms accept PayPal donations.
Conclusion
For Marcel, creating a PayPal account opened doors to international freelance opportunities that weren’t accessible to him before.
With a bit of patience and persistence, you too can set up your PayPal account and start benefiting from its global reach.
While PayPal’s services in Cameroon are limited, there are ways around it, as long as you stay informed and navigate the process carefully.
Whether you’re using it for online purchases or finding workarounds to receive payments, creating a PayPal account is a key step toward connecting with the global economy.
Remember, knowledge is power. As you dive deeper into the world of online business or freelancing, having a PayPal account will become one of your greatest assets.
So, start today, follow the steps, and soon enough, you’ll be making the most of your PayPal account in Cameroon!
