Does PayPal Link to Zimbabwean Banks?

Today, we are going to answer one of the questions that have been floating around out there with regards to using PayPal in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, Zimbabweans will not like the answer. So, does PayPal Link to Zimbabwean Banks?

Can you link PayPal to Zimbabwean Banks?

The short answer to the above question is no. Paypal does not link to Zimbabwean banks.

Zimbabweans can now have PayPal Accounts

It is not possible to link your PayPal account to Zimbabwean banks. In fact, although Zimbabweans are now able to have PayPal accounts, transactions can only be made in one direction. This is something on which we have previously dwelt.

It is quite possible to link your Zimbabwean MasterCard or Visa card to PayPal. This is something that we have been doing over the years. Doing this allows you to buy things on Amazon, eBay, AliExpress and other places. Our Standard Chartered account was used in this regard.

Zimbabweans Cannot Receive Money into their PayPal Accounts

The sad thing is that although PayPal is quite happy to have Zimbabweans take money out of the country through purchases, it does not allow them to receive money into their accounts. Neither does it allow Zimbabweans to link their PayPal accounts to their bank accounts.

Not our fault, says PayPal. According to the company, the issue has largely to do with regulation from the RBZ. Which begs the question, why would the central bank not be interested in allowing Zimbabweans to receive money  from outside through PayPal at a time when the country is desperately looking to replenish it’s nostro accounts?

The PayPal Alternative

The good news is that it is still possible to get paid for online work even if you are in Zimbabwe. We get paid for the freelancing work that we do through Payoneer. Although it is still a bit smaller and limited, Payoneer has proven to be a worthy PayPal alternative. You can sign up for Payoneer by clicking on the banner below.