For Kenyans, navigating the world of online payments can sometimes feel like traversing a complex maze.
Among the several established options, PayPal stands out as a giant. But the burning question remains: Is PayPal available in Kenya?
Let’s delve into this topic and provide you with the information you need to navigate PayPal’s services in Kenya.
PayPal’s presence in Kenya
Yes, PayPal is available in Kenya, offering a bridge between the digital economy and Kenyans looking to engage with international markets. Unlike Stripe, PayPal is available in most countries in Africa. (See the complete list of PayPal Africa countries.)
Paypal is particularly great for
- Freelancers
- Digital entrepreneurs
- Shopping online
PayPal provides a secure and efficient way to manage your transactions. Here’s how you can make the most out of PayPal in Kenya.
Establishing a PayPal account in Kenya is straightforward. You only need an email address, a password, and a method to fund your account, such as linking a credit or debit card.
Once set up, you can quickly check out on millions of websites worldwide that accept PayPal. Also, PayPal’s presence in Kenya enables you to transfer funds between your PayPal account and popular mobile money services like M-Pesa, enhancing flexibility in accessing your money.
With over 200 million active accounts globally, including many from Kenya, PayPal facilitates your participation in the international marketplace.
What you CAN do with Paypal Ke
- Receive payments: You can receive payments from individuals and businesses outside Kenya into your Kenyan PayPal account. This is useful for freelancers, online sellers, and businesses that receive payments from international clients.
- Send payments: You can send payments easily to anyone with a PayPal account. All you need is their Paypal email address
- Link with M-PESA: You can link your PayPal account with your M-PESA account for convenient withdrawals. This service is offered in partnership with Safaricom.
- Link your Equity bank: You can now link your Equity bank account via the Paypal-Equity withdraw service, enabling you to instantly withdraw your funds from Paypal.
Differences Between PayPal US and PayPal KE
When comparing PayPal services in the United States (US) and Kenya (KE), there are notable differences in functionality and features:
PayPal US:
- Payment methods: In the US, when sending money to Friends and Family using a PayPal balance or bank account, fees are waived.
- Billing disputes: Consumers in the US can file disputes with card issuers for billing errors or disputes with merchants under specific conditions.
- Withdrawal options: PayPal users in the US have various withdrawal options, including linking bank accounts for direct transfers.
PayPal KE:
- Withdrawal challenges: African PayPal users, including those in Kenya, face challenges with withdrawing funds to local banks, leading them to seek alternative platforms., such as Equity Bank and M-pesa withdrawal options.
Setting up a PayPal account in Kenya
Before you create an account, you need to decide on which type of PayPal suits your needs.
Choosing the account type
You have two primary options for account types in Kenya: a Personal account and a Business account.
A Personal account is suitable for individual use, such as online shopping and sending money to friends or family. A Business account, on the other hand, includes additional features like the ability to accept payments in the name of a business and to grant account access to multiple people.
- Personal Account: Ideal for individual users for personal transactions.
- Business Account: Offers additional features tailored for business transactions and operations.
When choosing an account type, consider your specific needs, whether for personal use or business transactions. Always protect your financial information when completing the registration process.
How to create a Paypal account in Kenya (steps)
Creating a PayPal account in Kenya is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
- Visit the PayPal website and select the “Sign Up” option.
- Choose the account type that suits your needs: Personal or Business.
- Fill in your details, including your email address and a strong password.
- Add your credit or debit card details. PayPal accepts cards issued by most Kenyan banks.
- Verify your account through the email confirmation PayPal sends you.
How to verify Paypal account in Kenya
The easiest way to verify your Paypal KE account, is linking your bank card.
- Add your card: Go to the “Wallet” section of your PayPal account and click “Link a card.” Enter your debit or credit card information.
- Confirmation: A small temporary charge will be made to your card (around $1.95), which will be refunded later.
- This charge will include a 4-digit code in the form of in the form of PP*1234CODE that you’ll need to enter on PayPal to confirm your card.
- You can find this code on your card statement, in a transaction SMS sent via bank, or by contacting your bank.
- Go back to PayPal verification, and enter your code
- Confirm it and your Kenyan Paypal account becomes verified.
Linking PayPal to your Kenyan bank account
For seamless transactions, linking your PayPal account to your Kenyan bank account is essential. This enables you to withdraw funds from PayPal to your local bank.
Here’s how to do it:
- Equity Bank offers a dedicated service for linking your bank account to PayPal, facilitating relatively swift withdrawals.
- Alternatively, use mobile money services like M-Pesa to withdraw funds from PayPal.
The benefits of using PayPal in Kenya
- Security: PayPal’s encryption and fraud detection technology keep your transactions secure.
- Convenience: Shop online or send and receive money from over 200 countries.
- Speed: Transfers from PayPal to your bank account or mobile money can be relatively quick, depending on the service you use.
Paypal fees vary depending on whether you are carrying out a consumer or a merchat transaction.
Things to consider
- Fees: PayPal charges for certain transactions, including currency conversion and withdrawals, so always review these before completing a transaction. For Mpesa withdrawals, you can consult our Paypal to Mpesa calculator.
- Withdrawal times: Depending on your bank, withdrawals can take several days to process. Equity bank withdrawals are now instant though.
Funding and managing your PayPal balance
Managing your PayPal balance efficiently is crucial as it can influence the ease with which you can send and receive money, convert currencies, and understand the fees involved.
Operating your digital wallet with knowledge can save you time and money.
Transferring money to PayPal (Top-up PayPal using M-pesa)
To fund your PayPal balance use an integrated mobile money service like M-PESA.
In Kenya, facilitate this transfer by linking your PayPal to your mobile money service. For instance, after linking, use the PayPal M-PESA Pay Bill number which is 800088 to transfer funds from your mobile.
Your phone number will act as your account number during this process.
- Step 1: Go to the M-PESA menu and select “Lipa na M-PESA”.
- Step 2: Choose the “Pay Bill” option.
- Step 3: Provide the Pay Bill number (800088) and enter your phone number as the account number.
- Step 4: Key in the amount in Kenyan Shillings (KES) you wish to transfer.
This process will credit your PayPal balance with the amount, converted to a currency like USD or GBP, based on the current exchange rate.
Currency conversion and fees
When you deal with transactions requiring currency conversion, be aware of the applicable conversion fees. PayPal will automatically convert your funds to the necessary currency, for example from KES to US Dollars (USD).
The exchange rate provided by PayPal typically includes a conversion fee, which is a small percentage above the base exchange rate.
- Receive Money: When you receive money in a currency different from your PayPal account’s primary currency.
- Send Money: When you send money to someone in a currency different from your PayPal balance.
Be aware:
- Funds received in USD will be subject to a conversion fee when converting to another currency.
- The conversion rate changes frequently, hence checking the rates before any transaction is advisable.
To manage your funds effectively, always review the currency conversion and associated fees to ensure you have sufficient balance to cover your transactions and are getting a fair exchange rate.
Paypal Kenya FAQs
How can I link my PayPal account to M-PESA?
To link your PayPal account to M-PESA, simply visit the PayPal Mpesa website and click on the Get Started button. Follow the instructions provided, which will involve entering your M-PESA details.
What steps do I follow to withdraw money from PayPal to M-PESA?
Withdrawing money requires you to have linked your PayPal account with M-PESA. Once linked, choose the withdrawal option on the PayPal-Mpesa website (Powered by Thunes), input the amount, confirm the amount you will receive, and then authorize the transaction.
Which Kenyan banks are compatible with PayPal for transactions?
The only bank that allows direct Paybal to bank withdrawal in 2024 is Equity Bank.
How do I sign up for a PayPal account in Kenya?
Signing up for a PayPal account in Kenya is straightforward. You’ll need a valid email address and to provide personal information on the PayPal sign up page. Follow the verification process to activate your account for transactions.
Are there any limitations when using PayPal in Kenya?
When using PayPal in Kenya, be aware of the transaction limits, currency conversion fees, and possible delays in fund transfers. It’s important to check the latest regulations as these can affect the services.