The economic relationship between China and Nigeria is so valuable that it is attributed to billions of dollars worth of value annually. For many Nigerians in the electronics, clothing, and fashion accessories industries, China is a reliable and affordable option for sourcing. Even then, payment still remains a major challenge, especially for small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria.

The methods for making payments to Chinese suppliers are situational and so fragmented that your specific needs will be the determining factor of what method to use for your RMB (Chinese Yuan) payments.

While the choice of payment method is ultimately yours, this article will serve as a guide. It will present you with a list of the popular methods used by Nigerians for RMB payments, plus provide you with ratings for each payment method. These will help you choose the best RMB payment method for your unique needs.

Common Methods For Paying Chinese Suppliers and Their Ratings Before listing the common payment methods for paying Chinese suppliers from Nigeria, you must understand the key factors used to rate each method. These factors help determine which payment method suits your needs as a mini-importer.

• Ease of use: How easy is it to get started and make payments, especially for beginners?
• Security: How safe is the method, and can you easily track the transaction?
• Customer service: When something goes wrong, how good and reassuring is the support?
• Speed: How quickly does the supplier receive the funds?
• Cost: Are there fees, or hidden charges, or are the exchange rates higher than average?
• Accessibility: Can anyone use it from Nigeria, or are there barriers?

With these factors in mind, let’s look at the payment methods available to Nigerian importers and how each one performs in our ranking system — starting with Alipay.

Alipay Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)

If you’re new to mini-importation, Alipay is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to pay your suppliers. It is a popular payment method among Chinese wholesalers and is the primary payment option on major Chinese sourcing platforms like Alibaba and 1688, among others. That means your supplier is most likely already using it.

Alipay is also beginner-friendly and easily accessible across all mobile devices. The platform is available in 16 different languages including English, and can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices. In summary, it is easy to set up and navigate as a Nigerian, whether on your phone or tablet.

Other benefits of Alipay are noticed in the fees and the speed of transactions. The transaction fees are limited to 3% for transactions above 250 RMB, and transfers between Alipay users are almost instant.

You should note that Alipay transactions are done in RMB (Chinese Yuan), so you have to fund your Alipay wallet with RMB. You can use Midddleman to buy RMB directly into your Alipay wallet or any Alipay wallet of your choice, it is fast and secure.

WeChat Pay Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

WeChat Pay is another trusted and widely used payment method in China. It is popular because it is integrated directly into WeChat, the country's largest messaging app. If you’re sourcing from Pinduoduo, your suppliers probably prefer WeChat Pay.

Before creating a WeChat Pay account, you’ll need to create an account on the global version of the messaging platform (WeChat International on iOS and Android). The international WeChat Pay account has many restrictions for Nigerians, and the verification method usually requires a referral from another verified user. You may find someone to assist you with your WeChat verification in the Midddleman Community.

Similarly to Alipay, you’ll still need to fund your WeChat Pay account with RMB to make transfers. There is the option to use debit/credit cards to fund your WeChat Pay account, but it may not work with Nigerian-issued cards.

Overall, WeChat Pay is a convenient payment alternative with restrictions that may prevent you, a Nigerian mini-importer, from taking full advantage of the platform.

Bank transfer ★★★☆☆ (3.0/5)

International bank transfers are a secure and reliable way to pay Chinese suppliers, but they come with a few extra steps.

Many Nigerian banks require extra documentation for sending money abroad, like an invoice or purchase agreement. The amount of paperwork and the time it takes to process it varies depending on the bank, so it’s best to ask around first.

Fees are another varying factor. There’s no fixed rate for international transfers. Each bank determines its transaction fees based on the amount, destination, and exchange rate, so you’ll need to call or visit a few banks to compare rates and see which bank offers the best value.

Note that bank transfers are final. If you accidentally send more than intended, there’s no easy way to recall or reverse the transaction. So, it's important to double-check all the details before confirming the transaction.

Despite the friction in international bank transfers, its one advantage over other payment methods is the convenience it provides Chinese suppliers. In a bank transaction, your Chinese supplier receives the payment directly into their bank account without any processing/withdrawal fees from their local bank. This is unlike Alipay or WeChat Pay, where they may be charged withdrawal fees.

Bank transfers are a secure and professional way to pay Chinese suppliers, but it is more suited for importers with large orders.

Third party platforms (like Midddleman or Klasha) Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)

Third-party platforms have become increasingly popular among Nigerian importers who need a simpler and faster way to pay Chinese suppliers.

These platforms act as intermediaries, helping you convert your local currency (like Naira) into RMB (Chinese Yuan) and sending it directly to suppliers via common Chinese payment channels like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or even directly to Chinese bank accounts. The process is often quicker and requires less paperwork than traditional bank transfers.

For example, on Midddleman, you can buy RMB with your Naira from within the app and send it directly to any Alipay account. This feature is invaluable for importers sourcing from platforms like 1688, Alibaba, and AliExpress, where Chinese suppliers often prefer payment in RMB through Alipay.

Klasha is another option in this space. They provide cross-border payment services, allowing Africans to pay Chinese suppliers in RMB using local currency.

Third-party platforms can save time and simplify the currency conversion process, but it is significant to consider other factors like credibility and customer support before settling with any third-party platforms.

Overall, third-party platforms are helpful for business owners or mini-importers who need more flexibility and ease when sending money to China.

Third party agents Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.9/5)

Third-party agents (sometimes called sourcing agents or payment agents) are individuals or businesses that help bridge the gap between buyers and Chinese suppliers. They often act as a representative, managing everything from sourcing products to handling payments on your behalf.

When it comes to making payments, here’s how third-party agents typically work:

• You send the agreed payment (in Naira or another currency) to an agent.
• The agent converts the funds to RMB.
• They then pay your Chinese supplier through local bank transfer or cash.

This method can be helpful if your supplier only accepts local payment methods or cash or if you want someone to confirm order details in person before making payments.

There are drawbacks, however. Working with the wrong agent can lead to fraud, and fees are usually higher than when using digital platforms. If you must make payments using a third-party agent, always look for verified reviews or referrals and begin with small transactions to build trust.

Conclusion Ultimately, your preferred payment method will also be convenient to your supplier. In other words, you need to talk to your supplier to know their preferred payment options.

Thereafter, analyze those options using our guide and choose the payment method that best fits your needs.

If you decide to use Alipay, consider using Midddleman to directly fund your Alipay wallet with RMB or to pay your suppliers in RMB.