How to Create a PayPal Account in Zimbabwe (Full Tutorial)
1.
What You Need Before Starting
Make sure you have:
Valid email address (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc.)
National ID or Passport (for verification if PayPal asks later)
Phone number (preferably Econet or NetOne, active for SMS verification)
Bank card (VISA or MasterCard) that works for online payments
- Stanbic, FBC, Steward Bank, or NMB Visa/MasterCard debit cards usually work.
Internet access (PC or smartphone)

You can send money & pay online (for shopping, subscriptions, etc.) but you cannot directly receive money into your PayPal account in Zimbabwe. To receive money, people usually link PayPal with a service like Payoneer or use a foreign account.
2. 🖥 Step-by-Step Registration
Step 1: Visit PayPal Website
- Open your browser and go to
www.paypal.com.
- Click Sign Up (top right corner).
Step 2: Choose Account Type
- Select Personal Account (recommended for individuals).
- If you are a business owner, you can choose Business Account — but note receiving is still restricted.
Click Next.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
- Country/Region: Zimbabwe
(it will automatically show Zimbabwe if you are browsing locally).
- First Name & Last Name: Enter exactly as on your bank card.
- Email Address: Use an active email (this becomes your PayPal login).
- Password: Strong password (mix of letters, numbers, symbols).
Click Next.
Step 4: Add Contact & Address Info
- Mobile number: Enter your Zimbabwean number (e.g., +26377xxxxxxx).
- Address: Use your real residential or postal address.
- City & Postal Code: Example: Harare, Postal Code 00263 (if unsure, use your area’s code).
Agree to the terms and continue.
Step 5: Confirm Email & Phone
- PayPal sends a confirmation link to your email → Open your email inbox → Click Confirm Email.
- PayPal also sends an SMS code → Enter it on PayPal to confirm your phone number.
Now your PayPal account is active

3.
Linking a Card to PayPal (VERY IMPORTANT)
To use PayPal in Zimbabwe, you must link a debit/credit card because PayPal Zimbabwe doesn’t allow a wallet balance.
Steps:
- Log in to PayPal.
- Go to Wallet → Link a Card.
- Enter your Visa or MasterCard details:
- Card Number
- Expiry Date
- CVV (3-digit code at back)
- Click Link Card.
Step 6: Verify Your Card
PayPal will make a small temporary charge (around $1–$2).
- This will appear on your bank statement or mobile banking app.
- The charge will include a 4-digit PayPal code (e.g., PP*1234CODE).
- Enter this code in your PayPal to confirm your card.
After confirmation, the money is refunded.
4.
Using PayPal in Zimbabwe
You can buy online (Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
You can send money internationally (friends/family, business payments)
You cannot receive money directly into Zimbabwe PayPal.
5.
Workarounds for Receiving Money
Since Zimbabwe PayPal does not support receiving, here are alternatives:
- Payoneer + PayPal
- Open a Payoneer account.
- Get a virtual US bank account from Payoneer.
- Link it to PayPal.
- This allows you to receive international payments indirectly.
- Use Relatives’ PayPal Abroad
- Some freelancers use a PayPal account registered in South Africa, UK, or USA with the help of relatives.
- Freelancer Platforms
- Use Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, which pay through Payoneer, Skrill, or direct bank transfer (safer than PayPal in Zimbabwe).
6.
Security Tips
- Always use your real details — fake details may cause account suspension.
- Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) with your phone/email.
- Avoid logging in from public Wi-Fi or shared devices.
Summary
Creating a PayPal account in Zimbabwe is possible, but you can only send and shop online, not receive money directly. To receive, you’ll need workarounds like Payoneer.

- Go to PayPal.com and sign up.
- Enter your details (use Zimbabwe as country).
- Confirm email + phone.
- Link and verify your Visa/MasterCard.
- Start using PayPal to pay online.
Do you want me to also make you a Zimbabwe-friendly PayPal + Payoneer guide (so you can fully send and receive money)?