How to receive Amazon payments in South Africa

In 2025, content platforms are in a fierce race to win over creators with bigger payouts and smarter monetization tools. MrBeast still tops YouTube earnings, while Cristiano Ronaldo earns the highest on Instagram, proving the power of picking the right platform. For creators and influencers, it’s no longer just about posting content; it’s about maximising income where the money flows fastest.

This article reveals the platforms paying the most this year and the key factors to help you choose where your creativity delivers the biggest returns.

Factors that influence payout rates for content creators

Platform differences

Each platform has its own payment model, eligibility rules, and revenue-sharing percentages. For example, YouTube may pay per ad view, while TikTok focuses on engagement metrics. Choosing the right platform can significantly affect how much a creator earns for the same amount of work.

Niche and content type

Some niches, like finance, tech, and beauty, attract higher-paying advertisers, boosting payout potential. Content type also matters as long-form videos may earn more ad revenue, while short-form content may excel in brand deals. Matching your niche to platform demand maximises earning opportunities.

Read more: How to get paid as a creator on social media from anywhere in the world

Audience size and demographics

Bigger audiences generally mean higher earnings, but demographics can be even more valuable. Brands often pay more for access to specific age groups, locations, or income levels. A smaller, highly targeted audience can sometimes command higher rates than a large but generic following.

Engagement rate

High engagement likes, shares, comments, and watch time, signals an active, loyal audience. Platforms and brands both value engagement over sheer follower count. A creator with strong interaction rates can negotiate better deals and earn more through ad revenue and collaborations.

Previous collaborations

A strong portfolio of past partnerships builds credibility and trust with future sponsors. Brands are more likely to pay premium rates to creators who have successfully delivered measurable results in earlier campaigns, proving they can influence purchases and meet marketing objectives.

Top content platforms paying the highest to creators

YouTube

YouTube remains the gold standard for creator earnings, sharing 55% of ad revenue with creators and paying between $10 and $30 per 1,000 views, depending on niche. Between 2020- 2023, YouTube has paid out more than $70 billion to creators, the highest of any platform. Its global reach, consistent advertiser demand, and strong algorithm rewards creators who produce high-quality, engaging videos. Whether your content is educational, entertaining, or niche-specific, YouTube offers one of the most reliable and substantial income streams in the creator economy.

Ways to make money on YouTube:

• AdSense revenue
• Channel memberships
• YouTube Shopping
• Super Chats & Super Stickers

Read also: How to receive earnings from international affiliate marketing programs

TikTok

TikTok has rapidly evolved into a high-potential platform for creators, particularly those producing longer, high-retention videos. Content is evaluated on originality, watch time, engagement, and search value, and creators with strong performance see increased visibility and income. Average payouts are about $20-  $50 per 1 million views, but real earnings often come from brand partnerships and product promotions. TikTok’s trend-driven, youthful audience gives creators a unique opportunity to go viral quickly, driving both growth and monetisation potential in a short time.

Ways to make money on TikTok:

• TikTok Shop
• Reward programmes
• Paid subscriptions
• Creator Marketplace brand deals

Facebook

Facebook’s Content Monetisation Programme offers creators the chance to earn from various content formats. To qualify, you need 10,000 followers, must comply with Meta’s monetisation guidelines, and be in a supported country. Facebook’s broad user base spans multiple age groups, providing high advertiser interest. Video content, especially Reels, delivers strong revenue potential, while direct fan support offers consistent payouts. For established creators, Facebook remains a powerful channel for expanding reach and diversifying income streams.

Ways to make money on Facebook:

• Video ads and Reels ads
• Fan subscriptions
• Brand collaborations
• In-stream ads for longer videos

Read also: The easiest way to get a virtual dollar account for AdSense earnings

X (Twitter)

X now pays creators through a share of premium subscription revenue, offering payouts that average $8.50 per 1 million impressions. To qualify, you must have 500+ followers, generate 5 million impressions in 90 days, and be an X Premium subscriber. This model benefits creators who can spark conversations, drive engagement, and maintain an active audience. With a focus on text-driven virality and community discussions, X is becoming an increasingly viable platform for monetisation.

Ways to make money on X:

• Premium subscription revenue share
• Brand collaborations
• Affiliate promotions
• Sponsored threads or tweets

Instagram

Instagram is one of the most profitable platforms, thanks to its highly engaged, visually-driven audience. According to Shopify, nano-influencers (500–10,000 followers) can earn $10–$100 per post, while mega-influencers (500,000+ followers) can make £10,000+ per post. Its appeal to lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and fitness audiences means brands are willing to pay top rates for influencer partnerships. With strong community engagement and cultural relevance, Instagram continues to be a leading platform for creators seeking high-value brand deals and sustained earnings.

Ways to make money on Instagram:

• Sponsored posts
• Affiliate marketing
• Instagram Shops
• Live badges and exclusive content

Receive your creator earnings seamlessly

Grey makes it easy to receive your earnings from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X, and more without banking hassles. With multi-currency accounts, great exchange rates, and lightning-fast transfers, you get paid quickly and without stress. Whether it’s ad revenue, sponsorships, or subscriptions, Grey keeps payouts smooth and reliable.

Sign up or download the Grey app to receive your creator earnings without delays

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If you are among the millions of expatriates working across the Middle East, we get how hard you work to build a better life for yourself and for the family you’ve left behind. Sending money home is how parents cover school fees, relatives pay medical bills, and entire households stay afloat. It’s a big responsibility, and making sure your hard-earned money gets home safely (without losing too much on the way) makes all the difference.

Remittances are a lifeline, and for those of us earning or saving in stronger currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP, choosing the right way to send money can mean saving hundreds, or even thousands, over the course of a year.

What the remittance landscape looks like today

The Middle East, especially the Gulf states like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, are some of the top sources of remittances worldwide. In 2024 alone, global remittances are estimated at more than 900 billion US dollars, and a great share of that came from expatriates living in this region.

Also read: How to create a foreign currency account in the Middle East and North Africa

How most expats send money home

If you’re living and working in the Middle East, you probably have already tried a few different ways to send money back home, some more convenient (and cheaper) than others.

• Money exchange houses

You’ll find these everywhere, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. They’re still the go-to for many expats who like dealing in cash or prefer the face-to-face experience. But between the fees and exchange rate markups, they’re not always the best deal, especially if you're converting from USD, EUR, or GBP.

• Mobile remittance apps

Platforms like Grey, Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and WorldRemit are popular with tech-savvy expats. They’re fast, easy to use, and usually more transparent about what you’re actually paying. This option often makes life easier if you’re juggling long hours or living far from an exchange centre.

• Bank transfers

Still common, but rarely the most cost-effective. Transfers can take several days, and banks often charge higher fees and offer less competitive exchange rates. Plus, the process isn’t always as smooth as you’d hope.

• Cash pickup and prepaid cards

Useful when your family doesn’t have access to a bank account or needs the money urgently. But the convenience usually comes at a higher cost, and not every location offers these services reliably.

Breaking down the real cost of remittances

So, how much are you really spending to send money home?

The cost of remittances can quietly add up, especially if you’re sending money regularly. A few extra dollars in fees here and less-than-ideal rates there might not seem like much at first, but over time, it can mean hundreds lost. Let’s break down what the most common options actually cost today:

• Banks are the most expensive, with fees averaging 11–14% per $200. Transfers can also take up to five business days.
• Exchange houses charge around 5–5.5% and generally process transfers faster (often same day), with flat fees on popular corridors.
• Online banking platforms often charge 2.8–4.8% (sometimes lower for first-time users or regular transfers). Speedy, transparent, and often the best value when sending from currencies like USD or EUR.

You may also like: Benefits of online global bank accounts for remote workers in the Middle East and North Africa

Always watch out for hidden costs

It’s easy to get caught up in “zero fee” offers, but always check the real cost of sending money, including the transfer fee and the currency conversion rate (which can vary significantly)

Some platforms quietly take a margin on the exchange rate, so you receive less than expected on the other end.

To get a clearer picture, use tools that let you track current exchange rates and margins in real time. It’s a quick way to see how much of your money actually makes it home.

Having a multi-currency account helps

If you’re earning or saving in USD, EUR, or GBP, using a multi-currency account makes it easier and cheaper to manage your money abroad.

You can:

• Hold your money in a strong currency without converting until you're ready.
• Transfer locally in your currency of choice or convert at more favourable rates when the time is right.

Multi-currency accounts also present smart ways to keep your savings stable while living in countries with different local currencies, especially if you're sending money to multiple family members or accounts in different countries.

You may also like: Best virtual banking solutions for freelancers in the Middle East

Little things that make a big difference

• Skip weekend transfers: Rates are often worse when markets are closed, so if it’s not urgent, wait for a weekday.
• Keep an eye on the rates: If your home currency is weaker, it might be a good time to send more and get better value.
• Use local options when you can: Mobile wallets or local banks (like M-Pesa, UPI, or GCash) can be cheaper and quicker. Grey integrates easily with Mobile Money.
• Have your details ready: Double-check account info and add a clear reason for the transfer. It helps avoid hiccups.
• Stay safe: Stick with trusted services, track your transfer, and never share tracking codes publicly.

What you should know about some countries

In the UAE, most expats now rely on exchange houses or digital apps. Some banks that previously offered free transfers have introduced flat fees in 2025, prompting a shift towards newer digital-first providers like Grey, Remitly, Wise, and WorldRemit.

In Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, the remittance landscape is similar, with digital tools growing fast and fees remaining in line with those in the UAE.

In countries like Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, transfers can be more difficult due to extra compliance checks and limits on cash payouts.

Related article: How to open a virtual bank account as a freelancer in the UAE

Money doesn’t have to be the hardest part

Being away from home comes with enough challenges, and sending money back shouldn’t be one of them. You can easily use Grey to hold, send, and convert USD, EUR, or GBP, without chasing down exchange houses or worrying about bank delays.

You get fair rates, low fees, and transfers that actually land when they’re supposed to. Whether it’s rent, school fees, or just a regular “I’ve got you” transfer to family, send money abroad easier.

Open a free Grey account to send, receive, and convert money across borders without the usual stress.

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For professionals, freelancers, and business owners in Saudi Arabia, receiving and sending payments in British Pounds can be a challengeespecially without a UK address or local bank account. Yet, as Saudi Arabia’s economy continues to boom, more people are partnering with UK businesses, studying abroad, and shopping from British brands than ever before, making seamless GBP transactions increasingly important.

With Grey, you can open a fully functional UK bank account right from Saudi Arabia, giving you the freedom to receive international payments, shop online from UK stores, and send money abroad. It’s fast, secure, and built to help you do business and live globally.

Read also: How to receive British pounds in Saudi Arabia

Top reasons why Saudis need a GBP account online

1. Seamless global payments

A UK account makes it easier for Saudis to receive payments from British  clients, marketplaces, and partners without costly currency conversions. Whether you’re freelancing, exporting goods, or consulting, it ensures your money arrives faster, in full, and without the delays of traditional bank transfers.

2. Shop from UK retailers

Many UK stores and e-commerce platforms require or favour payments in GBP. A UK bank account lets Saudis pay directly in pounds, avoiding extra fees and poor exchange rates. From luxury brands to educational resources, you can shop with ease as if you were in London.

3. Support for overseas education

With a UK account, paying tuition fees becomes faster and cheaper. Parents in Saudi Arabia can send funds directly in pounds, avoiding conversion losses. It also helps students manage their finances abroad and receive money from home seamlessly while studying in the UK.

4. Easier international investments

Saudis investing in UK real estate, stocks, or businesses can benefit from a GBP account by holding and transferring funds directly in pounds. This avoids exchange rate risks, reduces transaction costs, and gives you more control when seizing investment opportunities in the UK market.

Best online GBP accounts that Saudis can open like a local

1. Grey

Grey lets you open a UK account from Saudi Arabia in minutes. Receive payments and send money abroad without a UK address. Fast, secure, and built for global living.

2. Wise

Wise offers a UK account with local bank details. Saudis can receive money like a UK resident, convert at fair rates, and send funds internationally, all from one easy-to-use online platform.

3. Payoneer

Payoneer provides a UK  receiving account for Saudis working with global clients. Accept payments in GBP, withdraw to your Saudi bank, and manage transactions easily from anywhere.

4. Revolut

Revolut gives Saudis access to a UK  account for spending, saving, and transferring internationally. Enjoy multi-currency features, low fees, and a seamless app experience without needing UK residency.

Read also: How to receive international freelance payments in Saudi Arabia

How to open a GBP account with Grey from Saudi Arabia

1. Sign up on Grey: Visit Grey’s website or download the app, then create your free account using your email and a strong password.
2. Verify your identity: Complete Grey’s KYC process by uploading your valid Saudi ID or passport and a selfie for verification.
3. Select GBP account: Once verified, choose to open a UK GBP account directly from your Grey dashboard.
4. Receive your account details: Grey provides you with a UK sort code and account number, just like a local account in the UK.
5. Start transacting: Send, receive, and store GBP seamlessly from Saudi Arabia, and convert to SAR or other currencies at competitive rates.

Conclusion

Opening a GBP account from Saudi Arabia with Grey is quick, secure, and convenient. It allows you to send, receive, and hold pounds like a local without needing a UK address. Whether for business, travel, or investments, Grey simplifies global banking so you can manage your money seamlessly from anywhere.

‍Sign up today and start banking globally with ease.

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Freelancing in Nigeria is a bit like cooking the perfect egusi soup. You need the right ingredients, timing, and technique for it to turn out great. But without a smart way to manage foreign payments, it’s easy to burn your profits before you even take a bite.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how smart Nigerian freelancers get paid in dollars, make the right swaps, and turn it into naira without losing too much to the banks. From using better platforms to knowing when to convert, it’s all about keeping more of your money where it belongs: with you.

The challenges with earning and receiving money globally in Nigeria

Global platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal are packed with Nigerians delivering high-quality work across time zones. But international clients come with international payments. And with that, new challenges.

You get paid in USD, but your landlord wants naira.

Your client pays via PayPal, but PayPal is restricted in Nigeria for receiving funds.

The project went great, but your bank held your funds hostage for weeks.

That’s when many freelancers realise: making money isn’t the hard part. Receiving it seamlessly is.

Also read: How to receive USD freelance payments in Nigeria

The three-money mindset

Smart freelancers in Nigeria don’t just focus on earning more. They manage money in three key stages that help them stay ahead.

1. Earning: Get paid in strong currencies

Earning in dollars, pounds, or euros helps protect your income from the naira’s instability. Whether through freelance platforms or direct clients, prioritise payment in stable foreign currencies

2. Holding: Avoid converting everything at once

The moment your foreign payment lands, it’s tempting to convert it all to naira. But waiting for a better rate can make a real difference. Holding your money in a global currency gives you more control.

3. Spending: Convert only when needed, and do it smartly

Convert to naira only for local expenses. For international tools and subscriptions, spend directly from your global balance using a virtual card. This avoids unnecessary fees and poor exchange rates.

This mindset helps you grow your income in real terms. Converting your entire payment to naira the moment it lands is like buying premium fuel just to pour it into a leaking tank.

Also read: How to convert and send USD to NGN online easily

The money mistakes many freelancers make

Let’s talk about the ones we’ve all made.

• Ignoring taxes until it’s too late: When the money starts flowing, it’s easy to forget that the taxman doesn’t. Many freelancers treat taxes as an afterthought until penalties start piling up. A little planning early on can save you a lot of stress later.
• Using personal bank accounts for foreign payments: Many people start out by sharing their regular bank accounts with clients. The result? Funds get stuck, flagged, or converted at terrible rates, and you have little control over the outcome.
• Converting USD to NGN too quickly: It's tempting to cash out immediately, especially when you have bills to pay. But converting during a dip in the FX rate can cost you thousands of naira. Imagine losing ₦50,000 just because you swapped currencies at the wrong time
• Accepting payments through platforms that eat into your income: Some platforms charge up to 10% just to receive your money. Add that to hidden currency conversion charges and withdrawal fees, and you're losing a big slice of your earnings before you even touch it.
• Relying on international transfers that take forever: Banks can hold your funds for days, even weeks. Meanwhile, your landlord won’t wait, your internet subscription is due, and your wallet’s on E.

You’ve got better options now.

Enter: financial tools that work for you, not against you

Grey is helping Nigerian freelancers flip the script. Here’s how:

• You get free USD, GBP and EUR accounts that make receiving payments from clients or platforms easy.
• You hold foreign currency and only convert to naira when the rate is right.
• You convert currencies in seconds, not days.
• You get a virtual card for spending in dollars online, so you don’t waste money on hidden fees.

All of this, without leaving your living room.

The freedom to earn anywhere, spend smartly and stay in control

The global freelance economy is growing fast, and Nigeria is part of the movement. But your hustle deserves more than reasonable rates. It deserves tools that support your long-term goals.

Saving for a trip, paying rent, building an emergency fund, or managing your foreign earnings should feel effortless, not like a puzzle with missing pieces.

Grey helps you keep your income flowing, your costs low, and your focus on doing great work where it matters.

Ready to take control of your freelance earnings?

Create your free Grey account and make your money work smarter, not harder.

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Brazil has so many different cultures and ways of life that every time I visit a new state I feel like a foreigner discovering a whole new country. And I say that as a Brazilian.

With forests, arid backlands, wetlands, and over 7,000 kilometres of paradise beaches, our landscapes are just as diverse as our people. So I get why so many digital nomads come here looking to experience the unique adventure of a continental country, where each region offers a new layer of contrast.

But as someone who lives in Brazil and has been getting paid in USD for years, I also understand the less glamorous side of managing multiple currencies while living here. So, if you’re a digital nomad in Brazil still figuring out how to manage foreign currencies and the Brazilian real (BRL), I’m writing this article for you.

Join me as we explore the real-life hacks, tools and currency tips that make it all work.

Also read: Fastest way to receive US dollar payments in Brazil

Getting paid in foreign currency

Let’s start with the basics. Most digital nomads working in Brazil get paid in USD, EUR or GBP. That’s great news when you look at the exchange rates: 1 USD can get you over 5 BRL right now. But it also means your income is sitting in a different financial universe than the one you're living in day to day.

The first big decision is: where does my money land? If you’re still receiving payments through PayPal or Wise directly into BRL, you’re probably losing more to fees than you realise to bad exchange rates. That’s why so many nomads in Brazil use multi-currency accounts.

Controlling when and how you convert

Once you're getting paid in a foreign currency, the next challenge is how and when to convert it to BRL. Some convert everything immediately. Others hold their earnings in USD or EUR for as long as possible, waiting for a better rate or using that currency to pay for international expenses.

Personally, I do a mix of both. I use Grey to hold my USD earnings and then convert different amounts to BRL when I need to top up my local account. That way, I’m not forced into converting at a costly rate or all at once.

A few things that help:

• Use currency alerts: I keep an eye on the USD/BRL rate and convert when the USD-to-real rate is better for me.
• Don’t convert everything at once: If you stay in Brazil long-term, you’ll eventually need more BRL. But converting little by little gives you more control and flexibility.
• Split your expenses: I try to spend in USD when I can (subscriptions, software, some flights) and only use BRL for local life (groceries, rent, Pix payments, etc.). A virtual USD card makes it way easier to shop online globally. I just pay in dollars online and don’t even have to think about exchange rates.

Also read: How to open US and UK bank accounts in Brazil

Getting into the Pix of it

Once you’ve got your BRL, it’s time to live like a local. That means learning to love Pix, Brazil’s instant payment system. You’ll use it for everything: paying rent, splitting a bill at the bar, tipping your Uber driver, or buying coffee from a corner café.

Most digital nomads send BRL from their multi-currency accounts to a local bank account. From there, it’s all Pix, all the time.

Quick tips:

• You don’t need a CPF (Brazil’s version of a tax ID) to get started with some digital banks, but having one definitely helps.
• Always check for transfer fees or bad conversion rates when using international apps. Some platforms charge more than you think.
• If you’re staying in Brazil for a few months, opening a local bank account can save you money and make daily life easier.

You may also like: Best affordable living options for digital nomads in Brazil

The challenge of managing two financial worlds

Here’s what nobody tells you before you get here: managing two currencies at once is a bit like juggling. You’re constantly checking balances, comparing rates, and making sure you don’t get stuck with no BRL in your account on a holiday weekend.

But you do get better at it. After a few months, you’ll know exactly when to convert, how much to keep in foreign currency and what to leave in your Brazilian account for bills and day-to-day life.

And eventually, you’ll start to feel like you’ve got the best of both worlds: the earning power of USD, EUR or GBP, and the freedom and beauty of living in Brazil.

It’s all about flexibility

There’s no perfect system for managing foreign currencies and BRL, but there are definitely smarter ways to do it. The key is flexibility. When you have the right tools, you can decide when to convert, how to spend, and how to protect your income from unnecessary fees.

If you’re still figuring it all out, I’d genuinely recommend giving Grey a try. It’s super simple to use and built for people who live and work across borders. You can open a free account and see how much easier things get.

Living in Brazil is a wild, beautiful adventure. And with the right money strategy, it gets even better.

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If you run a Shopify store and use Shopify Payments in an eligible region, you can now accept USDC payments directly, with no plugins, no crypto expertise, no headaches. This new integration unlocks faster, stable, and borderless payments, giving merchants more control and customers more flexibility.

With Shopify’s recent update, USDC payments are seamlessly integrated into your checkout, allowing customers worldwide to pay with stablecoins using popular crypto wallets.

Why accept USDC payments on Shopify?

Accepting USDC through Shopify Payments comes with key advantages for merchants.

Price stability means you don’t have to worry about the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies.

Fast, borderless transactions are made possible through Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 network, allowing near-instant settlement.

Customer convenience is enhanced, with shoppers able to pay using popular wallets like Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and more than 480 others compatible with Base.

Merchant flexibility lets you choose whether to receive payouts in your local currency or directly in USDC to your crypto wallet.

Also read: How to send and receive USDC directly in your USD account

How it works in Shopify

When you enable USDC payments, your store can:

• Automatically convert USDC to your payout currency (like USD, EUR or GBP) at checkout, with no extra foreign exchange or gas fees.
• Or, receive USDC directly to your crypto wallet if you prefer.

This means you have full control, from instant fiat payouts to crypto custody, without complicated setup or extra gateways.

How to start accepting USDC on Shopify

1. Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Go to Settings → Payments**.**
3. Under Shopify Payments, enable USDC on the Base network.
4. Choose whether to receive payouts in fiat currency or directly in USDC.
5. If opting for crypto payouts, go to Finances → Payouts, click Claim, and transfer your USDC to a wallet.

You may also like: How to receive your Shopify earnings using Grey

Important details to consider

Availability and eligibility

USDC payments are currently available in 34+ countries, including the US, much of Europe, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

You’ll need to use Shopify Payments in a supported country. Be sure to check your eligibility before setting up.

Customer wallet requirements

Customers must pay using a wallet that supports USDC on the Base network.

If they hold USDC on another chain (like Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon), they’ll need to bridge it to Base before checkout.

Refunds and disputes

USDC payments don’t support disputes via Shopify.

That means you’ll need to manage refunds manually, and subscription payments or upsells in USDC aren’t currently supported.

Fees and incentives

Shopify applies its standard processing fees, but you won’t pay any extra FX or gas fees.

Some merchants in eligible countries may also receive a rebate of up to 0.5% per USDC transaction.

Starting in late 2025, US customers paying with USDC will receive 1% cashback.

Also read: How USDC is revolutionising international money transfers

Managing your USDC payments with Grey

After receiving USDC via Shopify, Grey makes it simple to manage your funds.

So, why combine Shopify with Grey?

• Your USDC is instantly converted to USD with no hidden fees and no need for 3rd party exchanges.
• Hold USD alongside EUR, GBP, or other supported fiat balances.
• Swap currencies instantly within Grey at transparent real time rates.
• Withdraw to your local bank or send payments to vendors, contractors, or teams internationally.
• Use the Grey virtual USD card to spend dollars online for tools, ads, or subscriptions, bypassing hidden bank or FX fees.

All of this is managed through one simple app, giving you a seamless way to handle cross-border e-commerce finances.

The future of commerce is stable and borderless

USDC brings instant, flexible payments with the reliability of the US dollar. Shopify now makes it easy for merchants to offer crypto checkout, and Grey gives you the tools to manage your funds efficiently. Open a free account today and enjoy.

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