₦airaland Forum

They have currency exchanges at the airport. I would think you can do it there.

Jamezy4u:
Hi House!

Please, what is the easiest way to change little cash in Nigerian Naira to US Dollars for someone that want to travel. Am looking at it that the stress is not worth it to do PPA for a cash like $400 to $700 that I want to go with as cash.

Please, can this be changed at the airport on the date of travel?

Or before the date of travel? Can it be done at the airport easily?

Please, someone should advise.

Thanks

Anyone can easily deduce one thing about you - You seem VERY bitter about the USA, and especially anyone that's doing well in the USA. What has the US done to you?

timesup234:
You can speak all the english you like that wont change the reality that Nigerians living in America are broke. What is the cost of becoming a software engineer? Normally it takes 4yrs of college and other related programs of extra years, these people carry huge debts that they will keep paying decades later. Even doctors who earn more cant pay up their student loans 10 yrs after. Lets be reality based in our thinking. Thanks

You are spot on! A long time software developer here. So I can attest to what you are saying. Pretty much all I know are professionals, all working in corporate America. And we've all been for a very long time. I have been part of an investment club (mutual funds, stocks, etc) for 17 years. All 14 members are Nigerians /friends, all college educated and working in corporate America. I take the train into the city for work, and I run into countless Nigerians in the process, all doing the same thing.
One of the guys in my investment club, his daughter was an intern recruiter at the IT vendor that I worked for about 2 years ago. And her boyfriend was studying software development in college. Google had a job fair here in Chicago, she applied and got snatched up as a corporate recruiter. They moved her out there to California, etc. Her boyfriend also just recently moved out there to join her...he joined a company up there as a software developer. Stories such as these are regular for me

So when I see the very incorrect info that's being posted here, I just shake my head. Honestly, there is no point responding.

wonlasewonimi:
You guys are trying to enlighten this bellend with a single direction in life.

When you move to a new country, 99% of the time you end up doing similar job with your host. If he is a cleaner, you will definitely be a cleaner cos he doesnt know any other job to help you find.

Most people go oyinbo land and start competing with them for customer services job, nursing stacking shelves and all sorts. The secret to hacking it which Indians (God bless them) have mastered is to skill up in areas where oyinbo would not naturally venture or where you will have a very limited competition. Thats why SAP developed in Germany, oyinbos go to India to learn it, Oracle developed in the US, oyinbos go to India to learn. I recently worked in 2 different big corporations and kept wondering why the top executives from both organisation had to travel to india to assess their outsourced operations there. The indians have got them by the balls, the indians could literally finish them. Why? they have the technical knowhow.

There are so many emerging technologies now that you can learn without breaking bank and rake in money like crazy. My guy has been a software developer with DoD for about 7 years now on a crazy daily rate. This oponu is telling us american dream is a lie.

Developed countries like the US value knowledge and your ability demonstrate your skill, they will give you the job cos they know you can solve their problem, and you don't need to personally know any Manager top officials.

Finally, with resources abound on the internet, you can become whatever you want with dedication. Nobody should believe failures like timesup234. The fool can't even ascertain if his business is profitable or not.

Absolutely true. Just way too much incorrect info has been posted on this. Even the cheapest Chinese phone with the correct frequency will work here. Back in the days of flip phones, my AT&T Motorola v551, RAZR, etc. all worked in Nigeria. And that was donkey years ago! And someone is posting about US phones not working in Nigeria. Just smh...

GetUmad:
Chai! Funke! Funke!
My fellow Naijas would not kill me.

Pls let us always be careful of the information we dish out on net. It's supposed to be a learning place for all but we can get people easily misinformed if we don't write only what we are sure its absolutely correct.

Thanks

OP, as others mentioned, your phone likely does not have the frequencies used here. Which are 850/1900 for 2G/3G. Tmobile also has some 1700/2100 AWS Frequency. For LTE the primary bands here are 2/4/5/12/17. Even the cheap sub $50 phones sold here will have all these 2G/3G/4G bands used here. And at a minimum, they will have the 2G/3G bands used outside the US.

I see a lot of incorrect info given here:
- There is no phone sold in the US in the last 12 years or so that will not work in Nigeria. Since all phones sold since then have always had the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM bands.
- both MTN and GLO (I have had both since their inception and they've always worked here) allow roaming anywhere in the US. So with the right frequency, it should work in any US city. Roaming is not by city as someone incorrectly posted.

There are 4 major carriers in the US. 2 of them use GSM. Combined there is more GSM than CDMA here. Let's not give incorrect information.

sleekman:
Apparently, no one has answered you appropriately. The US, Canada and their protectorates use CDMA code division multiple access technology which operate on different frequencies from that of Nigeria and Europe which are GSM global system for mobiles. Very few networks use GSM in the US and Canada. E.g AT&T in d US and Roger in Canada.

Anyone that believes this nonsense should be slapped till they regain their senses! How stupid can we be to believe these miracles nonsense. We really do have a long way to go in Africa.

One thing is certain in this world - Nothing is guaranteed! Things are changing and evolving and we just have to adjust as that happens. For now, I would say the Medical fields - Physician, Nursing, Pharmacy, etc. The IT fields - Software Development (everything is getting automated), Database admin, Project Management in general. The engineering fields - Civil, Electrical, etc. Finance and Accounting as well. Honestly, the most important thing is, whatever you do or study, make sure you are very good at it and you keep improving on your skills. As for specific courses, just take the courses that will qualify you for one of these jobs.

lionlee216:
Thanks ya'll and I appreciate you guys. On behalf of OP, Can you pls enlighten the house the kind of courses to do in US that are hot cakes and can make someone never to run out of Jobs

Bossman
TWoods
Lagosismyhome

etc

Yes, if as you said, he just came for a program, and his visa is has already expired, then he is probably staying here illegally. AS for sustaining himself - it's anyone's guess. He may have come with a lot of money, or he may have started working underground (getting paid cash for a menial job).

sassysure:
Pls, there is something bothering me that I want u guys to help me sort out. A middle aged man left his family last yr to USA for a programme(I think govt related) and is supposed to go back to Nigeria at the end of that programme but he didn't. It's more than a yr now and his family(finished giving birth since) are of the opinion he will soon send for them. I'm close to the wife and anytime we chat,she is always hopeful she will soo leave Nigeria.


Is the man not staying in USA illegally? How is he sustaining himself and promising his family they will soon join him? Is something like that possible. Cos I want the woman to stop living in utopia. Thanks

Well, that is certainly correct. However there are several reasons for that - see below. Black men in general are very scarce in corporate America. Then in some fields such as Engineering, IT (computer programming), etc. there are even fewer. OTOH, I have worked at some places that have a good record of giving minorities a chance, and there usually are quite a few more blacks there. It's always been like that in all my donkey years of working in Corporate America!

Black women have always been the ones that go to school to attain that degree that will open up the opportunities. The men tend to either do more laborious jobs or just stay at home and take care of the kids. And that culture has trickled down to some of the younger generation...They expect the woman to take care of them. Also, slavery may have something to do with it. Blacks only make up 12.6% of the US population. And the men have a very high rate of incarceration. The lack of father figure in most homes also plays a factor. So there is nobody there besides the working mom to instill in them the importance of a solid education in this society, especially as a black man. In addition, the "old boy network" thing may have something to do with it. That is - people then to gravitate to and hire people that look just like them. So, as a black person one will need to work a little harder to get that opportunity. So unfortunate!

PS. The client I am at now, we have 18 consultants/developers on the team. Me, a Russian, and the remaining 16 are Indian.

lionlee216:
So, I have been to some corporate organisations in NY, CT, OH and IL but to my surprise, I only find out majority are white people. I use to wonder what blacks normally do. The dinner I attended tonight was organised by my wife's company and out of 100 people, only 2 people are black(My woman and the HR) but when you go to factories or places of menial Jobs, You find black people there and very few white(White Americans).

what could have caused these?

Well no thanks to the media, black people are always associated with crime. Watch Youtube and others, you will see blacks shooting at gas station robbing people. the media has always been painting black people as criminals to the extent i really done feel safe in midst of blacks(God forgive me). I usually see them as a threat especially anytime I go to Chicago.

Cc TWoods
lagosismyhome
Bossman
GoldenBoy007
BlowJobs

Honestly, the only way to really enjoy Netflix in Naija is to have an unlimited plan. Most folks in Naija still access the internet via their phone. Netflix uses about 1GB of streaming data per hour. That's not really feasible for most folks. That's why it has not picked up steam in Naija. Even though it's been available there for almost a year. Unlimited very fast home internet is the norm in UK/US and the rest of the western world. So that's why Netflix is HUGE in those countries. Naija will get there one day.

Make sure you do that underground work well o. Especially since you said you do not know anyone. Accommodation alone will deplete that your funds in no time. I personally will NOT advice even my enemy to come here without the correct papers. Remember if you are illegal here, you can't get a drivers license, SS#, etc. So, you can only work underground. Very tough!!! However, whatever you decide to do - Good luck!

PS - This is coming from someone that has been here for a very long time (early 90's). Came here for college and got a job (IT) right after college. So, my path was the straight forward kind. But even at that - worked my butt off in college so that I can compete for jobs with the best.

richricco:
Thanks,bro. I'm heading to Texas.
I appreciate your your sincere advice. I'm actually still doing some underground work,reason I left it for March.

You tried o! I will not try that in this our Chicago cold. Especially now that the December cold is showing its face.

Sorry to hear about the Amazon job issue. I am surprised they went that far though. Very likely because of the lack of ID, and not because you showed up late. Plus, you did not call them to let them know you'll be late. It is well. Don't worry. Better things will come along.

FrankNetter:
Okay, time don reach to go party, I now remembered the sad condition of my motor and how cold the weather is. Coupled with the fact that its a party, I couldn't dress my normal 5-sweatshirt way, so I wouldn't fall my hand na, as a fresh young man.

I went and begged my elder sister for her car, she declined, I beg tire, she no gree (she was trying to get back at me for something I did earlier).

I decided to go for the party like that, wearing normal clothes, jean, boots and winter jacket

Bad decision


I told the young lady to text me the address. She did, I put it on my waze app (for navigation), it told me 40 minutes to destination.
"40 mins in this freezing weather?" I thought to myself.
I almost shunned the movement, but when I thought about the free nigerian food and drinks, plus the nice time I would miss out on, I strongheadedly decided to go.

I had barely driven for 10 minutes when I started feeling my fingers go numb. One mind was telling me to go back, the other mind was confusing me with food I had to continually flex my fingers to keep up the circulation while alternating hands on the steering wheel. After what seemed like an eternity, I arrived at the party venue shivering like a leaf, I had to sit in the parking lot waiting for my car to gather some heat so I could warm myself up before getting into the hall. Driving back home was another case altogether. Im glad I made it home without dying from the cold.

I had a nice time that evening though, but I wouldn't try this again

I could not have said it better. She ignored multiple red flags. In my opinion, she is just too naive.

linearity:
Sorry, at least you have learnt valuable lessons & experience from the incident that will better prepare you for the future.

Lessons & Experience do have a cost that must be paid; they are not free and sometimes, they are very expensive.

Red Flags that you ignore.
1. Don’t allow Strangers to change your predefined meeting location on a fly. This has serious security implications and this is scammer MO.

2. Don’t allow strangers to influence or change your decisions. This is another of their MO, they want to throw you off your game to see if they change gain your trust.

3. He wants to buy a real estate, which I guess run into some millions, but can’t afford enough maintain enough minutes on his phone or means of topping up his minutes remotely.

4. His friend, who also want to make another million naira with you, can’t afford to pay his bike man.

Most likely, you were eager to make a sale and was blindsided...that is a weakness you must work on. Don’t loose the sense of all checks and balance because you want to net the next breakthrough.

No. Because you will be getting paid for this service. And that's considered illegal.

Baywood:
Hello BlowJobs, thank you for your sincere exposition.

Can one work with B1/B2 on his own? I mean he will not look for any job. He will only be offering web design and graphics design services to people online. He will not be working physically in the US, but online.

This is certainly some good advice. generationz, the only thing I would like to add is that – since you are new to it, for whatever language your choose, learn the basics first and master it! code, code, code!!! Learning programming does require you to spend quite a bit of time. So, the only way to be very good at it is to spend time writing code. In my experience, those that are good in math/problem solving tend to be very good developers. Do NOT go into this field because you heard it pays well, etc. Anything that pays well, will be challenging and not that easy to be good it. It it were easy, then everyone will jump into it. And that will bring the pay down.

PS. I will only respond to questions relating to programming in this thread. The argument about US VS Nigeria - To each it's own. I'd say do whatever works for you. For me, I studied CS in college and have been programming for a very LONG time. It's certainly a very good field to be in, if you are up to the challenge.

cruchenutii:
Sista, If I should advise you like you advised me on this same Forum. You should learns the basics of Programming First.

1. Conditional statements. 2. Loops 3. Basic Operations 4. Logical thinking 5. Features of Object Oriented programming like Inheritance, Polymorphism, Abstraction, Encapsulation.

Further more, after learning all these. You should strive to learn IOS development for iPhone instead of Android.

The platform is more stable & Pay is relative 25% better globally.

Also Females have more advantage now in this field as at now. People will argue with this. But (If you know, You know)

This is absolutely true!

TWoods:
Nigerians love "solutions", that is why the country has the largest churches on earth and yet is one of the most corrupt and poor... all seeking for "solutions" without realizing that they are the problem. Cutting corners, laissez faire attitudes to legitimate laws, lack of integrity, lax principles (even when they all claim to be "godly"... THESE are the problems with Nigeria... the solution is to change your attitude, not run away to other countries built on the firm foundations of honesty, morality and the rule of law.

I'd like not to take away from this wonderful thread. You can PM me with specific questions. You can even google for "Business Analyst".

In summary - A BA is the liaison between the software developer and the end users of the system. The communicate the needs of the users to the developer. They usually have a very good understanding of the business.

comradespade:
Pls, anything interesting about business analyst?

Thanks, sir

You can do your masters in whatever field you choose. You just need to apply to the appropriate school and follow the application process. There are several threads here that will answer any questions you may have - https://www.nairaland.com/travel

adedayo66:
how possible to do my master in Botany in. university in the us, hw will i go about getting a student visa?

Thanks nelem.

nelem:
respek boss. really enjoy the way you address some issues even on other travel threads.

Yes, you can certainly change to IT. It's very important to know yourself and determine what you like doing. Do you like problem solving/mathematics? If, so then programming is something you can go into. Otherwise, there are other areas of IT you can delve into. Be it networking, Business Analyst, Database Admin, or even and IT project manager (PM). For PM your degree in BA will come in handy.

Honestly, if you hate math, I will not advice you to go into computer programming. It's very unlikely that you will survive doing it. Do NOT go into a specific field because you heard it pays well. Do it because it's what you like doing.

comradespade:
I'm a business administration bachelor holder.
Can I still change to IT fields for my masters?
What'll you advice me about as a biz administrator?

Yes, you have to keep retooling/reading. IT is changing and the only way to stay competitive, especially as a consultant, is to know what the latest tech is and make sure you know it. Right out of college, I was programming in a totally different language. Then Java came along and became hot, so I learnt that and got appropriate certifications, and I have been programming in that for the last 14 years or so. And still learning different technologies that will aid me in my job and make me as competitive as possible. one's got no choice but to stay on top of tech. Otherwise, you'll be left behind and not be able to get that next contract. Man needs to put food on table for wifey and kids...LOL!

TheManOfTheYear:
Thanks for this concise reply.
Now I know which path to follow.
But you mentioned you came in a long time ago, how then do you manage to keep up with the IT trend and development over the years??
Did u take extra courses? Cuz IT was still at its infancy back then.


Oga BJ no vex ooo,I'm not trying to derail. I just wanna clarify this IT prospects. After that no more questions. Thanks

How body TheManOfTheYear. See my responses below...

1. Came to the US a long time on Student visa. Student visa was easy back then. Na long time ago. Even the Naira had significant value compared to the US $ back then. Parents paid for all 6 years (BS and Masters) of college.
2. I studied computer science/Programming in college.
3. Got a job with a major Bank as a software developer through my school's placement office (during my last semester). Joined the company as soon as I finished. The company was in a different state, so they paid for flying me in for in-office interview, relocation, etc.
4. IT itself is a very broad word. It encompasses software development, Database Management, Networking, etc. As mentioned, I studied computer programming. So, I can only give advice about that. Even if you do not go to college for a CS degree. At a minimum you should have a mastery of software development/programming, using one of the common languages such as Java, C, C++, etc.

I want to avoid derailing this thread with technical jargon. So, please PM me if you have any specific questions relating to software development in general. Or you can search the programming forum here.

TheManOfTheYear:
Oga Bossman .. I hail oooo
Biko how did u come in to the US??
How did u eventually get into the IT world??
What courses(majors) can one take to land jobs in the IT world in the US of A

No. Not possible to work under the table. As someone that has been doing consulting for multiple vendors, Every single vendor I have worked with will do 'e-verify' first. See below. Bottom line - you can not do a professional job if you are not legal. petty jobs, cab driver, etc. are probably possible. But you will be paid underground. Since you will not have a SSN.


https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees/e-verify-overview

Josh121:
Does it mean if someone as professional certification in IT he start a good chance , I am a Ccie security expert , can someone work under table before getting papers

This is very true. There are tons of Nigerians working professionally here and doing well. As an IT person that works downtown Chicago, you'll be surprised how many Nigerians (Africans in general, but mostly Naija) I run into downtown or on the train during my commute downtown...all working professionally.

omoluabiguy:
You are right on your post, but the bolded one, it depends on the categories of Nigerians you are hanging with. There are lots of Nigerians actually living big and fine here. If you have met graduate students on scholarship who are getting paid while schooling and the ones that graduated and working and maybe the Nigerians that are citizens and finished school Mostly in medicine and IT fields. They are earning big. Apart from those categories, you are right especially if they came in thru b1/b2, the struggle will be tough. You can’t even rent a house on your name. You’ll have to start watching your back the moment your visa expires. We see it here all the time

#omoluabi

Defaulting is a very bad idea, but if that's the only choice you have, so be it. Your credit will get killed, and it will be close to impossible to do anything that involves credit until it drops off your credit report(7 years I believe). Of course, you'll lose the property. Just too many negative things are associated with defaulting on a mortgage, period!

lionlee216:
What is the worst to happen if a person default on paying mortgage?

whyteone:
Thanks to Lady K for this response.Further questions:
1.By multi unit house you mean?
2.Is the program for a first time home buyer restricted to only USC/residents?
3.If my monthly payment is between 1,200 to 1,500 a month and I rent out at 1,000,then i won't be making any profits.So how do I make profit?

Awaiting your further response
Cc:Lady K

In response to your questions

1. Multi unit means a building with multiple apartments (2, 3, 4, etc.) in it. So, may be you are living in one of the units and you rent out the rest.
2. That would be my guess. At least you'll need an SSN. A student visa will allow you to get one.
3. I believe the example he gave is referencing a multi unit. Where rent from all the units covers the mortgage. So, you are living for free. And of course building equity in the property.

This is absolutely correct! Without the correct visa, you will struggle to survive.

omoluabiguy:
Good thread and nice guesture! Blowjobs I wish you all the very best, but for others wishing to come here by all means, I know naija is hard and all that, but atleast try to come in with a student visa route if you really want to have a soft landing and enjoy your American dream! Tuition can be waived if you got in with teaching or graduate assistantship or scholarship of some kinds. American schools do grant assistantship to good students. Coming in with b1/b2 for a hustler is really harsh. You can’t even open a bank account or get credit cards, drivers license/SSN card/StateID, car loans and all sort of things which are accessible to student visa holders. Secondly, you can only do what we call “under the table” jobs to pay your bills. Don’t expect anyone to accommodate you for free. Nah, that don’t happen here. Blowjobs is just one out of million kind of lucky. I have been here as a student for a while and seeing how Nigerians with b1/b2 struggle to survive is not fun. Whatever anyone tells you is all sugarcoating. You will STRUGGLE for real! The class of visa you came in through will determine your standing.
#Omoluabi

Very good response from your lady. As highlighted, the location plays a BIG factor into how much the property is and how much it will rent for. And you do NOT necessarily have to live where your rental property is. I have rental property in Scottsdale, Arizona., but I live in Chicago. Management of the property, etc. is handled by a management company, for a fee.

BlowJobs:
Na wetin Lady K write be this o



I edited the city to the bolded

Can't remember. Exactly what was your question about buying a house? As someone who has been here, and working professionally, for a very long time, I can chip in on certain questions as I see necessary.

whyteone:
Its ok,bro.Hoping Lady K helps.Mucho Gracias.

Yeah. There was probably a mistake. $15/hour is roughly $2400 per month, or about $30k per year.

Mcslize:
That's too high. Hope you ain't thinking it's naira you just estimated. Even a company manager in US won't make 31k dollars a month even if he works $150 per hour. Mind you they ain't working the whole 24 hours per day. It's mostly 8 hours per day. And 40 hours per week. That amount you quoted should be per anum not per month. I stand to be corrected. But someone else can confirm this.

That's good for Ethiopian airways. The are the 4th largest carrier in Africa, after only EgyptAir, SouthAfrican Airways, and Royal Air Maroc.

The 787 series are indeed awesome. I flew it (787-8 ) with United Airlines into Lagos for about 6 years or so, until United canceled their Lagos route last year.