You've passed the interviews, the offer email says "$1,500 per month," and you're ready to say yes. But the offer doesn't say which day you're paid, in what currency, through which service, or who pays the transfer fees. Those four gaps decide what you actually take home, and it's much easier to settle them before you accept than after your first late payment.
This guide gives you the exact questions to ask, how to word them politely, what answers are healthy, and what answers should slow you down. It applies to Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, with notes where things differ.
Why you should ask before you accept
Once you've started work, you have less leverage. Before accepting, the employer still wants you, and a clear question reads as professionalism, not suspicion. Most hiring managers at remote-friendly companies have been asked these things before.
There's also a practical reason. Many foreign finance teams have never paid someone in Lagos, Accra or Nairobi. If nobody has worked out the method upfront, your first invoice can sit for weeks while they figure it out.
The six things to pin down
1. Currency of the contract
Ask: "Is my pay fixed in US dollars (or pounds, euros), or is it set in another currency and converted?" A fixed foreign-currency amount protects you if your local currency weakens. If the contract is in your local currency, check whether there's any review clause for sharp currency moves.
2. Payment method
Common routes include international bank transfer, payroll or contractor-payment platforms, and online wallets. Ask which one they use and whether it pays into a local bank account, a domiciliary account or a wallet. Then check that the method works in your country by reading the provider's own supported-countries page, not by relying on hearsay.
3. Who pays the fees
Intermediary banks, platform withdrawal fees and conversion margins can each take a slice. Ask: "Will the stated amount arrive in full, or are transfer fees deducted from my side?" Get the answer in writing. Even a small percentage matters on a monthly salary.
4. Pay date and frequency
Ask for the exact date, such as "the last working day of the month" or "the 5th for the previous month." Also ask whether you're paid monthly, twice monthly or per invoice. Paying in arrears (after you work) is normal for contractors, but you need to know how long the gap is before your first payment, because it affects your cash flow.
5. Invoicing process
If you're a contractor, ask: "Do you have an invoice template, or should I send my own? Who approves it, and how many days after approval is payment released?" A "net 30" term means payment up to 30 days after the invoice, which is very different from payment on the last day of the month.
6. Late payment and first payment
Ask what happens if payment is delayed and who to contact. Also ask when you'll receive your first payment. A good employer answers without hesitation.
Scripts you can copy
Keep the tone warm and practical. Here's a short email after receiving an offer:
Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about the role and would like to accept once a few practical points are confirmed. First, is the monthly rate fixed in USD? Second, which payment method do you use, and will the full amount reach me or will transfer fees be deducted? Third, what is the payment date, and when should I expect the first payment? If it's easier, I'm happy to jump on a short call.
If they say "we'll sort it out later," reply: "Understood. I'd like to confirm the method and timing in writing before my start date so there are no delays on either side."
A worked example (hypothetical)
Say a company offers you $1,200 a month as a contractor. You ask, and learn three things: it's fixed in USD, paid by bank transfer on the 5th of the following month, and the sender pays their own bank fee while the receiving bank may take its own charge.
You start on 1 March. You work all of March and invoice on 31 March. You're paid on 5 April. So your first pay arrives five weeks after you begin. If you'd assumed payment at the end of March, you might have had a rent or data shortfall. Knowing this, you can plan: keep a buffer, or ask whether a part-payment at mid-month is possible.
Now the fees. If your receiving bank deducts, say, $15 per incoming transfer (a made-up figure; check your own bank's charges), your take-home is $1,185. Ask whether the employer would pay monthly rather than split the payment into several small transfers, since each one could attract a fee.
Comparing common answers
| Setup | Good sign | Question to follow up |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor payment platform | Clear fee schedule, supports your country | Who pays platform and withdrawal fees? |
| Direct bank transfer | Fixed date, company bank details | What happens if an intermediary bank holds it? |
| Payroll via employer of record | Payslips, local tax handled | Is pay in local currency or dollars? |
| Wallet or app payment | Instant, low cost | Can I withdraw to my local bank without limits? |
Red flags in the answers
- They ask you to pay anything first: equipment, "registration", training or a software fee. See our guide on spotting a fake remote job offer.
- They send you a cheque or money to "buy equipment" and ask you to forward part of it.
- They insist on paying into someone else's account, or ask you to receive money for them.
- They refuse to put pay terms in writing.
- They want to pay only in crypto with no contract, and won't explain why.
If any of these appear, stop and verify the company through its official website and a live call before sharing bank details.
Things to check on your side
Before your first invoice, confirm your receiving account details with your bank: whether it accepts foreign inbound transfers, what the charges are, and what documents it may ask for on larger inflows. Policies and limits change, so ask your bank directly rather than rely on old forum posts.
Also think about tax and registration. Whether you need to register a business or pay tax depends on your country and your arrangement. Our post on contractor vs employee covers the questions to raise, and a licensed local accountant can confirm your obligations.
Finally, keep records: the offer email, invoices, payment confirmations. If you work odd hours to match their clock, our time zone guide helps you plan the schedule.
Common mistakes
- Accepting a verbal answer. Ask them to confirm by email, or include it in the contract.
- Ignoring the first-pay gap. Budget for a month or more without income.
- Forgetting conversion. If you receive dollars and need naira, the rate you get depends on how and where you convert, so check before you plan around a figure.
- Using one account for everything. A separate account for work income makes records and tax simpler.
- Negotiating too late. Raise terms before the start date, not after the first delay.
Frequently asked questions
Will asking about payment make them withdraw the offer?
A reasonable employer won't. Polite, specific questions show you're organised. If an offer disappears because you asked when you'll be paid, that tells you how payday would have gone.
Should I ask for payment in dollars?
If the role is quoted in dollars, ask for the contract to say so. If they only offer local currency, ask whether there's a review mechanism, and weigh the offer with that risk in mind.
Can I ask for part of the pay upfront?
For a new contractor with a legitimate company, some will agree to shorter payment cycles, such as invoicing every two weeks. Upfront payment is less common, so ask for shorter cycles instead.
What if the payment method isn't available in my country?
Tell them early and ask for an alternative. Don't use someone else's account to receive the money; that creates legal and security problems for both of you.
Your next step
Open your latest offer or draft contract today and write down the six items above. Whatever isn't answered, send as one short email before you accept.
Always apply through the employer's official website or verified channels. Genuine employers never ask applicants to pay for a job, training, or an interview.