1. Describe the problem:
I am based in Russia and built an app for the Nigerian market. The app helps users track flights and access paid functionality related to flight disruption support and compensation.
The main issue now is monetization. I need a practical and affordable way to accept payments from foreign users, especially from Nigeria.
At the moment, I see two main options, and both have limitations:
1. In-app payments for Nigerian users outside the app stores
This could be a direct payment flow integrated into the product, but for a business registered in Russia, payment infrastructure is limited and many providers are difficult or impossible to use.
2. Monetization through Google Play and App Store
This would be the most convenient option for users, but as far as I understand, monetization on foreign markets is restricted or unavailable for legal entities from Russia.
So the core problem is this: I have a product for an international market and a clear paid use case, but I do not yet have a simple, low-cost, and stable way to receive payments from foreign users.
I am looking for a legal, practical solution that would allow me to monetize the app internationally without building an expensive corporate structure from scratch.
The main issue now is monetization. I need a practical and affordable way to accept payments from foreign users, especially from Nigeria.
At the moment, I see two main options, and both have limitations:
1. In-app payments for Nigerian users outside the app stores
This could be a direct payment flow integrated into the product, but for a business registered in Russia, payment infrastructure is limited and many providers are difficult or impossible to use.
2. Monetization through Google Play and App Store
This would be the most convenient option for users, but as far as I understand, monetization on foreign markets is restricted or unavailable for legal entities from Russia.
So the core problem is this: I have a product for an international market and a clear paid use case, but I do not yet have a simple, low-cost, and stable way to receive payments from foreign users.
I am looking for a legal, practical solution that would allow me to monetize the app internationally without building an expensive corporate structure from scratch.
2. How often does the problem occur?
This is a constant problem, not a one-time issue.
It affects the entire business model of the app because until I solve payments, I cannot properly launch paid features, test conversion, or scale revenue on the Nigerian market.
In other words, this problem appears every time I think about moving from MVP to actual monetization.
It affects the entire business model of the app because until I solve payments, I cannot properly launch paid features, test conversion, or scale revenue on the Nigerian market.
In other words, this problem appears every time I think about moving from MVP to actual monetization.
3. What attempts have you made to solve the problem?
Google Play / App Store monetization
I considered using the native app store payment flow because it is the simplest option for users. But this seems problematic due to restrictions affecting businesses from Russia when working with foreign markets.
Direct in-app or external payment flow
I also considered accepting payments outside the store ecosystem, for example through an external checkout or web-based payment page. But I still do not have a clear low-cost setup that works for Nigeria and can legally and practically connect back to a Russian legal entity.
Alternative legal / payment structures
I started looking at whether a foreign company, intermediary structure, partner, or payment agent could solve the issue. But I am specifically trying to avoid solutions that are too expensive or too complex for an early-stage product.
At this point, I understand the general options, but I still do not have a working setup that is affordable and realistic for launch.
I considered using the native app store payment flow because it is the simplest option for users. But this seems problematic due to restrictions affecting businesses from Russia when working with foreign markets.
Direct in-app or external payment flow
I also considered accepting payments outside the store ecosystem, for example through an external checkout or web-based payment page. But I still do not have a clear low-cost setup that works for Nigeria and can legally and practically connect back to a Russian legal entity.
Alternative legal / payment structures
I started looking at whether a foreign company, intermediary structure, partner, or payment agent could solve the issue. But I am specifically trying to avoid solutions that are too expensive or too complex for an early-stage product.
At this point, I understand the general options, but I still do not have a working setup that is affordable and realistic for launch.
4. How much are you willing to pay for the solution?
I am looking for a solution suitable for an early-stage product, so budget matters.
For one-time setup costs: ideally up to $500–700, if that gives me a real and workable payment structure.
For monthly fixed costs: I prefer something low or moderate, suitable for an MVP or early monetization stage.
For transaction fees: standard market-level commissions are acceptable, as long as the payment flow is stable and does not destroy the unit economics.
I am also open to paying for consultation or implementation help, but I am not looking for a heavy corporate setup with large ongoing costs. The goal is a practical and affordable way to start accepting payments from foreign users.
For one-time setup costs: ideally up to $500–700, if that gives me a real and workable payment structure.
For monthly fixed costs: I prefer something low or moderate, suitable for an MVP or early monetization stage.
For transaction fees: standard market-level commissions are acceptable, as long as the payment flow is stable and does not destroy the unit economics.
I am also open to paying for consultation or implementation help, but I am not looking for a heavy corporate setup with large ongoing costs. The goal is a practical and affordable way to start accepting payments from foreign users.