I come from one of those countries that were recently accepted into Paypal network (I can only send money). BUT, I have a US personal checking account and a US maling address. I tried my luck and opened a Business account with Paypal. My US bank account was verified automatically by paypal. So far, it works like a charm. I am worried thought, that because I am not incorporated and I opened a business acount, this may lead me into trouble. I am also accessing paypal from my country, but I guess it's not a problem anymore because it is in the paypal network now. Any advice, experienced paypallers?
In wich country do you live? I also live in one of those countries (south africa). I checked how other South Africans are able to use paypal, because I can't. There is this thing on the Internet where you can register for a US bank account, a fake US telephone number, and a fake address. That is illegal. I didn't do it, as it is not worth the risk. I think it is legal if you actually went to the US, opened a real bank account, and lived there for a while. Then the address and the card wont actually be fraud. Did you sign up for it through the internet? Or did you visit the US for a while and then opened an account?
You'll be fine as long as you have a valid US bank account. If you start getting complaints from buyers, paypal will probably freeze your account and ask for additional info like US social security number, address, US tax id number etc. If you keep it on the up and up you won't have a problem.
That's what is happening right now. I have very little sales and no complaints yet. Do you know if a EIN will suffice as a form of verification? I think foreign citizens can get an EIN (tax payer id), right? And yes, compdee, I opened a bank account in person, but I believe you can open one online through E-trade.