"One, is it normal for this type of transaction (i.e., sending to a new person, another country, etc.) to take this long to even show up as pending? " The transaction should have shown up immediately, the fact that it doesn't means he might have not verified his email properly and that a transfer is not currently taking place. Ask him to re verify his email if that option is available. "Two, does he need to do anything else beyond confirming his email address? " Not really. "That said, will he be able to USE the money I send him, online?" - He would be able to use the funds whereever PayPal is accepted online. "He plans to renew a console membership online; will this be a problem, since he is not attached to any bank account or credit card?" Depends on what site he's going to use and if that site accepts PayPal or not. Bank account/credit card not required to operate and maintain a PayPal accnt. "If this doesn't work, what happens to my process of sending him money? Does it just dissolve/cancel over time, or...?" Money won't dissolve or cancel by itself after you sent it. He either has to refund it after he sees it posted or you have to file a dispute. Good Luck!
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