Getting Paid Internationally: The Cleanest Setup for Freelancers

Frequently asked

Why do international payments cost me so much?

Traditional bank wires stack a sending fee, an intermediary-bank fee, a receiving fee, and a marked-up exchange rate — four bites on one payment. On a 2,000-dollar invoice that can quietly cost 60 to 100 dollars and several days.

What is the cleanest way to receive money?

A multi-currency account that gives you local account details in your clients’ currencies, so they pay a "local" transfer with no international fee, and you convert to your own currency at the mid-market rate only when you choose.

How should I invoice to avoid disputes about fees?

State the currency, the exact amount you must receive, and that any sending fees are the client’s responsibility. Giving local details in their currency removes the excuse entirely — to them it looks like a domestic payment.

How do I handle multiple client currencies?

Hold each currency in its own balance and convert in batches when the rate suits you, rather than auto-converting every payment on arrival. You control the timing and avoid paying the spread on every single invoice.