Working with clients in other countries is one of the best parts of freelancing. It also brings new questions: which currency, which payment method, and who pays the fees. Get these right and international work is just as smooth as local work.
Decide the currency first
Agree the currency before you quote, and write it on the quotation and every invoice. There are two common approaches:
- Quote in your own currency. You carry no exchange-rate risk, but some clients dislike doing the conversion.
- Quote in the client's currency. Easier for them, but you take the risk if the rate moves between quote and payment.
Many freelancers choose a widely used currency such as US dollars or euros for international work, and state that clearly. If a project is long, consider adding a clause about how exchange-rate shifts will be handled.
Who pays the fees?
Transfers across borders can involve fees at the sending bank, intermediary banks and your own bank. Decide in advance who covers them. A common approach is that the client sends the full invoice amount and any fees on their side are theirs. If you do not state this, you may be short on arrival.
Common ways to get paid
| Method | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer (SWIFT) | Larger amounts | Fees and slower speed |
| Local transfer services | Lower cost, clear exchange rates | Availability depends on both countries |
| Payment platforms | Small and mid-sized jobs, fast | Platform fees, holds and limits |
| Card payment links | Clients who prefer to pay by card | Processing fees |
Availability, fees and rules change often and differ by country, so check the current options for you and your client before committing.
Put the right details on the invoice
- The currency, shown clearly next to the total.
- Your full bank details, including IBAN or account number and SWIFT/BIC code, or your payment link.
- Your tax or registration number if relevant.
- A clear due date, remembering that international payments take longer to arrive.
Allow for time zones and delays
An international transfer can take several days. Public holidays in either country add more. Send invoices a little earlier than you would locally, and use deposits to reduce the gap between starting work and getting paid.
Taxes across borders
Whether you charge tax on services for a foreign client, and how you report foreign income, depends on your country and theirs. This is a place where a short conversation with a local accountant is worth the cost. This article is general guidance, not tax advice.
Protect yourself
- Take a deposit before you begin, especially with a new international client.
- Use a written agreement that states the currency, the fees and the payment dates.
- Keep records of every invoice and payment, including the exchange rate on the day.
- Be careful with overpayment scams: if a client sends too much and asks you to return the difference, stop and verify.
Keeping it organised
When you have clients in several currencies, it is easy to lose track of what you are owed. FreelanceDesk lets you keep orders in different currencies and converts them for your totals, while keeping the original amount on the invoice.
The free invoice generator on this site supports many currencies and puts the symbol next to every amount.
Make your next one in minutes.
Create a free invoice or quotation in your browser, or get the FreelanceDesk app to handle clients, payments and income.
