The Quick Win
Invoice in USD. Accept payment via Wise. You'll save 2-4% compared to PayPal and get a professional multi-currency account. That's $200-$400 saved on every $10k invoiced.
Which Currency Should You Invoice In?
As a freelancer, you have three options. Here's the honest breakdown:
💵 Invoice in USD
RecommendedThe global standard. Most clients expect it, especially in tech and creative fields.
- Familiar to almost all clients
- Easy to set rates (benchmark against US market)
- One currency to track
💶 Invoice in EUR
Good alternative if most of your clients are in Europe.
- Preferred by EU companies
- Stable currency
🌍 Invoice in Client's Currency
Can reduce friction but adds complexity to your accounting.
- Removes client's conversion hassle
- May help close deals with budget-sensitive clients
Best Payment Methods Compared
Where you lose money isn't the invoice—it's the payment. Here's what each method really costs:
| Method | Total Fees | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 0.5-1% | 1-2 days | Most freelancers |
| PayPal | 2.9% + $0.30 | Instant | Small amounts, US clients |
| Payoneer | 1-2% | 2-3 days | Clients who already use it |
| Bank Wire | $15-40 | 3-5 days | Large invoices ($5k+) |
Pro tip: Get a multi-currency account
Services like Wise and Payoneer let you hold USD, EUR, and GBP in virtual accounts. Receive in the client's currency, convert when rates are good.
Real Example: $5,000 Invoice
Let's see what you'd actually receive from a $5,000 invoice using different methods:
PayPal
$4,805
-$195 in fees
Bank Wire
$4,965
-$35 in fees
Wise
$4,965
-$35 in fees
Switching from PayPal to Wise saves ~$160 per $5k invoice. That's $1,920/year on $60k revenue.
What Your International Invoice Needs
Missing information = delayed payments. Make sure every invoice includes:
5 Mistakes Freelancers Make
Using PayPal for large invoices
The fees add up. Switch to Wise or bank wire for invoices over $1,000.
Not specifying the currency
"$500" could mean USD, CAD, AUD, or SGD. Always specify: "500 USD".
Ignoring exchange rate documentation
You'll need this for taxes. Document the rate and date on every invoice.
Accepting client's "preferred payment method"
Their preference might cost you 3%+. Offer alternatives.
Not tracking currency gains/losses
If you invoice in USD but report in EUR, you need to track the difference.
Simplify Your International Invoicing
Our multi-currency invoice template handles exchange rates automatically, converts currencies automatically, and looks professional. One-time payment, no subscription.