Verify that you have a valid, active freelancer account with accurate details. In Pakistan, freelancing has become more popular as a place where talented people come to showcase their varied talents.
They serve customers from all over the world by offering their services on a global scale. However, several complicating factors can make it difficult to obtain international payments.
This article discusses in detail the various safe and effective ways Pakistani freelancers can make international payments.
International Payment Definition
“International payment” describes the settlement of money exchanges or the moving of assets between organizations located abroad. Moving cash across borders is a part of international transactions such as exchanges, investments, settlements, and cross-border services.
Explore options like TransferWise or Skrill and configure your account appropriately. International payments are made possible in several ways, including
- Wire transfers
- Electronic funds transfers (EFT)
- Online payment systems
- Credit cards
- Checks or letters of credit.
These payments could involve multiple currencies, which frequently necessitate conversion based on current exchange rates.
9 International Payment Methods:
There are several international payment gateways available in Pakistan. This portion of the article focuses on How Freelancers get International Payments in Pakistan?
Payoneer
For easy transactions, freelancers can access a virtual U.S. bank account through Payoneer, a popular method for making payments abroad. Payments to freelancers are made directly into their Payoneer accounts, which they can access from any Pakistani local bank.
Prepaid Master Cards from Payoneer enable independent contractors to use their money for ATM withdrawals or online and offline transactions.
Use well-known sites like Payoneer and connect your freelancer account to these services.
Local Bank Transfers
To improve ease of use, independent contractors can provide their foreign clients with local bank account information for quick and easy transfers. However, using this method could incur extra costs for international wire transfers and currency conversion.
To receive money via a safe bank transfer, link your local Pakistani bank account to your freelancer profile. It is essential to inquire about your bank’s policies and costs related to foreign transactions.
Transfer Wise
Wise, which was formerly known as Transfer Wise, offers a user-friendly platform for international payments. You can still get payments even if you don’t have a Wise account.
Wise allows payments to be deposited directly into your local bank account, providing global convenience and benefiting UK customers particularly. Consider opening a Wise account if you’re in Pakistan; it offers benefits and operates similarly to Payoneer.
Register on Wise today and experience a fee-free transfer of up to 500 GBP.
Skrill
Skrill is an online wallet built to facilitate the management and transfer of money for both individuals and businesses. Please be aware that Skrill primarily functions as a global online payment service for sending and receiving money.
To manage financial transactions, Skrill offers both individuals and businesses a safe and practical platform. For your convenience, you can register online. You can choose to maintain money in Pakistani Rupees in your Skrill account.
Monitor exchange rates to get the most out of your earnings. Any money you add to your Skrill wallet must be changed into one of the supported global currencies.
Xoom.com (PayPal Service):
Xoom.com, a PayPal service, presents a user-friendly platform for streamlined international payment transactions. Receiving payments does not require having an Xoom account, which gives you more transaction options.
Clients only need to enter their PayPal account information to log into xoom.com and complete the initial setup process. It offers unique benefits in these areas and specifically serves customers in the US, UK, and Canada.
One convenient way to receive funds is by having payments deposited directly into your local bank account through Xoom.com.
Western Union
Western Union is a reputable money transfer provider that makes international money transfers possible. For you to get paid through Western Union, you must supply the following crucial information:
- Your Name (First Name and Last Name)
- Your Location
The client will provide you with a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) when the sender starts the transaction. Visit your local Western Union branch and present the necessary paperwork to receive the funds:
- CNIC (National Identification Card)copy
- MTCN
- Phone number
By providing these documents, you can conveniently receive the payment at your nearby Western Union branch.
SadaPay
SadaPay offers individuals and freelancers in Pakistan a practical and affordable way to get international payments. Discover the process of setting up your account to begin receiving funds effortlessly:
- National Identity Card (NIC): Be sure you have your NIC on hand for account verification.
- Active mobile number: Use this for both your account login and receiving transaction notifications.
Get the SadaPay app by downloading it from Google Play or the App Store. Make sure you communicate your preferred payment methods to your clients clearly and concisely.
JazzCash
For accepting international payments in Pakistan, JazzCash is still well-known, despite not being as specialized as SadaPay for independent contractors. Even though JazzCash’s features are less customizable, and its fees can be higher than those of SadaPay.
- Active Jazz or Warid mobile number
- CNIC
- Smartphone with JazzCash app
Cryptocurrency
Give your clients an invoice with all of the information regarding how they should pay you. Learn how to use cryptocurrencies to receive international payments in Pakistan with this in-depth guide.
Cryptocurrency wallet
To store your favorite cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, pick a trustworthy and safe wallet. Often chosen options include:
- Non-custodial wallets
- Custodial wallets
Cryptocurrency Exchange Account (Optional):
Use a reliable exchange like Binance, LocalBitcoins, or Paxful when converting cryptocurrency to Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Steps:
Share your wallet address
As transactions are final, be sure to provide the sender with your specific wallet address to ensure accuracy.
Receive the cryptocurrency
The sender initiates the transfer process from their exchange or wallet.
Money usually comes in a few minutes, depending on network traffic.
Convert to PKR (optional)
Move cryptocurrency from your wallet to an exchange that allows PKR withdrawals if needed.
Transfer the money from your cryptocurrency to a local bank account in PKR.
Conclusion
To further ensure payment security, make use of the safe escrow services provided by freelance platforms. Due to tight currency regulations and restricted financial options, Pakistan’s rising popularity of freelancing presents difficulties when accepting international payments.
Freelancers can avoid these challenges by securing international payments through services like Payoneer, TransferWise, Skrill, Xoom.com, etc.