Which currency should I invoice in?

The one your client pays in, usually agreed before the project starts. It is simpler for them and avoids disputes about exchange rates.

Who pays the transfer fees?

Decide up front and write it on the invoice. A common setup is that the client covers fees on their side and you cover fees on yours.

Do I need a registered company to send invoices?

In many countries, no. Individual freelancers send invoices under their own name all the time. Check the rules where you live with an accountant.

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How to invoice international clients

Updated October 31, 2026 · 6 min read

Working with clients in other countries is normal for freelancers now. Getting paid by them still trips people up: the wrong currency, missing bank details, an invoice the client's finance team can't process. Here's how to get it right the first time.

What every invoice needs

Clients abroad often pass your invoice to an accounts team that has never heard of you. Give them everything they need so nobody has to email you back.

Your name or business name, address and email
The client's company name and billing address
A unique invoice number (INV-0001, INV-0002, and so on)
Issue date and due date
Line items with quantity, rate and amount
The currency, written out (USD, GBP, EUR), not just a symbol like $
How to pay: account details or payment links

Bill in the client's currency

A US client expects USD and a UK client expects GBP. Billing in your own currency makes them do the conversion and adds friction to the one step you want to be easy.

Agree on the currency before you start the work and keep it the same on every invoice for that client. If you bill clients in different currencies, track your earnings in one base currency so you know what the month was actually worth.

Give the client more than one way to pay

Different clients have different setups. One will happily pay through PayPal, another only does bank transfers. List two or three options and let them pick.

A payment link (PayPal, Wise, Payoneer or Stripe) the client can click and pay
International bank transfer: your IBAN or account number, SWIFT/BIC code, and the bank's name and address
A local option where it helps, such as a mobile wallet for clients in your own country

Add a note that removes guesswork

A short note at the bottom of the invoice answers questions before they're asked.

Please pay in USD by the due date. Bank transfer fees on the sender's side are covered by the client. Questions about this invoice: [email protected]

Follow up without being awkward

Most late payments are forgotten, not refused. A friendly reminder a few days before the due date, and another a few days after, gets most invoices paid. Knowing whether the client has even opened the invoice tells you which kind of reminder to send.

Questions

Which currency should I invoice in?: The one your client pays in, usually agreed before the project starts. It is simpler for them and avoids disputes about exchange rates.
Who pays the transfer fees?: Decide up front and write it on the invoice. A common setup is that the client covers fees on their side and you cover fees on yours.
Do I need a registered company to send invoices?: In many countries, no. Individual freelancers send invoices under their own name all the time. Check the rules where you live with an accountant.