How Freelancers get International Payments in Pakistan?

The exchange of assets or the settlement of financial transactions between people, organizations, or associations in various countries is known as international payment. In connection with various international transactions, such as exchanges, investments, settlements, or cross-border services, it includes the movement of cash across borders.

International payments can be conducted through different methods, including;

• Wire transfers
•  Electronic funds transfers (EFT)
• Online payment systems
• Credit cards
• Checks or letters of credit.

Different currencies may be involved in these payments, and the amount is frequently converted using exchange rates.

International payment methods:

There are different International payment gateways in Pakistan. These are the following;

1. Elevate Pay

Elevate Pay is a relatively new fintech company focused on making international payments easier. It is more affordable for Pakistani freelancers and remote workers. Here’s a breakdown of what it is and how you can use it:

What is Elevate Pay?

• A startup funded by Y Combinator providing FDIC-insured US bank accounts to independent contractors in Pakistan.
• Aims to make receiving foreign payments easier without requiring expensive fees or difficult procedures.

How to use Elevate Pay for international payments in Pakistan:

1. Sign Up: Go to their website (elevatepay.co) and sign up for an account. The process is relatively straightforward and requires basic information.
2. Verification: Complete the verification process, which includes submitting some identification documents.
3. Get your US Bank Account: Once verified, you’ll receive a US bank account with routing and account numbers.
4. Receive Payments: Share your account details with clients or platforms who need to send you USD internationally.
5. Access Funds: Withdraw funds to your Pakistani bank account through local transfers or use the Elevate debit card for worldwide payments.

Benefits of using Elevate Pay:

• Zero transaction fees: No charges for receiving or sending funds within the Elevate ecosystem.
• Competitive FX rates: Get transparent and interbank currency conversion rates.
• Free US bank account: Avoid opening foreign accounts with high fees.
• Free debit card: Make online and in-store payments internationally.
• Hassle-free: Simplify the international payment process compared to traditional methods.

2. Payoneer:

Payoneer is a well-liked method of international payment that provides freelancers with a simulated U.S. bank account. Clients can send payments to the freelancer’s Payoneer account, which can be withdrawn from a local bank in Pakistan.

It likewise gives a paid ahead-of-time MasterCard, empowering freelancers to utilize their assets for online and disconnected buys or pull out cash from ATMs.

• Accessible in 150+ nations
  It is OK for all freelancing platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer
  You can oversee various monetary forms: US Cash, GBP Currency, and Euro Currency.
• On Payoneer, you may send invoices to specific clients (all you need are their names, email addresses, countries, and states).
• By including the firm name, website, name of the contact person, email address, and country, you can send the invoice to the business’ Payoneer account.
• Your US bank account (First Century Bank) and UK bank account (Barclays) will be set up by Payoneer as receiving accounts.
• No fees while transferring from Payoneer to Payoneer.
• Minimal charges and the safest method for withdrawal
• It is acceptable at all Pakistani Banks

3. Local Bank Transfers:

Freelancers can provide their international clients with their local bank account details to receive direct transfers. However, this method may involve additional fees for currency conversion and international wire transfers. Checking with your bank regarding their policies and fees for international transactions is crucial.

• You can find these options on Upwork and PeoplePerHour
• It is not recommended because of transaction fees.

4. TransferWise:

TransferWise, now known as Wise, offers a convenient and accessible platform for international payments. You can receive payments even if you don’t have a Wise account. Only clients must log in to wise.com and provide their details during their initial setup.

Payments received through Wise can be directly deposited into your local bank account, making it convenient for users worldwide, although it is particularly beneficial for clients in the UK.

You should give the following data to start:

• Name (First Name and Last Name)
• Father Name
• CNIC (National Identification Card Number)
• IBAN (International Bank Account Number)
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Date of Birth
• Country
• City
• Postal Code
• Region

If you are in Pakistan, you can also create a Wise account and use it similarly to Payoneer. By signing up on Wise now, you can enjoy a fee-free transfer of up to 500 GBP.

Pros

5. Skrill:

Skrill is an online wallet designed for individuals and businesses involved in moving and managing money efficiently.

Please note that Skrill is primarily an online payment service that sends and receives money worldwide. It offers a convenient platform for individuals and businesses to handle financial transactions securely. You can register online.

However, holding money in Pakistani Rupees in your Skrill account is possible. You must convert any funds you add to your Skrill wallet into one of the world currencies they support.

6. Xoom.com (PayPal Service):

Xoom.com, a service provided by PayPal, offers a convenient platform for international payments.

Having an Xoom account is not a requirement for receiving payments. Only clients must log in to xoom.com using their PayPal account and input their details for the first time.

It particularly benefits clients in the US, UK, and Canada.

Payments received through Xoom.com can be directly deposited into your local bank account, making it a convenient option for receiving funds.

You should give the following data to start:

• Name (First Name and Last Name)
• Father Name
• CNIC (National Identification Card Number)
• IBAN (International Bank Account Number)
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Date of Birth
• Country
• City
• Postal Code
• Region

By providing these details, you can easily receive payments through Xoom.com and have them deposited into your local bank account.

7. Western Union:

Western Union is a trusted money transfer service that allows you to send and receive money worldwide.

To get payment through Western Union, you will be expected to give the following details:

• Your Name (First Name and Last Name)
• Your Location

When the sender starts the transaction, you will get a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) from the client. To gather the funds, you should visit your local Western Union branch and present the accompanying documents:

• Copy of your CNIC (National Identification Card)
• MTCN received from the client
• Your phone number

By presenting these documents, you can receive the payment conveniently at your local Western Union branch.

8. SadaPay:

SadaPay offers a convenient and cost-effective option for Pakistani freelancers and individuals to receive international payments. Here’s how you can set up your account and start receiving funds:

Requirements:

• National Identity Card (NIC): You’ll need your NIC for account verification.
• Active mobile number: This will be your account login and receive transaction notifications.
• Smartphone: Download the SadaPay app from the App Store or Google Play.

Steps:

1. Download and Install the App: Search for “SadaPay” on your app store and download the app.

2. Open an Account: Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create your SadaPay account. Enter your phone number, verify it with the OTP, and then set a strong password.

3. Complete KYC Verification: Provide your NIC information and take a selfie for identity verification. This is a mandatory step for account activation.

4. Upgrade to SadaBiz: Once your account is verified, head to the “Settings” tab and select “Upgrade to SadaBiz.” This account type is specifically designed for receiving international payments with lower fees and better exchange rates.

5. Get your Virtual IBAN: After upgrading to SadaBiz, you’ll receive a unique virtual IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Share this IBAN with your clients for international transfers.

6. Receive Payments: Your clients can send you international payments using your virtual IBAN. The funds will be credited directly to your SadaPay account in PKR.

7. Access your Funds: You can use your SadaPay Mastercard debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You can also transfer funds to your local bank account for further transactions.

Additional Benefits:

• Transparent fees: SadaPay charges a flat fee of Rs. 70 + tax on international transactions, making it more affordable than traditional banks.
• Competitive exchange rates: Get competitive exchange rates when converting your foreign currency to PKR.
• 24/7 customer support: SadaPay offers 24/7 customer support via their app and website.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• There is a limit of Rs. 400,000 per month for incoming international payments on SadaBiz accounts.
• Make sure your clients use the correct IBAN format when sending you payments.

9. Jazzcash:

While not as versatile as SadaPay for dedicated freelance use, JazzCash remains a widely recognized option for receiving international payments in Pakistan. While fees can be higher and features less tailored than SadaPay, its extensive network and accessibility cater to diverse needs.

Here’s how you can receive international payments through JazzCash:

Requirements:

• Active Jazz or Warid mobile number acts as your JazzCash account identifier.
• CNIC: Required for account verification and certain transactions.
• Smartphone with JazzCash app (optional): Provides convenient access and transaction management.

Steps:

1. Activate your JazzCash account: If you haven’t already, visit a JazzCash agent or dial *786# from your mobile to activate your account. Provide your CNIC and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Choose your receiving method:

   • International remittance services: Partnered services like MoneyGram and Western Union allow cash pickups. Find the nearest agent location through the JazzCash app or website.
   • Direct bank transfer: Share your JazzCash account number (starting with “03”) with your sender. However, fees and exchange rates might be less favourable.

3. Receive and access funds:

   • For cash pickups, provide the provided transaction reference number to the agent and collect your funds in PKR.
   • Funds will be automatically credited to your JazzCash account for direct bank transfers. You can withdraw cash through JazzCash agents and ATMs or use the JazzCash app for online payments and mobile top-ups.

Things to keep in mind:

• Higher fees: International transactions on JazzCash incur higher fees compared to SadaBiz.
• Limited online payment options: Primarily focused on cash transactions and local services.
• Complex fee structure: Fees vary depending on the transaction type, amount, and service provider.

10. Cryptocurrency

Here’s a guide on how to receive international payments in Pakistan using cryptocurrency:

Requirements:

1. Cryptocurrency wallet:
   • Choose a secure, reputable wallet for storing your preferred cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
   • Popular options include:
     • Non-custodial wallets: Exodus, Trust Wallet, Electrum (for Bitcoin)
     • Custodial wallets: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken
2. Cryptocurrency exchange account (optional):
   • If you need to convert crypto to Pakistani Rupees (PKR), choose a trusted exchange like Binance, LocalBitcoins, or Paxful that operates in Pakistan.

Steps:

1. Share your wallet address:
   • Provide your unique wallet address to the sender for payment. Ensure accuracy, as transactions are irreversible.
2. Receive the cryptocurrency:
   • The sender initiates the transfer from their wallet or exchange.
   • Funds usually arrive within minutes, depending on network congestion.
3. Convert to PKR (optional):
   • Transfer cryptocurrency from your wallet to an exchange supporting PKR withdrawal if needed.
   • Sell cryptocurrency for PKR and withdraw funds to your local bank account.

Additional Considerations:

• Volatility: Cryptocurrencies can experience significant price fluctuations. Manage risk and assess market conditions.
• Legal status: Cryptocurrency regulations in Pakistan are evolving. Stay informed about legal implications and taxation requirements.
• Security: Safeguard your wallet’s private keys. Employ strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
• Transaction fees: Fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency and network usage. Compare costs across different currencies and wallets.

Benefits of Using Cryptocurrency:

• Fast and borderless: Transfers are often faster and cheaper than traditional international payment methods.
• No intermediaries: Eliminate banks or financial institutions, reducing fees and potential censorship.
• Control and privacy: Hold full control over your funds and enjoy a degree of anonymity.
• Access to global markets: Participate in the growing cryptocurrency economy and potentially earn investment returns.

Payment Methods to Receive Local Payments in Pakistan:

For Pakistani freelancers, there are various payment methods available for receiving local payments:

1. Bank Transfers: You can utilize any local bank, such as Meezan Bank, HBL Bank, MCB Bank, and others, to receive payments directly into your bank account.
2. Mobile Payments: Mobile payment services like JazzCash, EasyPaisa, UBL Omni, and others offer convenient options for receiving payments through your mobile phone.
3. NayaPay, SadaPay, SadaBiz, Raast: Platforms like NayaPay, SadaPay, SadaBiz, and Raast provide additional ease and flexibility for receiving payments directly into your accounts.

These local payment methods offer Pakistani freelancers multiple choices to receive their earnings securely and efficiently.