How Freelancers get International Payments in Pakistan?

The transfer of funds or the settlement of financial transactions between individuals, businesses, or organizations in different nations is known as international payment. It includes the movement of cash across borders to work with different international transactions, like exchanges, investments, settlements, or cross-border services.

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;

Payoneer:

Payoneer is a popular international payment method that offers freelancers a virtual U.S. bank account. Clients can send payments to the freelancer’s Payoneer account, which can then be withdrawn to a local bank account in Pakistan.

It also provides a prepaid MasterCard, enabling freelancers to use their funds for online and offline purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs.

• Available in 150+ countries
• It is acceptable on all freelancing platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer.
• You can manage different currencies: US Currency, 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

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.

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.

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.

Xoom.com (PayPal Service):

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

Having a 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.

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 transaction is started by the sender, 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 will be able to receive the payment conveniently at your local Western Union branch.

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.

Freelancing in Pakistan has surged in popularity, but receiving international payments poses challenges due to limited banking options and currency regulations. Freelancers can overcome these hurdles by utilizing platforms like Payoneer, TransferWise, Skrill, Xoom.com, and Western Union for secure international payments.

For local transactions, options such as bank transfers and mobile payment services like JazzCash, EasyPaisa, UBL Omni, NayaPay, SadaPay, SadaBiz, and Raast provide seamless solutions. Considering transaction fees, exchange rates, and legal compliance is crucial, and seeking advice from experienced freelancers or financial advisors can guide freelancers toward the best payment method for their needs, facilitating financial success in their freelance careers.