It is one thing to land a good gig with an international client; it is another thing to be able to receive payments from the client. Finding it challenging to receive payment when working with overseas clients is a problem for many freelancers, content creators, and businesses in Indonesia, even though the remote work sector is booming. The country’s traditional banking system is still slow, expensive, and complicated when it comes to international transfers. High fees, unfavourable exchange rates, verification hassles, and occasional delays can make global earning feel more stressful than it should be. This guide provides information for Indonesians who receive payments from clients overseas, including how to minimise fees, documentation requirements, and the best platforms.

Why receiving foreign payments is often difficult in Indonesia

Before choosing a platform, it helps to understand the main issues:

• High bank fees for international transfers: Traditional bank wire transfers (SWIFT) can cost IDR 200,000–600,000+ per transaction. Small payments become almost pointless.
• Unfavourable exchange rates: Banks often offer exchange rates far below the market rate, meaning you lose money before it even reaches your account.
• Slow processing times: Payments can take 3–7 business days, which can disrupt your plans.
• Cumbersome paperwork: Banks may request you provide source of funds, client invoices, contract or proof of work, and NPWP tax number. While these are necessary, they can slow down access or lead to account restrictions.
• Limited integrations with payment systems: Some global platforms are not fully optimised for the Indonesian market or do not offer withdrawals in IDR.

Also read: How freelancers in Indonesia can access global gigs and get paid

Choosing the right method: what to consider

Before deciding how you want clients to pay you, think about:

• Your transaction size: Freelancers with many small payments may prefer low-fee platforms. Businesses handling large payments may prefer bank transfers.
• Your client’s location: Some platforms work better for US, UK, or EU clients.
• Fees and exchange rates: Look carefully for hidden costs. Compare currency conversion fees, withdrawal fees, and transfer fees
• Speed: Consider if you need the money instantly or you are okay to wait for  it for some days.
• Currency options: Receiving USD, EUR, and GBPother currencies helps when working with global clients.
• Withdrawal flexibility: Some platforms let you hold foreign currency and convert only when rates are favourable. Some also let you spend directly using a virtual or physical card.

How to receive overseas payments

Here are some options for receiving international payments in Indonesia.

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Digital payment platforms

Digital payment platforms are generally faster, have lower fees and better exchange rates than traditional bank transfers.

• Grey: This is a payment platform tailored for people receiving international payments from various countries. Grey offers multi-currency accounts to receive USD, EUR, or GBP, avoiding high conversion fees. You can link the foreign accounts provided by Grey to platforms like Upwork, Fiverr or PayPal and then withdraw the funds to your local Indonesian bank account.
• Wise: Wise allows Indonesians to send and receive money globally at the mid-market exchange rate without markups. It offers multi-currency accounts where you can hold and manage funds in different currencies.
• PayPal: PayPal can be used to receive international payments, especially with a Business Account. However, it is known for higher currency conversion markups and transaction fees compared to services like Wise. Some local banks, like Permata, may have issues with PayPal transfers.

Also read: Wise vs PayPal: which is better in Indonesia?

Traditional international bank transfers

You can receive payments through a direct wire transfer to your Indonesian bank account.

• Set up a business bank account: A business or multi-currency bank account is best for receiving regular international payments. Major domestic and foreign banks in Indonesia offer these services.
• Complete KYC requirements: Be prepared to provide Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, such as your identification and details on your expected transfer activity.

Freelance platform payouts

If you work on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, you can link your digital payment account (e.g., Grey and Payoneer) directly to the platform for receiving payments.

Crypto

Some freelancers prefer cryptocurrency for faster transfers without banking fees. With the right guidance and compliance with OJk regulations, crypto offers a fast and global alternative at low fees. Grey supports USDC transactions, which you can receive into your USD account and withdraw in IDR whenever you need to.

Read more: Using USDC for international transfers in Indonesia

Receiving international payments in Indonesia with Grey

Grey offers a lifeline for freelancers, content creators and businesses looking for the most efficient way to manage international payments. The cross-border payment solution provides access to multi-currency accounts that support EUR, GBP and USD transactions and withdrawals to local Indonesian bank accounts at mid-market conversion rates. Grey also integrates seamlessly with global freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.

Get started with Grey today and manage international payments without breaking a sweat.

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