If you’re a freelancer in 2025, chances are your next client isn’t in your city or your time zone. The rise of remote work, projected to grow at a rate of about 16% from 2025 through 2030, has opened up global opportunities for freelancers in design, tech, writing, marketing, and beyond. But while landing international gigs is exciting, getting paid across borders is where things often get murky.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about working with international clients and getting paid smoothly, no matter where you live.
Freelancers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America are increasingly looking beyond local borders for work, and it’s not hard to see why.
Let’s be honest, the global wage gap is real. By working with international clients, you tap into markets where your skills are more highly valued and usually better compensated. That means higher rates, more savings, and in many cases, the ability to work fewer hours for better income.
Working with clients from the US, UK, Europe, or Australia exposes you to new standards, processes, and creative approaches. You learn to navigate cross-cultural communication, manage remote teams, and deliver work that meets global expectations. It’s like getting an international education without leaving your desk.
You insulate yourself from local economic shocks when paid in USD, GBP, or EUR. In countries where inflation or currency devaluation is a concern, earning in stable currencies can act as a financial cushion. Your income retains its value longer and gives you more spending power when converted to local currency.
International clients are often looking to build long-term relationships with reliable freelancers. Unlike one-off gigs, these ongoing contracts bring consistency to your workflow and income, allowing you to plan better and grow your freelance business sustainably.
Having well-known international brands or startups in your portfolio boosts your credibility. It shows future local and global clients that you can deliver high-quality work.
In short, international clients can mean better money, better opportunities, and a stronger freelance career.
Despite the perks of remote work, getting paid across borders is often a huge pain point. Here are some of the most common challenges freelancers face:
Getting paid in USD, EUR, or GBP sounds great until your local bank deducts a chunk from your earnings during conversion. Unfavourable exchange rates and hidden markup fees often result in freelancers losing a significant portion of their earnings before they even hit their local account.
Many global payment platforms, like PayPal or Payoneer, aren’t fully supported in every country. Sometimes, you might be forced to open a foreign bank account or rely on a third-party workaround just to receive your money. That’s not convenient or sustainable.
Waiting days or even weeks for your payment to reflect can be nerve-racking. Delays like this make it nearly impossible to plan your finances or stick to a budget.
Because of deductions from freelance platforms and banks, there is a feeling that everyone takes a bite out of your money. These small deductions can quietly erode your income, especially if you rely on frequent payments.
Different clients have different expectations. Some require detailed invoices with specific line items or tax IDs, while others might expect you to comply with their country’s tax laws. Without the right tools or templates, managing this admin can become overwhelming and may even delay payments.
The global freelance boom has made it easier than ever to land international clients, but getting paid is where most freelancers have issues.
Let’s explore the most common ways freelancers get paid from abroad, examining the pros and cons and what works best in today’s borderless world.
SWIFT transfers have been the industry standard for decades, and most global companies are familiar with them. But they’re far from efficient for freelancers.
Transfers can take anywhere from 1 to 5 business days to land. You also have to navigate surprise deductions from intermediary banks along the way, so you often don’t receive the exact amount sent.
This method works best for high-value corporate transactions, not quick, recurring freelance payments.
PayPal, Payoneer, and other digital wallets offer simplicity and speed, but they come at a price. While it’s convenient to invoice and get paid through these platforms, their currency conversion fees can be excessive. You might lose up to 5% of your earnings in charges, and in some regions, withdrawing your funds to a local bank is difficult or delayed.
This route can be more frustrating than helpful for freelancers in countries with limited PayPal withdrawal options.
If you’re just starting, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal provide a built-in payment ecosystem with client protections and milestone tracking. Payments are processed on your behalf and usually reach your account within days.
The downside? These platforms can charge up before any payment even hits your account. Over time, that adds up, especially if you’ve built strong client relationships and could manage payments directly.
Freelance platforms are great for gaining experience and exposure, but may not be sustainable long-term for high-volume freelancers.
A global account is your best bet if you want complete control over your earnings without the usual barriers. Grey offers precisely that.
With Grey, you can open your own USD, GBP, or EUR account and receive international payments like a local. Just send your clients the account details, receive your funds directly, and convert your earnings at some of the best exchange rates in the market.
Even better? You can withdraw to your local bank account or use your funds to create a virtual USD card for global spending. It’s fast, transparent, and built for modern freelancers who work across borders.
Grey is built for modern freelancers who earn across borders. Here’s what makes it different:
Grey gives you the tools to earn globally and spend locally without the headache.
Structure goes a long way, especially when dealing with clients across time zones, currencies, and payment cultures. Here’s how to take control of the process and get your money faster:
Before starting any project, make sure payment expectations are on the table. That includes the exact currency you’ll be paid in (e.g. USD, EUR, or GBP), the payment method, invoice schedule, and any penalties for late payments. The more specific you are, the fewer surprises down the line.
Put everything in writing. This will give you something to fall back on if payments go sideways.
Don’t send a vague “payment reminder”; instead, send a proper invoice with your name, client’s details, a breakdown of work done, the total amount due, payment instructions, and a due date. With Grey, you can create and send professional-looking invoices in just a few clicks.
If it’s a new client or a large project, don’t wait till the end to get paid. Ask for a 30–50% deposit before starting work. It’s standard practice, shows professionalism, and protects your time. If a client hesitates at this stage, that’s usually a red flag.
Even with the best clients, payments sometimes fall through the cracks. Don’t let unpaid invoices pile up. Set reminders and follow up politely but firmly. A simple message like, “Just checking in, your invoice is due this week. Let me know if you need anything from my end”, can nudge things along without sounding aggressive.
Once the money lands, don’t rush to convert it, especially if the rates aren’t in your favour. With Grey, you can hold multiple currencies (USD, GBP, or EUR) and convert when the exchange rate works in your favour. That means more money is in your account and less is lost to poor FX rates.
It only takes a few minutes to set up your global payment system. Here’s how:
Freelancing internationally opens the door to financial freedom, but the logistics of getting paid can be tough. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
With Grey, you can simplify your global payment process and focus on what matters: doing great work and building your dream career.
Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking designed to carry your dreams across borders.
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