Muhammad Faizan Anwar
In Pakistan, there is a growing trend of people giving their services as freelancers to clients all over the world. Receiving overseas funds might be challenging for a variety of reasons, including limited banking options and currency exchange limitations.
With so many ways to pay accessible, freelancers need to know which ones are safe, efficient, and reliable.
This post will look at the many payment methods accessible to freelancers in Pakistan.
International payment refers to the exchange of money or the resolution of financial disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations based in different countries.
The flow of currency across borders facilitates different international transactions, such as exchanges, investments, settlements, and cross-border services.
There are various options for making overseas payments, including:
- Wire Transfer
- EFT (electronic funds transfers)
- Online Payment Solution (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Credit Cards
These payments might involve multiple currencies, and exchange rates are frequently utilized to convert the amounts.
International Payment Methods:
How are freelancers paid in Pakistan?
Here are some of the most commonly utilized methods of payment in Pakistan right now. These are the Top 07 ways freelancers get international payments in Pakistan.
1. Payoneer
Payoneer, a popular abroad payment processor, supplies freelancers with a virtual bank account in the United States.
Clients can make payments to the freelancer's Payoneer account, which can then be withdrawn and transferred into a Pakistani local bank account.
It also provides prepaid MasterCards, allowing independent freelancers to spend their money to make purchases both online and offline or to withdraw cash from ATMs.
- It is accepted at all banks in Pakistan.
- The safest withdrawal method with low fees.
- Payoneer will activate your First Century Bank US and Barclays UK bank accounts as receiving accounts.
- There are no fees associated with transferring funds from one Payoneer account to another.
- You can send the invoice to the company's Payoneer account by including the following information: the company name, website, contact name, email address, and country.
- You can send bills to specific clients using Payoneer; all you need are their names, email addresses, nations, and states.
- All freelance marketplaces, including Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer, accept it.
2. Skrill
Skrill is an online wallet designed for individuals and businesses that want to transfer and manage money efficiently.
Please be advised that Skrill's primary function is to facilitate international money transfers through online payment systems.
It provides a realistic platform for individuals and businesses to safely conduct financial transactions. You can register online.
It is possible, however, to maintain funds in Pakistani rupees in your Skrill account. Any funds you deposit into your Skrill wallet must be converted into one of the supported global currencies.
3. WiseTransfer
TransferWise, currently called Wise, offers an easy-to-use platform for sending money worldwide. Even if you do not have a Wise account, you can still receive funds.
During the initial setup, only clients must log in to wise.com and enter their information.
Wise is especially handy for clients in the United Kingdom, but it is also convenient for users all over the world because payments made through it can be deposited immediately into your local bank account.
To proceed, you'll need the following information:
- Name (both last and first names)
- Father's Name
- National Identity Card Number, or CNIC
- International Bank Account Number, or IBAN
- Email address
- Phone Number
- Date of Birth
- Country
- City
- Postal Code
You can also register and maintain a Wise account in Pakistan as an alternative to Payoneer. You can get a fee-free transfer of up to 500 GBP by joining Wise right now.
4. Xoom.com
PayPal's Xoom.com service provides an easy way to make international payments.
It is not necessary to have an Xoom account to receive payments. Customers must only provide their details for the first time when they log into xoom.com using their PayPal accounts.
Customers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada stand to benefit the most.
Receiving money with Xoom.com is a convenient option because you may deposit funds directly into your local bank account.
To proceed, you'll need the following information:
- Name (both last and first names)
- Father's Name
- National Identity Card Number, or CNIC
- International Bank Account Number, or IBAN
- Email address
- Phone Number
- Date of Birth
- Country
- City
- Postal Code
5. Western Union
Another popular site is Western Union, which allows customers to send and receive money from almost anywhere in the world.
Freelancers can immediately access their paychecks from thousands of locations across Pakistan, eliminating the need for bank transfers or currency translations.
To accept payments via Western Union, freelancers have to provide their clients with their full name and address as shown on their government-issued identification card.
Once the payment has been produced, freelancers can pick up the payment at a nearby agent location by presenting the relevant identification documents and transaction information.
This payment method is a practical and trustworthy solution for freelancers who want to receive payments swiftly and securely.
6. Local Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are one of the most popular ways for freelancers in Pakistan to get payment.
This method entails electronically transferring funds from the client's account to the freelancer's account.
It is a secure and dependable method of receiving payments, reducing the need for physical cash transactions.
To accept payments via bank transfer, freelancers need to provide their clients with their bank account information, which includes the account number and routing number.
When the client initiates the transfer, it usually takes 2-5 business days for funds to be credited to the freelancer's account.
Freelancers must choose a reliable bank and keep their personal information secure.
They should also double-check all banking information before giving it to clients to minimize errors or delays in collecting payments.
7. Elevate Pay
Elevate Pay is a relatively new fintech startup that focuses on making international payments easier. It is more cheap for Pakistani freelancers and remote employees.
What is Elevate Pay?
Y Combinator-backed firm offers FDIC-insured US bank accounts to independent workers in Pakistan. Attempts to make receiving overseas payments easy without needing high fees or complicated procedures.
Benefits of using Elevate Pay:
- Zero transaction fees: There are no charges for receiving or sending funds within the Elevate ecosystem.
- Competitive forex rates: Get transparent, interbank currency exchange rates.
- Free US bank account: Avoid opening foreign accounts that charge excessive fees.
- Hassle-free: Simplify international payments compared to previous ways.
