Freelancing across borders has opened up incredible opportunities — but it can also create major headaches when it comes to getting paid in foreign currencies.
If you're working remotely for clients in the UK, US, Europe, or Australia, chances are you’ve already encountered high transfer fees, delayed payments, or poor exchange rates.
That's why thousands of digital nomads and global freelancers are switching to Wise — a modern, multi-currency platform designed to handle international income with fair rates and full transparency.
Most traditional banks and even platforms like PayPal mark up the exchange rate, which means you lose money every time you convert.
A client sends $1,000, but by the time it lands in your account, it’s more like $950 — and that’s before any fees.
Some services charge flat fees or even percentage-based receiving costs, reducing your take-home pay.
You might be waiting 3–5 business days just to access your money, often without clear tracking or notifications.
Wise solves the biggest issues freelancers face when working with international clients. Here’s how:
With Wise, you can receive payments using local bank details in major currencies — GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, and more. No more international wire fees or middlemen.
Clients in the US? Give them a US routing and account number.
Clients in Europe? Share your IBAN.
It’s seamless — and fee-free on your side.
Wise always uses the real exchange rate — no hidden markups. You see exactly how much you’re getting before confirming the transfer.
That alone can save you 3–5% per payment, which adds up fast for freelancers invoicing internationally.
You’ll only pay a small upfront fee when converting or sending money. There are no subscription costs or account maintenance charges, so you keep more of what you earn.
Wise lets you store your income in various currencies and convert only when needed — ideal if you’re watching exchange rates or living in multiple countries.
In many countries, freelancers can order a Wise debit card to spend directly from their balances. No foreign transaction fees, just real-time currency conversion.
Let’s say you’re a freelance designer in Spain working for a US-based client. They send you $2,000/month.
| Platform | Exchange Rate | Fees | You Receive (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | 1.06 | 3% ($60) + rate markup | ~€1,730 |
| Bank Transfer | 1.07 | $20–$40 + poor rate | ~€1,750 |
| Wise | 1.09 (mid-market) | ~$10 | €1,805+ |
✅ Over €70 saved each month — that’s €840 a year just for choosing the right platform.
Transfer scheduler – Automate payouts or savings
Invoice-friendly payment options – Get paid from any country
Mobile app – Manage everything from your phone
As a freelancer, every euro, dollar, or pound counts. With Wise, you’re not just getting paid — you’re keeping more of what you earn and getting it faster and easier than with banks or PayPal.
Whether you’re full-time freelancing or working a side hustle abroad, Wise is the smartest money move you can make.
✅ Set Up Your Wise Account Today
✅ Compare Payment Options
✅ Explore Currency Management Tools
At 247 Expat Insurance, we understand the challenges of living and managing finances abroad. From international money transfers to expat health coverage, our mission is to make your life simpler, safer, and more affordable.
We carefully research and recommend tools that help expats like you save money and avoid unnecessary fees — wherever life takes you.
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