Accepting payment methods from international clients

[Morne]

Hi all

In the past I've use SWIFT transfer, but this takes about a week and also it's very inconvenient for clients. Something you can do online is far more acceptable. Paypal seems like a good answer. Locally we have a bunch of hoops to jump through so it takes very long even for Paypal. You have to transfer the funds from Paypal into a local bank accunt within 30 days. The transfer takes 6 days. Besides Paypal charging me 3.9% plus 30c for a transaction, the local bank charge me an additional 1.25% on top of that. At least when a client pays me, I know I "have" the cash, even though I still have to wait another 6 days so the 6 days doesnt bother me that much.

I was just wondering what other "online" methods are available to get paid from international clients? There's Western Union, but I don't know if that's online and if clients will still physically have to go somewhere (in which case it's not an option)

I need the most convenient method for clients to pay me, that won't cost me half the invoice. It seems the best method is paypal. Is this correct?

[glyph]

depends what country your client is in..
in the UK I have used both HiFX and Tranzfers to pay into foreign accounts - good conversion rates and minimal fees
- but no idea if they can go 'your client country' > SA

[Morne]

Can HiFX and Tranzfers go from UK to SA?

Will be good to hear what other people use from other countries.

[glorybound]

why not PayPal?

[Morne]

Yes I'm going to use Paypal is it seems more "universal". Was just wondering what else is available.

[glorybound]

Google Wallet also works well. I use Freshbooks, which has several payment options for on-line payments.