Payment and Currency Handling

Friction kills international conversion. Methods, currency, tax.

Why payment / currency

Payment friction kills international conversion. Currency strategy affects margin and consumer trust. Local payment methods often required.

Methods by region

• EU: SEPA, iDEAL (Netherlands), Bancontact (Belgium), Sofort (Germany).
• UK: cards + open banking.
• LATAM: Pix (Brazil), OXXO (Mexico), Mercado Pago.
• SEA: GrabPay, GoPay, DANA, AliPay.
• India: UPI, Paytm.
• China: AliPay, WeChat Pay.
• Japan: Konbini.

Currency strategy

• Local currency display.
• Local pricing strategy (not just FX conversion).
• Margin per region.
• FX risk management.
• Refund processing.
• Multi-currency accounting.

Tax

• VAT (EU, UK).
• GST (Australia, India, etc.).
• Sales tax (US states).
• Customs / duties for physical goods.
• DAC7 (EU platforms).
• 1099-K (US).

Advanced playbook

• Local payment methods per market.
• Local currency display.
• Local pricing strategy.
• FX risk management.
• VAT / GST compliance.
• Customs / duties for physical goods.
• Multi-currency accounting.
• Tax compliance ongoing.
• Annual payment strategy review.
• Cross-functional ownership.

Mistakes

• Local payment methods absent.
• Currency display in foreign currency only.
• Pricing strategy is FX conversion.
• FX risk unmanaged.
• VAT / GST compliance broken.
• Customs / duties surprise customers.
• Multi-currency accounting absent.
• Tax compliance reactive.
• Annual review skipped.
• Cross-functional ownership unclear.

Checklist

• Local payment methods per market
• Local currency display
• Local pricing strategy
• FX risk management
• VAT / GST compliance
• Customs / duties for physical goods
• Multi-currency accounting
• Tax compliance ongoing
• Annual payment strategy review
• Cross-functional ownership

Part of the International Marketing series.