How to Get Paid as a Freelancer When PayPal Isn't Available
Many freelancing guides assume you can just get paid by PayPal. But in many countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, you can't open a normal PayPal account to receive money, and freelancers in places such as Nepal usually rely on other options too.
That doesn't stop you from freelancing. It just means you need to set up a different way to get paid, ideally before you win your first client.
Freelancing from Nepal? Read our step-by-step guide on how to receive freelance payments in Nepal.
Rules differ by country. Payment services, central bank rules and taxes are different everywhere, and they change often. Use this guide to learn what to look for, then check the details for your country with the provider and your bank.
Option 1: Withdraw from the platform
If you work through a marketplace, the client pays the platform, and you withdraw your earnings. Most large platforms offer several withdrawal methods. Fiverr and Upwork, for example, both support Payoneer, and some platforms can send money directly to a local bank account in certain countries.
Look at your account's withdrawal or payment settings before you accept an order, so you know exactly which methods work where you live.
Option 2: Payoneer
Payoneer is the most common choice for freelancers in countries where PayPal doesn't work. It's free to sign up, and you can:
- receive withdrawals from freelance marketplaces
- get receiving account details in some major currencies, so clients abroad can pay you by bank transfer
- request payments from direct clients
- withdraw to your local bank account
Payoneer charges fees for some of these, such as currency conversion and certain incoming payments. Check its current pricing page for your country, because fees aren't the same everywhere.
Option 3: International bank transfer (SWIFT)
A direct client can send money straight to your bank account with an international wire transfer. You'll need to give them your bank's SWIFT/BIC code, your account number and your full name exactly as your bank has it.
Wires are reliable, but they can be expensive. The sending bank, any banks in between and your own bank may each take a fee, and the exchange rate is often poor. On small amounts, fees can eat a big share of the payment. Ask your bank what it charges for incoming foreign transfers, and whether you need any documents.
Option 4: Wise and other money transfer services
Wise and similar services can be cheaper for currency conversion. But they aren't available everywhere, and some can send money to your country without letting you open an account there. Check that the service supports receiving money in your country, not only sending it.
What to compare before you choose
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is it free to open an account? | You shouldn't have to pay to get started |
| What does it cost to receive money? | Some methods charge for each incoming payment |
| How big is the currency conversion markup? | A few percent on every payment adds up |
| What's the withdrawal fee to your bank? | Flat fees hurt most on small amounts |
| How long does money take to arrive? | This matters when you're just starting out |
| Does your bank accept it without problems? | Some banks ask questions about foreign income |
Once you know the fees, enter them in our fee calculator to see what you'll really take home.
Tips to avoid problems
- Use your own name and documents. Never use a friend's or relative's account to receive payments. Accounts are tied to identity checks, and money in the wrong name can be frozen.
- Never "rent" a PayPal or bank account. People who offer this are often scammers, and the account holder can be held responsible.
- Test with a small amount first. Before a big project, receive a small payment to make sure everything works.
- Keep records. Save invoices and payment confirmations for your taxes. Our free invoice generator can help.
- Check local rules. Some countries have rules about foreign income, such as declaring it or receiving it into a particular kind of bank account.
- Be careful with crypto. Cryptocurrency is banned or restricted in several countries, including Nepal. Check that it's legal where you live before you accept it.
Which one should you start with?
For most beginners: open a Payoneer account, connect it to your local bank account, and check which withdrawal methods your freelance platforms support in your country. Add other options later, when you start working with direct clients who prefer bank transfers.