If you're a freelancer or small business owner in the UK, getting paid by international clients can feel complicated.

Between choosing the right invoicing format, handling different currencies, and avoiding high fees, the process can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to invoice international clients—from legal requirements to the best payment methods.

You’ll learn how to create a professional invoice, set up payment terms, and avoid common pitfalls. Plus, we’ll introduce tools like Ohentpay, which lets you get paid in multiple currencies with low fees and fair exchange rates.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, hassle-free approach to getting paid from abroad.

What is international invoicing?

International invoicing simply means sending an invoice to a client in another country. While the process is similar to invoicing local clients, there are extra details to consider.

For example, you may need to charge Value-Added Tax (VAT), depending on where your client is based.

The currency you use is also important—should you invoice in GBP, USD, or your client’s local currency? These factors can impact how quickly you get paid and how much you actually receive.

Understanding how to invoice international clients correctly helps avoid delays, unexpected fees, and compliance issues.

In the next sections, we’ll cover the best practices for UK freelancers and small businesses to ensure smooth, hassle-free payments from overseas.

How to create an international invoice

Creating an international invoice is simple when you follow the right steps. Here’s how freelancers and small businesses in the UK can invoice clients abroad and get paid easily:

1. Use a professional invoice template.

Start with a clear, professional invoice template to ensure all key details are included. You can find free invoice templates online, such as this one  from Ohentpay. 

2. Add your business and client details.

Every invoice should clearly list:

• Your business name and contact details
• Your client’s name and address

This helps avoid confusion and ensures your invoice reaches the right person.

3. Include essential invoice details

To keep things clear and organized, make sure your invoice has:

• A unique invoice number (this helps with tracking payments)
• A brief but clear description of the services you provided
• The total amount due

4. Outline payment information

One of the biggest mistakes in international invoicing is forgetting to clarify how and when you want to be paid. To avoid payment delays, be sure to include:

• The payment due date (e.g., “Please pay within 30 days”)
• The payment method (bank transfer, Wise, PayPal, etc.)
• The currency (GBP, USD, or your client’s local currency)

5. Set clear payment terms

Don’t assume your client knows your rules—spell them out! Be clear about:

• When payment is due (Net 30, Net 60, or immediate payment)
• Whether there are late payment penalties

The more straightforward your invoice, the easier it is to get paid on time—without endless back-and-forth emails.

If you’re new to invoicing, check out our guide on How to Create an Invoice: Essential Tips for UK Business Owners, which covers the basics and best practices for UK businesses.

How do i send an international invoice to my client?

When it’s time to send your international invoice, you have two choices: email or traditional mail. But let’s be honest—E-invoicing is the easiest and fastest way to go, especially for freelancers and small businesses.

You can simply email your invoice as a PDF attachment or use invoicing software to send it directly.

This way, your client gets it instantly, and you avoid the risk of lost mail or payment delays.

Of course, you could send a physical invoice by mail, but that takes longer and leaves room for mistakes. If you want to get paid on time, E-invoicing is the smarter option!

What to consider when sending an international invoice 

1. Costs and fees

First, decide on the currency. Many businesses prefer to invoice in USD or EUR because they’re stable and widely accepted, but your client may prefer their local currency to avoid exchange rate losses.

To make things easier, discuss the preferred currency upfront and use a payment platform like Ohentpay to receive multiple currencies with low fees.

Next, consider local taxes. Some countries require VAT or GST, and your client might need a tax invoice. Double-check the tax rules for international transactions to avoid compliance issues.

Finally, watch out for hidden fees. International payments often come with bank charges, conversion fees, or transfer delays.

To minimize this, choose low-fee payment methods, clarify who covers transaction costs, and confirm any additional charges with your bank.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can avoid unnecessary costs and ensure smooth, hassle-free payments from overseas clients.

2. Choosing the right payment method

The payment method you offer can have a big impact on how quickly you get paid. The easier it is for your international clients to pay, the fewer delays you'll experience.

Common international payment methods include:

• Bank transfer or wire transfer – Reliable, but may come with high fees.
• Direct debit – Ideal for recurring payments.
• Credit/debit card – Convenient, but may involve processing fees.
• Digital wallets – Faster payments, depending on the platform.
• Checks – Still used in some countries, but slow and risky.

Offering local payment options can speed things up. Some clients may prefer wire transfers, while others are more comfortable using digital payment platforms.

If you work with clients from different countries, setting up local bank accounts in each location can reduce transaction fees. However, this can be difficult, especially if you can’t open an account remotely.

A simpler solution is using a global payment service like Ohentpay, which allows you to receive payments in multiple currencies without the hassle of opening different local accounts.

3. Understanding international taxes

Taxes can be tricky when dealing with international invoices, so it’s important to know what applies to your business.

If you're a UK-based business invoicing overseas clients, you may need to charge Value-Added Tax (VAT).

For example, many EU countries have VAT rates exceeding 20%, and businesses selling to these countries might be required to add VAT to their invoices. Not including the correct tax could lead to compliance issues or unexpected costs.

To avoid surprises:

• Check if VAT applies based on your client’s country.
• Confirm if you need to register for VAT when working with international clients.
• Clearly state taxes on your invoice to prevent misunderstandings.

4. Keeping track of your invoices

Good record-keeping is essential when dealing with international invoices. Keeping track of past invoices helps with tax audits, financial planning, and dispute resolution.

One of the biggest advantages of E-invoicing is that it simplifies record-keeping. When you send invoices digitally, they’re automatically stored, making it easy to track payments and access past transactions when needed.

To stay organized:

• Use the same E-invoicing platform to keep all your records in one place.
• Back up your invoices in case you need them for audits or tax filings.
• Label and categorize invoices properly to avoid confusion later.

A reliable invoicing system ensures you always have the right documents on hand, saving time and hassle down the road.

How to invoice international clients at the lowest cost

Finding a low-cost way to invoice international clients can be tricky. Many popular payment platforms, like PayPal, don’t charge fees for sending invoices, but they deduct a percentage when you receive payments.

Some companies advertise "zero transaction fees," but they often use unfavorable exchange rates, meaning you lose money on currency conversion.

Here are a few ways to reduce costs when invoicing international clients:

• Compare payment providers – Look for services that offer low fees and mid-market exchange rates.
• Open a foreign bank account – If it’s easy to do, this can help avoid unnecessary fees.
• Use a global payment solution – Some services allow you to receive multiple currencies at lower costs.

The best option depends on your business needs and your client’s location, but being mindful of fees and exchange rates can help you maximize your earnings.

Get paid faster with OhentPay

Managing international invoices shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. That’s where Ohentpay comes in.

Ohentpay is a smart alternative to traditional banks, built to make international transactions seamless for small businesses and freelancers in the UK.

With low, transparent fees and access to real mid-market exchange rates, you can avoid hidden charges and keep more of your earnings.

With Ohentpay, you can:

• Receive payments in multiple currencies, including British pounds, Euros, and US dollars.
• Get paid faster with local account details for different regions.
• Avoid unnecessary bank fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

Want to simplify your invoicing and international payments? Sign up for Ohentpay today and take control of your finances.

For more insights on B2B transactions, freelancing, and business growth in the UK, check out the Ohentpay Blog—your go-to resource for smarter financial solutions.