Getting paid · 7 min read · Updated Jun 20, 2026
How to get paid by international buyers from India
An overseas sale isn't done until the money lands in your account in rupees, cleanly and with the proof the bank wants. Here's how cross-border payment works for a small Indian exporter.
How buyers pay
- Cards and wallets via a payment gateway — the buyer pays in their currency; you receive a settlement.
- PayPal and similar — convenient globally, with their own fee and FX spread.
- Bank wire (SWIFT) — common for larger or wholesale orders.
Currency conversion and fees
Every method has a conversion rate and a fee. The buyer's currency becomes rupees somewhere along the chain, and the spread plus gateway fee is a real cost. Build it into your export price rather than discovering it in the payout.
Proof of export your bank wants
For export remittances, banks issue a FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) or you generate an eBRC (electronic Bank Realisation Certificate). These tie the money received to the goods exported and matter for GST input-credit claims and clean records. Keep them with each order.
Escrow and buyer trust
Buyers are wary of paying an unknown overseas seller up front. Escrow — where the platform holds payment until delivery is confirmed — protects both sides and converts hesitant first-time buyers. haat holds payment in escrow until the buyer confirms the piece arrived.
Frequently asked
- What's the cheapest way to receive international payments?
- It depends on order size. Gateways suit small card payments; wires suit larger orders. Compare the all-in cost (FX spread + fee), not just the headline rate.
- Do I need export proof for every order?
- Keeping FIRC/eBRC records per export is good practice and supports GST input-credit refunds and audits. A managed platform can surface these for you.