Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition.&nbsp;

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a Cover Letter in the Freelance Landscape

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.”&nbsp;

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like "I have experience in marketing,” go for keyword integration: "I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies."

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying "increased website traffic," quantify it. "I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client."

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Check out this blog for expert tips and tricks on cover letter templates that will help you craft standout proposals and land freelance gigs on Upwork.

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide th

Anoosh Kotak

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In India, the implementation of the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-file-gst-monthly-and-quarterly-for-freelancers?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Goods and Services Tax (GST)</a> in July 2017 marked a significant shift in the country's tax regime. While its impact on domestic transactions is well-documented, its implications for foreign payments are equally profound yet often overlooked.

If you have a business or provide services to foreign clients, it is important to understand how GST can affect foreign remittances.

What is Goods and Services Tax in India? 

In India, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a crucial revenue source for the central and state governments. GST is levied on the supply of goods and services, ensuring a broad tax base. The revenue generated from GST contributes significantly to government finances, funding various developmental initiatives and public services across the country.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is structured as follows in India:

<a href="https://writefreelance.in/gst-freelancers-india/#:~:text=Do%20I%20charge%20GST%20to,no%20liability%20to%20charge%20GST.">No, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) does not apply to a foreign client</a> if you receive foreign remittance for your services in a foreign currency and not INR.&nbsp;

For example, suppose you are a freelancer with multiple foreign clients in different countries. They pay you in their native foreign currency, deposited into your Indian <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/set-up-your-freelance-international-bank-account-in-just-5-minutes?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">bank account</a> in INR after conversion. In that case, you have no liability to pay GST on the received amount.&nbsp;

As per the ‘Export of Services’ head defined under Section 2 (6) of the IGST Act, 2017, the following conditions must be fulfilled for an Indian exporter/service provider not to be liable to pay GST when dealing with foreign clients.

However, you must request and receive a foreign remittance certificate from your bank or your digital currency platform for foreign remittance for compliance and tax purposes.&nbsp;

Although a foreign payment may not come with the liability to pay GST, fees related to foreign remittances may be subject to GST, depending on the nature of the service provided.&nbsp;

GST Implications For Different Scenarios&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/time-taken-for-inward-remittances?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Inward remittances</a> refer to funds transferred or sent into a country from abroad.&nbsp;

No GST applies for entities in India receiving inward foreign remittances in foreign currencies.&nbsp;

For example, if you are a freelancer and a client has paid you $1,200, you are not liable to pay any GST on the amount. This arrangement benefits businesses and service providers as there's no additional GST burden on transactions with foreign clients.

2. Compliance Handling &amp; Certifications (FIRC, BRC)

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/importance-of-fira-for-freelancers?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">FIRC stands for Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate</a>, while BRC stands for Bank Remittance Certificate. Banks in India issue both certificates to provide proof of foreign currency remittance. GST applies to compliance handling and certification services.

These forex transactions related to foreign currency conversion attract 18% GST on forex, called GST on currency exchange. If the forex transactions are between banks and designated authorised dealers, there is no liability to pay GST. However, the bank may charge you 18% GST as the service of conversion is still taxable.

While GST on international transactions generally does not apply to the inward remittance amount itself, it may impact related services such as compliance handling, certifications, and currency conversion fees.

It is important for businesses and service providers such as freelancers to deeply understand the implications of tax on currency exchange and GST on foreign payments to streamline their billing process. It also ensures compliance with tax regulations and minimises any potential financial implications for themselves and their foreign clients.



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Have your freelance earnings stagnated over months and you struggle to achieve your financial goals?

Chances are you need a better system to track your income and expenses. This involves using real-time insights to plan and manage your finances.

Skydo offers real-time payment tracking and quick insights to achieve your financial goals.&nbsp;

This blog explains how you can use Skydo to increase your freelance earnings and meet your financial goals.

How to Achieve Your Freelance Financial Goals?

While freelancing offers flexibility and unlimited growth potential, the main concern is income instability. Here are some ways you can reduce financial risk and achieve your financial goals.

One way to attain stability is to “Diligently track your income and expenses to maintain a budget,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/managing-your-finances-building-stability-freelance-journey-david?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_android&amp;utm_campaign=share_via">Nash David</a>, a freelance writer.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-can-you-effectively-manage-your-finances-c3nfc">Malay Damania</a>, a business coach for MSMEs says, “Tracking financials is like keeping a scoreboard in a game. It offers motivation to grow your business.”

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/advice/what-best-ways-manage-your-finances-7wqof?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_android&amp;utm_campaign=share_via">Brian Miller,</a> a career coach, recommends freelancers to “Create a payment system using software, apps or spreadsheets to organise receipts, payments, invoices, and deductions.” It helps monitor cash flow and understand tax liability, which helps you achieve financial goals faster.

3. Break down the Revenue Generated by Each Client&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jennifergregorywriter.com/2023/02/27/the-best-way-to-reduce-your-risk-while-freelancing-during-economic-uncertainty/?trk=feed-detail_main-feed-card_feed-article-content">Jennifer Gregory</a>, a freelance technology writer, suggests analysing how much each client makes up of your total freelance earnings. She says, “Check each client's percentage to understand how they impact your income and, if they were to leave, then how you can replace that income.” This helps manage risk and boost stability.

Will Brooks, a leadership and business career coach, recommends <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/advice/what-best-ways-manage-your-finances-7wqof?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_android&amp;utm_campaign=share_via">calculating your tax liability</a> beforehand and setting aside the amount for tax, investment, and retirement to manage your finances. This helps you analyse expenses and prepare financial goals accordingly.

All these suggestions have one thing in common—tracking and analysing freelance payments to understand your profits and liabilities. Here is how real-time analytics of freelance earnings helps.

All these suggestions have one thing in common—tracking and analysing freelance payments to understand your profits and liabilities.&nbsp;

Introducing Skydo: A Game-Changer in Freelance Finance

A comprehensive payment platform like Skydo gives you real-time insights about your freelance earnings.

Its intuitive dashboard enables you to track foreign payment transactions and avoid payment delays.

Moreover, Skydo’s payment platform automates invoice creation, sending, tracking, and managing processes.

Here is how you can use Skydo to achieve your financial goals.

You can <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/create-professional-freelance-invoices-for-free-using-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">create professional freelance invoices</a> on Skydo by customising invoice templates, downloading them, and sending them as a PDF or e-invoice to the client.

Once you send the invoice to the client, you get real-time notifications for invoice receiving, payment processing and payment completion. It helps track potential payment delays and enables you to resolve any issues.

Even if you sent an invoice to a client without using Skydo, you can still add it to the record by adding invoices@skydo.com in CC while sending an email to the client. This way, you can track, view and analyse all your freelance payments in one place.

With Skydo, you don't have to constantly chase clients through emails. You can generate <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/receive-timely-payments-with-skydo's-automated-reminder-feature?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">payment reminders</a> and send them to the client. Skydo tracks when the payment reminder has been viewed by the client and keeps a record of all reminders.

Timely reminders reduce the risk of delayed payments and help you achieve financial goals faster.

The Skydo dashboard provides an overview of all the invoices, their payment status and client details. Moreover, you can also view a visual summary of completed payments, outstanding invoices and payments in progress.

5. Analytics and Reports for Informed Decision-Making&nbsp;

Skydo offers a consolidated view of foreign payments across different accounts. You can leverage the data for detailed financial analytics, calculate the revenue generated from each client, and facilitate strategic financial planning.&nbsp;

6. Withdraw Payments Effortlessly from Freelance Platforms

You can integrate Skydo into your freelance platform accounts like Upwork, Freelancer.com, Toptal and Deel and save up to 50% on withdrawal fees.&nbsp;

Efficient <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/tax-slabs-2023-24?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">tax planning</a> and compliance are crucial to achieving your financial goals and reducing legal risks. Since Skydo records all invoices and payment details, it facilitates payment reconciliation and calculating income tax liability.

Moreover, it <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">automatically generates FIRA</a> for all invoices which helps claim GST refund on export of goods or services.&nbsp;

Achieving financial goals with freelancing is tricky. However, with discipline, the right strategy and efficient tools, you can maximise your savings and fulfil your goals.

Skydo is one such efficient payment platform that helps you track invoices and payment reminders in real time to optimise cash flow and boost your freelance earnings.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Sign up on Skydo</a> today to achieve your financial goals faster!

Q1. How can I do budgeting to achieve my financial goals?

Ans. You can create and maintain a freelance budget by tracking your income and expenses, opening a separate bank account for business expenses, setting a monthly limit for business and work expenses, and using steady income to pay bills with higher amounts.

Q2. How does Skydo help maximise freelance earnings?

Ans. Skydo has a flat fee structure for foreign payments and charges zero margin on currency conversion. Moreover, you can integrate Skydo into freelance payment platform accounts and reduce withdrawal fees by up to 50%. Therefore, it <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/increase-freelance-income-zero-markup?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">boosts freelance earnings</a> and helps you attain your financial goals.

Q3. How can I use Skydo to improve my payment processes?

Ans. You can streamline your payment processes with Skydo by automating invoice creation and reminders. Moreover, you can open an international bank account within five minutes to receive foreign payments faster. Skydo also generates FIRA automatically for all invoices, which helps with tax compliance.

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Many freelancers find invoicing boring or spend too much time crafting invoices for different customers. This results in delayed payments and impacts your business and client relationships.

Fortunately, you don't have to be stuck between spreadsheets and late-night emails. With Skydo, a free invoice generator, you can create a professional freelance invoice within a few minutes and enhance your efficiency.

This blog explains how you can easily create, send and manage freelance invoices using Skydo.

How to Create Professional Freelance Invoices with Skydo (Step-by-Step Guide)

Skydo is an all-in-one <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transforming-your-invoicing-experience-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">invoicing platform</a> that takes care of all your payments and accounting requirements. You can use it as an invoice generator, invoicing tracking system and freelance accounting software.

Simply put, Skydo is an invoice automation software that enables you to create and send a freelance invoice within a few minutes. It <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/simplify-your-global-payments-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">simplifies global payments</a> and maximises freelance earnings.

Once you sign up with Skydo, log into the dashboard. Click on the Invoices tab and select the ‘create new invoice’ option.&nbsp;

Add clients’ business information, the currency in which you have to receive the payment and other invoicing details. Once you add the country, the place of supply gets automatically added.&nbsp;

You can add a due date for the invoice payment and additional details or notes. The invoice number is automatically generated. However, you can enter it manually if required. Then, preview the invoice.

Send the freelance invoice directly to the client or download it as a PDF. You can also create an e-invoice with Skydo and share the QR code with the client.

Once you send the invoice, you can track the freelance invoice status in real-time through the dashboard.

If the client hasn't processed the invoice, you can send automated payment reminder emails through Skydo. Moreover, you can also track when the client has opened the reminder emails and take further action accordingly.

Skydo Features that Make a Difference for Freelancers

In addition to invoice automation, here are some additional features by Skydo that you can leverage to optimise your freelance invoice and payment processes.

Skydo displays live Foreign Exchange (FX) rates on its websites. You can use our <a href="https://fx-calculator.skydo.com/comparison?utm_source=linkedin&amp;utm_medium=skydohandle&amp;utm_campaign=fxcalculator&amp;utm_content=2">FX calculator</a> to calculate your actual earnings and how much you can save on currency conversion by using Skydo instead of other payment platforms like PayPal.

Skydo automatically generates FIRA for each invoice for GST compliance purposes. You can <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">download all FIRA receipts</a> in one click.

3. Supports withdrawals from various platforms like Deel, Upwork, Toptal, etc.

You can integrate Skydo with your Upwork, Deel and Toptal accounts and reduce withdrawal fees by up to 50%.

Being a freelancer is often a solo journey where you have to manage projects, find new clients, take care of your taxes, seek client feedback, schedule client calls, pitch your services, update your portfolio and a lot more.&nbsp;

Don't let manual invoicing processes slow down your efficiency. With Skydo, you can send a freelance invoice within minutes and receive payments faster without any hidden costs.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Sign up on Skydo</a> to enable invoice automation and improve your productivity!

Q1. How can I use Skydo to create a freelance invoice?

Ans. You can use Skydo for complete freelance invoice automation. It helps create invoices in a few steps and facilitates invoice customisation, invoice tracking and invoice payment reminders.

Q2. What are the benefits of using Skydo for online invoices?

Ans. Sending a freelance invoice through Skydo helps track payments in real-time, send automated reminders, get automatic FIRA certificates, view complete invoice payment summaries and send e-invoices to clients.

Q3. How can I send freelance invoices with Skydo?

Ans. Once you have finalised an invoice, you can send it to the client directly through Skydo, download it in the form of a PDF and attach it separately to an email, or send the PDF through other communication mediums. Moreover, you can generate e-invoices and share the QR code with your clients.

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Trusted by 2 million customers worldwide, Stripe is a payment processing and payment gateway platform with additional services like invoicing, billing, and subscription management. But is Stripe the most affordable for Indian businesses and freelancers to receive international payments? In this blog, we will delve into Stripe fees and discover if there's a more affordable alternative for businesses <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-receive-international-payments-in-india">to receive international payments in India</a>.&nbsp;

Stripe India offers a robust cross-border payment solution, allowing businesses to accept payments in over 135 currencies. Its customizable UI components, including masking, styling, and error handling, help businesses create a seamless branded checkout experience. Stripe supports both one-time and recurring payments through instant payment links or direct website integration.

Note that, in India, Stripe functions on an<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-accounts-are-invite-only-in-india"> invite-only basis</a>. Meaning you cannot sign up from the Stripe website directly, you must request an invite to create a Stripe account. You get access only when Stripe approves this invite but there is no clear timeline on how long it will take to approve an invitation. The Stripe support page also mentions that they can only assist a limited number of companies focused on international expansion.

Besides the invite-only model, Stripe users in India can only use a credit or a debit card to accept international payments. This might be a drawback for your business if your client prefers a different payment method.

If the invite-only model and a single payment option work for you, we suggest exploring the next section closely as we analyze the different Stripe fee categories.

With Stripe you can accept payments in 135+ currencies through Visa and Master Card; American Express only supports USD. While you have more flexibility to accept payments through international cards, the overall fee structure is on the steeper side.

Processing Fees: Stripe charges<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers"> 4.3% as processing fees</a> on every successful transaction.

Currency Conversion Fee: An additional<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers"> 2% fee</a> is charged for currency conversion.

Additional fees: Stripe may also charge an additional chargeback fee of <a href="https://stripe.com/in/pricing">Rs. 1000 in the event of a lost dispute</a>. A dispute occurs when your client challenges a charge with their bank or credit card provider. The payment is immediately reversed and Stripe debits the amount from your account and the dispute fee.&nbsp;

No FIRA: Stripe does not offer a<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide"> FIRA</a> after you receive an international payment. A<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/firc-payment-advice-for-international-transactions-in-india"> payment advice</a> is emailed to your account so that you can present it to your bank and get the FIRA after paying a fee.

Stripe Fees For Receiving International Payments In India

In this section, we will use an example to understand how much you can expect to lose to fees if you were to get a payment via Stripe.&nbsp;

Imagine you received a payment of USD 10,000 from a client in the United States. Here’s the calculation for the amount you will receive in your account:

At first, a Stripe processing fee of 4.3% will be deducted from this amount, which is USD 430. The balance amount now is USD 9,570.

An additional 2% will be charged on the USD to INR exchange rate. Assuming the exchange rate is Rs. 85 for 1 USD, the effective exchange rate will become Rs. 83.3 , post the 2% currency conversion fee

We will multiply the balance amount by the reduced exchange rate to calculate the final amount. Final amount = 9570 X 83.3 =&nbsp; Rs. 797,181

So how much money did you lose as fees? To know that we will compare the full value $10,000 with the final amount we calculated in the last step. Full value = 10000 X 85 = 850,000

Final amount = Rs. 797,181. Amount lost as Stripe’s fees = Rs. 52,819 ($621)

In addition to Stripe’s fees, you must spend a bit extra to obtain the FIRA from the bank. Every bank has a different fee structure, usually starting at Rs. 200 for each FIRA. For example,<a href="https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/pay/money-transfer/remittance/fees-and-charges"> HDFC Bank charges Rs. 200</a> for issuing an FIRA.&nbsp;

If we add the FIRA fees, the total is Rs. 53,019

To summarize, to receive a payment of $10,000, you will lose Rs. 53,000 as Stripe + FIRA fees.

Skydo: An Affordable And Seamless Stripe Alternative To Receive International Payments

Despite its popularity and global trust, Stripe’s invite-only model and high fee structure might not be the best option for most Indian businesses. Skydo is a practical alternative to Stripe and offers a quick, secure, and cost-effective solution to all Indian businesses.

Skydo offers international virtual accounts linked to your bank account. These virtual accounts act as digital delivery agents — accepting payments from international clients and delivering them to your bank account. Virtual accounts provide immense flexibility to manage your international payments in different currencies. You can create separate virtual accounts for customers in key regions like the US, the UK, Australia, and Singapore to keep track of payments efficiently.&nbsp;

Skydo has a simple fee structure with no hidden charges. For accepting payments under $2000, the charges are $19, for payments between $2001-$10,000 the charges are $29, and for payments more than $10,000 it’s 0.3% of the amount. There are no additional currency conversion fees and currency is converted at the live exchange rate.&nbsp;

This makes Skydo a more affordable alternative to Stripe. How? Let’s go back to our previous example.

For receiving a payment of $10,000, Stripe fees cost you Rs. 53,019 ($624)

For receiving the same amount through Skydo it will cost you $29 which is Rs. 2465 — assuming an exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 85.&nbsp;

The difference is: INR 53,019 - INR 2465 = INR 50,554. This amount is your saving from using Skydo.

Beyond affordable fees, here's why you should choose Skydo your trusted international payments platform:

Free and Instant FIRA: Skydo offers free and instant FIRA for every transaction

Local Customer Support: Our India-based customer team is always ready to help businesses navigate through any onboarding or payment-related query.

User-friendly Interface: Skydo's UI is designed for easy usability and navigation

Fully Compliant: Skydo is one of India's first homegrown platforms to receive&nbsp; In-Principle Authorization (IPA)&nbsp;from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a&nbsp;Payment Aggregator - Cross-Border Exports (PA-CB-E), ensure that all your payments are 100% secure and compliant.&nbsp;

Switch to Skydo today to experience the difference. 

Want to explore more Stripe alternatives? Check out our <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-alternatives-for-international-payments-in-india">Top 5 Stripe alternatives blog</a>. If you’re curious how Stripe fares against PayPal only, then head over to our <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-vs-paypal-international-payments-2025">Stripe vs PayPal</a> deep-dive analysis.

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You finally landed that international client, but now comes the payment headache. A client paying you $5,000 from abroad means wrestling with high fees, poor exchange rates, and paperwork, turning your well-earned payment into a frustrating experience.

EximPe offers payment solutions for international transactions. Their service aims to simplify cross-border payments for freelancers and small businesses who regularly work with overseas clients.

Let's explore what EximPe offers, how it works, and whether it might be the payment solution you've been looking for.

Having the proper payment setup makes all the difference when dealing with international clients in different time zones.&nbsp;

EximPe FX platform offers several key features that might solve your cross-border payment headaches:

Global collection accounts to receive local payments in 30+ currencies

Virtual international accounts let clients pay using local methods like ACH (USA), SEPA (Europe), or Faster Payments (UK). These payments are then collected, converted, and deposited directly into the user’s Indian bank account.&nbsp;

Global trading accounts and financing options for businesses&nbsp;