How to Invoice International Customers
Invoicing overseas customers means thinking about currency, payment method, GST treatment and clear terms. Keep the document professional and easy to pay.
In this answer
- Decide on currency and payment method
- Understand how GST may apply to exports
- Set clear terms that work across borders
- Find out where to confirm the tax treatment
5 min
Currency and payment method
The first decisions for an overseas invoice are practical: which currency you will bill in and how the customer will pay. Some Australian businesses invoice in Australian dollars for simplicity; others bill in the customer's currency to make it easier for them. Whichever you choose, state the currency clearly on the invoice so there is no doubt — '1,000' means very different things in different currencies.
Consider how you will receive payment too. International bank transfers, card payments and online platforms each have their own fees and timing. Make the payment path obvious on the invoice so an overseas customer is not left guessing how to settle it. The smoother you make paying, the faster cross-border invoices tend to clear.
GST on exports
Many sales to overseas customers are GST-free because they are exports, but this is not automatic and conditions apply. Whether you add GST depends on the nature of the supply, the customer's location and other factors set by the ATO. Do not simply assume an overseas sale carries no GST — and equally, do not add GST out of caution if it should not be there. The cleanest approach is to confirm the treatment of your particular export with the ATO or your accountant, then reflect it correctly on the invoice. Our separate answer on charging GST to overseas customers covers this in more depth.
Clear terms across borders
Cross-border invoices benefit from extra clarity on terms. Spell out the due date, the accepted payment methods, and who bears any bank or conversion fees — fees can otherwise eat into what you actually receive. Time-zone and banking differences can slow payment, so set a realistic due date and invoice promptly. Including your full business details, including your ABN, also helps the customer's accounts team treat you as a legitimate supplier. A few extra lines of clarity now prevent awkward shortfalls and follow-up emails later.
Producing the invoice
Lay out a clean international invoice with our free invoice tools, showing currency, terms and your details. Keep a copy for your records as you would for any sale.
This is general information only, not tax or legal advice. GST treatment of exports and cross-border sales depends on your circumstances — confirm it with the ATO or your accountant.
Key takeaways
- State the billing currency clearly on the invoice.
- Make the payment method and any fees obvious.
- Many exports are GST-free, but conditions apply — confirm the treatment.
- Set realistic due dates given banking and time-zone delays.
- Confirm the GST treatment of cross-border sales with the ATO or your accountant.
Frequently asked questions
What currency should I invoice in?
Either Australian dollars or the customer's currency works — just state it clearly. Consider what is easiest for both sides and the fees involved.
Do I add GST for an overseas customer?
Often not, as many exports are GST-free, but conditions apply. Confirm the treatment of your specific sale with the ATO or your accountant.
Who pays the bank fees on an international transfer?
That is up to your terms. State on the invoice who bears any bank or conversion fees so there are no surprises at settlement.
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