Whether you're a Nigerian freelancer with clients in the UK and US, or a Nigerian abroad still doing work for clients at home, the same question comes up: which currency should I invoice in? There's no single right answer, but there is a clear way to decide.
Invoice in the currency your costs are in, when you can
Your price has to cover your costs and leave profit. If your costs are mostly in naira, like your rent, power and data, a naira invoice makes your profit predictable. If your costs are in pounds or dollars, invoice in that currency.
When your client's currency and yours are different, someone carries the exchange-rate risk. Invoicing in your own currency puts that risk on the client. Invoicing in theirs puts it on you.
Use the client's currency when it wins you the work
International clients often prefer to be billed in their own currency because it's simpler for their accounts. If that's what it takes to win and keep a good client, invoice in their currency and build a small margin into your price for rate movements and transfer fees.
Agree it before you start
Put the currency on the quote, not just the invoice. Confirm three things before any work begins:
- The currency and the total
- When payment is due
- How they'll pay, and who covers transfer fees
Surprises at payment time are what damage client relationships.
Make every invoice clear
A good invoice has your name or business name, the client's name, a clear description of the work, the amount and currency, the due date, and how to pay. Number your invoices so you can find them later.
Track what's paid and what's owed
Record payments as they arrive, in the currency they arrived in. Part-payments are common with bigger jobs, so track the balance. Chase anything overdue early and politely, with the exact amount and a date.
How Gripd helps
With Gripd you can send quotes and invoices in the client's currency, such as dollars, pounds, euros or naira, straight from your phone. Turn an accepted quote into an invoice, record full or part payments as they land, and see at a glance who still owes you. Each hustle keeps its own currency, so dollar work and naira work never get mixed into one confusing total.
Start free and send your first invoice today.
Is it better to invoice international clients in dollars or naira?
It depends on where your costs are and what the client prefers. Invoicing in your own currency protects you from rate changes. Invoicing in theirs can make it easier to win the work, so build a small margin into the price.
Who should pay the transfer fees?
Agree it before you start and put it on the quote. Many freelancers ask clients to cover fees, or build an average fee into the price.
How do I handle part-payments?
Record each payment as it arrives and keep track of the balance. Send the client a friendly reminder with the exact amount still due.
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