What Is an International Invoice?
An international invoice is a formal payment request sent by an exporter (seller) to an importer (buyer) in a different country. It documents the goods or services sold, the amount owed, the currency, and the payment terms — and serves as the basis for both payment and customs/tax compliance.
Required Fields on an International Invoice
Currency Considerations
Who bears the FX risk? If you invoice in USD and your buyer pays in BRL, either you absorb the conversion or your buyer does. Best practice: invoice in your buyer's currency (or USD/EUR as a neutral currency) and agree on the rate in advance — or use a payment platform that locks the rate. Leaving currency ambiguous in an invoice is one of the most common causes of payment disputes in cross-border B2B.
How to Get Paid Faster on International Invoices
The traditional flow — send invoice by email, wait for the buyer to initiate a SWIFT wire, wait 3–5 days, absorb the FX markup — costs time and money. The modern alternative: send an invoice with a digital payment link. The buyer pays in their local currency via bank transfer or digital dollars. Funds arrive in minutes, not days. No SWIFT fees, no correspondent deductions, no waiting.
Common Issues with International Invoices
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an international invoice need to be in a specific language?
No universal requirement. The invoice should be understood by both parties. English is standard for cross-border B2B. Some countries (e.g., Brazil) require a local tax document (Nota Fiscal) for customs — check local requirements.
What currency should I use on an international invoice?
USD or EUR are the most common neutral currencies. If you invoice in your buyer's local currency, you take on FX risk. Platforms like Truman let you invoice in one currency and receive in another.
How long should payment terms be on an international invoice?
Net 30 (30 days from invoice date) is standard for B2B cross-border. Net 15 is appropriate for smaller amounts or established relationships. Always specify the exact due date.
What is a commercial invoice vs. a proforma invoice?
A commercial invoice is the final, legally binding payment request. A proforma invoice is a preliminary quote sent before the transaction is confirmed — it's not a payment demand. Customs typically requires the commercial invoice.
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