PayPal is a widely recognized service for sending and receiving money both within domestic borders and abroad. Its international capabilities allow users to transfer funds to over 200 countries and handle transactions in 25 different currencies. This is especially convenient for those who have personal or business interests overseas. Not only does PayPal facilitate global payments but it also extends its services through Xoom, a PayPal service that offers additional methods for international money transfers.
When using PayPal for international transactions, users should be aware of the potential fees and exchange rates involved. Making an international transfer through PayPal is straightforward. All that is required is setting the recipient’s information, the amount being sent, and choosing the currency. Moreover, customers can track their transactions and manage international transfers using PayPal’s digital platforms, ensuring a transparent and controlled money transfer process.
Can PayPal Be Used Internationally?
Yes.
PayPal can be used internationally to send, receive, and withdraw money across borders in over 200 countries and regions, supporting 25 currencies (source: PayPal Global).
However, availability and features (like receiving payments or linking local bank accounts) vary by country due to local financial regulations.
✅ What You Can Do Internationally with PayPal
Here’s what PayPal allows you to do across most supported countries:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Send Money Abroad | Send payments to friends, family, or businesses in other countries. |
| Receive International Payments | Accept money from clients or customers worldwide. |
| Currency Conversion | Automatically converts between supported currencies. |
| Pay for International Purchases | Shop globally on websites that accept PayPal. |
| Withdraw to Local Bank | Available in most major countries, depending on local banking support. |
💸 PayPal International Fees (2025)
When using PayPal internationally, fees depend on how you fund the payment and the destination country:
| Type | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| International Personal Payments | 5% of the transaction amount (min $0.99, max $4.99) (source: OneSafe.io) |
| Funding Fee (Credit/Debit Card) | Additional 2.9% + fixed fee based on currency |
| Currency Conversion | 3–4% above the base exchange rate |
| Business Payments (Goods/Services) | 4.4% + fixed fee depending on country and currency |
💡 Tip: If you send money using your PayPal balance or linked bank account, you usually pay lower fees than with a credit or debit card.
🌐 Supported and Restricted Countries
- Supported: Over 200 countries (including the U.S., U.K., Canada, EU countries, India, Australia, Japan, etc.)
- Restricted or Limited: Some countries allow sending but not receiving money (e.g., certain African and Middle Eastern nations).
- Banned: PayPal is not available in countries under international sanctions (e.g., North Korea, Iran, Syria).
For a full list, see the official PayPal Global Country List or the updated PayPal Availability Guide (2025).
🧭 How to Send Money Internationally with PayPal
- Log in to your PayPal account.
- Click “Send & Request”.
- Enter the recipient’s email address or mobile number.
- Choose the amount and currency.
- Select “Sending to a friend” or “Paying for an item/service.”
- Review the fees and conversion rate, then confirm.
Your recipient will receive the funds instantly in most cases.
💡 Tips to Save on Fees
- Use your PayPal balance or linked bank account instead of a card.
- Send in the recipient’s local currency to avoid double conversion fees.
- For large transfers, compare with alternatives like Wise (TransferWise) or Revolut, which may offer lower exchange margins.
⚠️ Important Notes
- RCS and compliance checks may delay cross-border payments in some regions.
- Business accounts may face additional verification for international transactions.
- Some countries require tax information or ID verification before receiving funds.
🧾 Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported Countries | 200+ |
| Supported Currencies | 25 |
| Can Send Money Abroad? | ✅ Yes |
| Can Receive Money from Abroad? | ✅ In most countries |
| Main Fees | 5% transfer fee + currency conversion markup |
| Best Use Case | Small to medium international payments |
In short:
Yes — PayPal works internationally in over 200 countries. You can send and receive money globally, but fees and availability depend on your country and payment method.
Sources:
- PayPal Global – List of Countries and Currencies
- CS-Cart – PayPal Availability by Country (2025)
- OneSafe.io – PayPal International Transfers Guide
- Tipalti – PayPal International Fees Explained
Key Takeaways
- PayPal operates in over 200 countries and supports transactions in 25 currencies.
- The service eases international transactions with tools for sending, receiving, and tracking money.
- Understand the associated fees and exchange rates when using PayPal for international money transfers.
Using PayPal for International Transactions
PayPal allows users to send and transfer money to over 200 countries and in different currencies. You can use various payment methods with fees depending on the transaction.
Available Countries and Currencies
PayPal operates internationally, extending its services to over 200 countries and regions. It enables transactions in multiple currencies, allowing users to send and receive money globally. Customers can check PayPal’s official website or mobile app for an updated list of supported countries and available currencies.
Sending and Receiving Money Internationally
When you send money internationally, you start by logging into your PayPal account. Then you can enter the recipient’s details and choose the amount to send. PayPal will show you the current exchange rate and any fees before you complete the transaction.
Receiving money from abroad is straightforward as well. The money arrives in your PayPal account and you can withdraw it to your bank account or use it to make payments.
Payment Methods and Fees
PayPal gives you the option to fund international transactions using your PayPal balance, bank account, credit card, or debit card. When using PayPal for international transfers, be aware of transfer fees and currency conversion fees. For example, PayPal applies an exchange rate markup on top of a transaction fee.
PayPal’s Services for International Use
Xoom, a PayPal service, lets users send money, pay bills, and reload mobile phones in other countries. It expands PayPal’s range of international services, often allowing for rapid transfers.
Safety and Security
PayPal is known for its strong security measures, aiming to keep international transactions safe. It uses encryption and fraud monitoring to protect your money and personal information.
Alternatives to PayPal for International Payments
Other options for international payments include Wise, Western Union, MoneyGram, and OFX. Each of these has its own set of fees, rates, and features. Venmo, another digital wallet option, is typically used for domestic transactions within the United States.
