Top 10 Currency Exchange Pairings Used by Global Freelancers

‍The gig economy has taken over the world, and there is an increased demand for freelancers across the globe. The need for freelancers has stemmed from the desire for more affordable labour, the need for work to be done faster, and the need for flexibility for both companies and employees. 

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Freelancing is working for yourself and offering your skills and services on your own terms. From content writing/creating to virtual assistance, there are many opportunities to work from wherever you are in the world. 

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However, while freelancing comes with many perks, one of the biggest hurdles freelancers and their clients often face is receiving payment, especially when payments are made across borders.

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Amelia, a Nigerian freelancer currently working with a company in Lithuania that makes payments in euros, said payment was never a worry for her as she had sorted out the issue beforehand. When we asked other freelancers in Nigeria what currency they earned, the majority of them said they got their payments in USD, either in their domiciliary accounts or digital wallets. 

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The most common currency for payment to Nigeria was the United States Dollar (USD$ ), and here’s why — the USD is the most universally accepted and stable currency in global commerce and is supported by almost all international payment platforms. For freelancers in Nigeria, being paid in USD means broader client access and more straightforward conversion into Naira.

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However, despite the prevalence of the United States Dollar as a payment option in the Nigerian gig economy,  the most commonly used currency exchange pairings typically involve major global currencies, especially those from countries with large freelance markets or strong digital payment platforms. This article will highlight the top ten (10) currency exchange pairings used by global freelancers in no particular order.  

1. USD — INR (US Dollar to Indian Rupee)

India is currently the 2nd largest freelance workforce globally, right after the USA, and is known to have some of the most skilled freelance workforces in the world, especially in digital and tech fields. Platforms like Pesa, Wise, and Payoneer make paying freelancers in India from the USA easy. 

2. USD — Euro

The US to Euro trade is the most exchanged currency within the gig economy. Jobs like software development, branding, and design are outsourced outside of the USA to countries within Europe. Wise and Payoneer are the most commonly used platforms to receive payments for freelancers working in Euros with clients based in the USA. 

3. USD —  PHP (US Dollar to Philippine Peso)

The USD/PHP exchange rate is one of the most critical currency pairs for global outsourcing and remote work, particularly because the Philippines is a top destination for customer service, virtual assistants (VAs), content creators, and IT freelancers. More than 90%  of international clients pay in USD as the PHP is not widely accepted for cross-border payments, so conversion is necessary. Wise, Payoneer, and GCash are the most commonly used payment options in the Philippines. 

4. USD — AUD (US Dollar to  Australian Dollar)

The USD/AUD exchange rate is crucial for Australian freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads who earn in USD but live and spend in AUD. There’s a high demand for Australians for roles in tech, consulting, and marketing. Australian banks charge 2–4% on USD to AUD conversions, which is why freelancers in Australia predominantly use digital wallets to accept payments from the USA. 

5. USD—BRL (US Dollar to Brazilian Real)

The USD/BRL exchange rate is a leading factor for Brazilian freelancers and remote workers, especially those serving American and  European clients. Brazil is home to a large, tech-savvy freelance community, and the most common earnings are USD regardless of where the clients reside. 

6. USD — PKR (US Dollar to Pakistani Rupee)

The freelance market in Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Over the past few years, it has become a hub for affordable, high-quality freelance talent, especially in tech and digital services.

7. USD — Naira 

With the rise in digital literacy and global demand for affordable talent, Nigeria currently ranks as one of the top African countries to hire talent. Many international clients in Canada, the USA, and the UK hire talent from Nigeria and also process payments of talent in USD, regardless of where the clients reside.

8. USD — CAD (US Dollar to Canadian Dollar)

The USD to CAD pairing is one of the top exchange pairings in North American freelancing. Like many other freelancers worldwide, Canadian freelancers often negotiate payments in USD to maintain income stability and avoid losses from exchange rate instability. Pesa is a digital wallet frequently used by freelancers in Canada to receive payments in USD. 

9. GBP — USD (Great British Pounds to US Dollar)

While this pairing exists, it is rare and quite expensive, and only used top expertise is needed in niche areas or specialised tech skills. Despite the stability of both currencies, freelancers working in America for companies in the USA would rather be paid in USD than receive payments in GBP. Pesa provides digital wallets to receive payments from the UK to the USA seamlessly. 

10. USD&EUR — UAH (US Dollars to Ukrainian Hryvnia and Euro to Ukrainian Hryvnia)

The freelance market in Ukraine is one of the most developed and globally recognised in Eastern Europe and in high demand for tech, design, and digital services. Most Ukrainian freelancers are paid in USD or EUR, even when working with non-European clients. 

Why Use Pesa As A Freelancer Receiving Payments Globally?

1. Revolutionary Multi-Currency Wallet: Pesa's innovative multi-currency wallet lets you easily hold, send, and convert currencies. You can switch currencies like GBP, USD, INR, and more, all in one platform, giving you the flexibility to send money when favorable exchange rates are available.
2. Faster Than Competitors: Unlike traditional services like Wise, Remitly, and Western Union, Pesa guarantees faster transaction times, ensuring your money is in your wallet wherever you are receiving payment from. 
3. No-Fee Transfers: Pesa prides itself on no transfer fees, saving you significant amounts compared to other platforms. With Pesa, every penny you send goes straight to the recipient’s account, without deductions for transfer costs.

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