Squarespace Commerce Countries and Currencies
TL;DR:
- You can only sell in currencies supported by your payment processor (Stripe, PayPal, or Squarespace Payments)
- Squarespace Payments availability depends on Stripe's supported countries
- Conversion fees apply if your store currency differs from your bank account currency
- Some countries like Argentina, Colombia, South Africa, and Indonesia have specific restrictions
- You can ship worldwide but payment processing is limited by your processor's country support
When you set up Squarespace Commerce, the countries you can sell to and currencies you can accept depend entirely on your chosen payment processor. Your main options are Squarespace Payments (powered by Stripe), Stripe directly, or PayPal.
Payment Processor Availability
Stripe Coverage
Stripe organises country support into three tiers:
- Live Countries: Full access to all Stripe features with open sign-ups
- Open Preview Countries: Limited features but you can still sign up
- Closed Preview Countries: Limited features and invitation-only access
Check Stripe's global availability page for current details about your country's status and any specific limitations.
PayPal Global Services
PayPal offers broader country support than Stripe in many regions. If Stripe isn't available in your country, PayPal might be your best option. Check PayPal's global page to confirm availability.
Currency Setup and Fees
Your Squarespace store displays prices in the currency linked to your payment processor account. Here's what you need to know:
Currency Conversion Costs
If your store currency differs from your connected bank account currency, you'll face conversion fees on every transaction. These fees come from your payment processor, not Squarespace.
Changing Store Currency
After connecting your payment processor, you can select from supported currencies in your Store payments panel. This won't affect your existing transactions but will change how prices display to new customers.
Best Practice
Match your store currency to your bank account currency whenever possible. This eliminates conversion fees and simplifies your bookkeeping.
Shipping vs Payment Processing
Don't confuse shipping capabilities with payment processing. You can ship products worldwide using carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, or local services. The restriction comes from accepting payments, not delivering products.
This means you could potentially:
- Set up payment processing in a supported country
- Ship products globally
- Handle currency conversion at the payment level
Country-Specific Considerations
Some countries have additional restrictions or requirements:
- Tax collection (VAT, GST) is supported through Squarespace's tax-inclusive pricing
- Certain countries may require specific business registration
- Local regulations might affect what products you can sell
FAQs
Can I ship anywhere in the world?
Yes, Squarespace supports worldwide shipping through major carriers and custom shipping options. Shipping availability is separate from payment processing.
Can I collect VAT or GST?
Yes, Squarespace supports tax-inclusive pricing and customizable receipts to help with tax collection and compliance.
Can I change my store currency after setup?
Yes, once you've connected a payment processor, you can select from any supported currencies in your Store payments panel.
What happens if my store currency differs from my bank account?
You can use different currencies, but your payment processor will charge conversion fees on every transaction. This can significantly impact your profit margins.
What if my country isn't supported by Stripe or PayPal?
You'll need to find alternative payment processors that work in your region and integrate with Squarespace, or consider setting up business operations in a supported country.
Can I accept multiple currencies?
Your store displays one primary currency, but customers can pay with any card currency. The payment processor handles the conversion automatically.
Jargon Buster
Payment Processor: The service that handles moving money from your customer's bank account to yours when they make a purchase.
Conversion Fee: A charge applied when money needs to be converted from one currency to another during a transaction.
Currency Conversion: The process of changing one currency into another, typically happening automatically during international transactions.
Merchant Account: The business bank account that receives payments from your online store sales.
Wrap-up
Setting up global commerce on Squarespace comes down to choosing the right payment processor for your location and customers. While you can ship anywhere, your payment options depend on where you're based and which processors support your country.
The key is matching your store currency to your business bank account currency to avoid conversion fees eating into your profits. If you're unsure about your country's support, check both Stripe and PayPal's current availability before committing to either platform.
Ready to expand your Squarespace store globally? Join Pixelhaze Academy for detailed guides on international e-commerce setup and optimization.