PayPal International Fee Calculator (2026)

PayPal adds a 1.5% international transaction fee on top of the standard rate when the sender and receiver are in different countries. In the USA, an international payment costs 3.49% + 1.5% + $0.49 = approximately 4.99% + $0.49 total.

Yes. PayPal adds a 1.5% international fee when money crosses country borders, plus a currency conversion markup of 3-4% if currencies differ. These fees combine to make international PayPal payments significantly more expensive than domestic ones.

Wise is significantly cheaper for international transfers — charging 0.4-2% at the mid-market rate vs PayPal's combined 5%+ for international payments. Stripe also handles international cards more transparently at +1.5%.

International PayPal fee = Standard rate (3.49% + $0.49) + International fee (1.5%) + Currency conversion markup (3-4% if applicable). Our calculator above handles this automatically for any amount.

PayPal charges the international fee to the recipient (seller). The 1.5% international surcharge is deducted from the amount you receive, not added to what the buyer pays.