Problems Using Paypal Internationally

[silentmagician]

I've run into a problem with Paypal, and since that is the standard for sending paypment on Etsy, that translates into a problem trying to buy anything. That's no fun!

Perhaps others in the international community have also found themselves in this situation. I'm an American but I live in the Netherlands at the moment. However, my Paypal account is registered at my US address. The problem is, it won't let me change my shipping address to anything outside the US. Previously I could use my address on Etsy as the shipping address, but now Etsy gives me an error saying Paypal won't allow that. I tried paying with my debit card as a guest, and still no go. I tried opening a European account, and it's going to charge me to move part of my Paypal balance over. Have others had similar problems? Any suggestions?

What about on the business side? I'm noticing a few shops around Europe have the option for bank transfer, though it is still much fewer than accept Paypal. After this hassle, I'm going to try setting up some other payment options. Do you offer other options in your shop? Why or why not? Have you had any problems using Paypal outside the US? What payment methods do you prefer?

[Former_Member]

Have you tried talking to paypal about this?

I've had people who have a US paypal address but are currently living abroad contact me about a purchase and I've had to invoice them for the additional postage.


As for you accepting payments, if you still maintain an American mailing address and bank account you could possibly apply to accept Etsy's Direct Checkout as a payment option in your shop.

https://www.etsy.com/help/article/3616

[silentmagician]

Yep, I'm trying out the Direct Checkout. So far I've only gotten Paypal purchases, but hopefully someone will try it out for me soon :-) At least I know the option is there for anyone who can't use Paypal.

I guess if I want to purchase anything I'll have to contact each seller, unless Paypal has a different solution. I know they want to limit fraud, but it would be nice if they had a verification system--like the bank, I can just call them and say I'll be using my debit card out of country, they verify my identity, and everything's peachy.

[Frecklesoriginals]

I called paypal on my skype they were very helpful anything is worth a try. all this fraud going on sure makes life hard for the rest of us doesn't it? Give them a call Shannon good luck,

[Former_Member]

If you have an Ebay account there is a way to get addresses in ANY country into Paypal because Ebay owns Paypal.

I have addresses in 4 countries listed in my Paypal.

All you do is add the addresses as alternate shipping addresses to your Ebay account. As soon as you use one to check out an item it automatically gets added to Paypal and is available from the drop down list when you check an item out of Ebay, or when you use Paypal to pay for something elsewhere.

When I buy items from Etsy sellers who dont ship to the UK I just choose one of my USA addresses from the ones available.