International Payment Methods and Currency Transfer in Carpet Export

Introduction: Receiving Payment is the Beating Heart of Successful Export

In the process of exporting Iranian carpets, after selecting the target market, preparing the product, and negotiating with the buyer, the most important challenge is how to securely, swiftly, and legally receive payment from the foreign customer. This issue is even more sensitive for Iranian exporters due to international banking sanctions, strict financial regulations, and remittance restrictions, all of which have complicated payment pathways.

However, the world is changing, and there are various reliable solutions for international currency transfers. From exchange services in Dubai and intermediary accounts to cryptocurrencies and letters of credit (L/C), each method can be suitable depending on the type of customer and transaction volume.

In this article, we explore the sixth stage of the carpet export process, where you must decide how and through which method to receive your export earnings in a way that is safe, cost-effective, and compliant with the law.

Step Six: International Payment Methods and Currency Transfer

In international trade, receiving payment from a foreign customer is one of the most important and sensitive stages. This phase, especially for Iranian exporters, has become a serious concern due to international banking sanctions, financial restrictions, and political risks.

Despite these obstacles, there are still practical and secure ways to transfer currency, which we will fully examine below.

Common Methods for Receiving Export Payments:

1. Payment via Exchange Services in Dubai or Turkey

Currently, one of the most common methods of transferring money is using the services of reputable exchange offices in Dubai or Istanbul. These exchanges act as intermediaries and can transfer export earnings in Iranian rials or foreign currencies to the exporter’s account in Iran or a third country.

Advantages:

• High speed
• Usable for Arab and Asian countries
• Trusted by many experienced exporters

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes high conversion rates
• Requires connection with a reputable and experienced exchange

2. Using Intermediary Accounts in the UAE, Oman, or Georgia

In this method, the exporter opens a formal bank account in a third country (such as the UAE, Oman, or Georgia), and the customer deposits the order amount into that account. The exporter can then legally or via exchange offices transfer the funds into the home country.

Advantages:

• High security
• Suitable for European and formal clients
• Financial transparency and precise reporting

Disadvantages:

• Requires company registration or local representation
• Account maintenance and potential tax costs

3. Using Cryptocurrency (Crypto Payment)

Some customers, particularly in African countries or emerging markets, prefer to make payments using cryptocurrencies such as USDT or Bitcoin.

Advantages:

• Immune to sanctions
• Fast settlement without banking intermediaries

Disadvantages:

• Cryptocurrency price volatility
• Requires knowledge of digital wallets and security risks

Recommendation: Use cryptocurrency only when the customer is trustworthy and the order value is not high. Use platforms like Binance or Trust Wallet for added security.

4. Payment to a Company Registered Abroad

Exporters who have registered their company in a third country such as the UAE or Turkey can use the official account of that company to receive payments.

Advantages:

• Greater buyer confidence
• Ability to issue official international invoices
• Enhances the credibility of the export brand

Disadvantages:

• High registration and maintenance costs
• Requires legal and financial consultation

5. Letter of Credit (L/C)

A letter of credit is one of the safest international payment methods conducted through banks. In this method, payment is made only upon proper delivery of goods and presentation of required documents.

Advantages:

• Full security for both parties
• Strong legal coverage

Disadvantages:

• Sanction restrictions for Iranian banks
• High costs and complex administrative steps
• Less useful for small transactions

Final Comparison & Recommendation:

• For small to medium amounts: Dubai exchange or intermediary accounts are the best option.
• For large orders and official clients: Registered company accounts in the UAE or L/C (if bank conditions allow) are recommended.
• For specific clients or restricted countries: Cryptocurrency can be used only if both parties agree.

Conclusion:

The carpet export journey doesn’t end with finding a customer and shipping the product; receiving secure payment is a key and sometimes risky step that must be managed carefully and strategically. Depending on the target market, order volume, and the exporter’s position, various options are available:

• If working with small buyers or regional markets like Iraq, the UAE, or Pakistan, reputable exchanges in Dubai or Turkey are ideal.
• For professional, large-scale exports, registering a company in the UAE and having an official account increases both security and brand credibility.
• If your customer is official and financially reliable, you can opt for a letter of credit (L/C), although sanctions have limited its practicality.
• For certain countries or specific buyers, cryptocurrency is a modern and sanction-free option—if used cautiously.

If you haven’t properly selected your buyer yet, be sure to read the article in Step Five: Finding Customers and Export Negotiations.

And if you’re facing packaging, loading, and shipping challenges, continue the journey in Step Seven: Packaging and Transporting Export Carpets.

Professional export means mastering every step of the value chain — and secure money transfer is one of its most sensitive and vital links.