The global marketplace is expanding rapidly, with cross-border ecommerce expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. Many retailers struggle to efficiently manage transactions across countries and currencies, which holds them back from tapping into this growth.
They need an easy way to process international sales and manage global operations from a single platform. Deploying an international POS system that functions consistently across all markets is key to overcoming these challenges.
With the right POS solution, you can expand globally and increase sales. Here’s how to pick the best option for your business.
What is an international POS?
An international POS system allows businesses to handle transactions across multiple countries, currencies, and languages. It offers multi-currency support, localized interfaces, and compliance with international regulations.
The system helps brands expand and centralize management. For example, a retail chain can process euro payments in Paris, operate in Japanese in Tokyo, and generate English reports for US headquarters—while ensuring local tax compliance and real-time inventory tracking across all locations.
Features of an international POS system
- Cloud-based
- Integration with global payment gateways
- Multi-currency transactions
- Multi-location remote management
- Tax calculations and accounting
- Multi-language interfaces
- Cross-border inventory management
- Security
1. Cloud-based
A cloud-based POS system operates on remote servers. Businesses can access their data and perform transactions anywhere with an internet connection. A $14 billion market, cloud-based POS systems are the future of cross-border commerce.
Cloud-based systems allow for instant updates worldwide. When a sale occurs in Tokyo, inventory levels are immediately adjusted and visible to staff in New York. Customers’ purchase history from a London store is instantly available at the Paris branch, in case a customer ever decides to head south to shop.
If you need to add new locations or POS devices, you can do so without any infrastructure investments.
2. Integration with global payment gateways
A study from PPRO found that 20% of consumers will abandon their purchase if their preferred payment method isn’t available. An international POS allows you to accept various payment methods from customers worldwide, including credit cards, digital wallets, and local payment options.
A platform integrated with global payment gateways can accept payments through Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Alipay, and other region-specific methods, such as iDEAL in the Netherlands or Boleto in Brazil.
3. Multi-currency transactions
Multi-currency support reduces cart abandonment rates by eliminating surprises at checkout. It also helps businesses manage currency fluctuations and maintain profit margins across markets. An international POS allows customers to view prices, complete checkout, and even receive refunds in their local currency.
4. Multi-location remote management
A good international POS helps manage multiple stores or branches from a single system. That way, you can get a unified view of retail operations across all locations.
Shopify’s multi-location feature empowers businesses to manage inventory across physical and virtual spaces. A “location” can be a retail store, warehouse, pop-up shop, or even a fulfillment app. This system shows real-time stock levels at all your business locations, helping you avoid stockouts and overstocking.
5. Tax calculations and accounting
Navigating international tax regulations can be daunting, but advanced POS systems make it easy. These systems act as a virtual tax expert, offering:
- An updated database of tax rates
- Tax calculations based on customer location and product type
- Tax-compliant invoices and receipts
- Detailed tax reports for each jurisdiction
The stakes are high when it comes to tax compliance. Missteps can be costly—for instance, violating European Union (EU) VAT rules can result in penalties of up to 100% of the tax owed.
6. Multi-language interfaces
Multi-language POS interfaces let businesses operate across different countries and cultures. They can easily switch languages to accommodate staff and customers from different backgrounds.
A business can operate seamlessly across local or national markets. For instance, a single cloud-based system can manage transactions in Mandarin for a store in Shanghai, switch to English for an outlet in New York, and operate in Spanish for a branch in Mexico City.
From an operational standpoint, multi-language interfaces simplify staff training and reduce errors. A global retail chain can use a standardized POS system across all locations, with the interface adapting to the local language.
7. Cross-border inventory management
A sound international POS system will track your products, no matter where they are. For example, say you’re running a global clothing brand with warehouses in the US, UK, and Japan.
When a customer in Australia orders a shirt, your POS system should be smart enough to figure out which warehouse can ship it fastest and most cheaply. Many international retailers partner with a third-party logistics company, or 3PL, to manage inventory and fulfill orders.
Shopify Fulfillment Network offers full logistics services that get orders to your customers quickly and easily. Our vast network of strategically located fulfillment centers worldwide ensures you have the right product at the right location, so orders ship faster and cheaper.
💡Tip: Use Managed Markets to speed up customs procedures by automatically handling local laws, product restrictions, and tax filing. Move inventory and orders faster across borders with Shopify.
8. Security
POS security is another feature to consider. Operating internationally involves multi-layered protection for transaction data, customer information, and business intelligence across your operations.
Say you have customer data from Japan that passes through European servers. You’d have to guarantee that you comply with Japanese and EU laws around processing and storing data. Organizations are also responsible for safeguarding payment data and mitigating fraud risks.
Look for an international POS that implements end-to-end encryption for all transaction data and multifactor authentication for system access. This protects against data breaches and unauthorized access, especially when operating across multiple international endpoints.
How to choose an international POS
The right POS system is versatile, reliable, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way as you enter the global market. Keep these five criteria in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the best international POS for your business:
Scalability
Scalability refers to a POS system’s ability to grow and adapt alongside your business. It’s an important factor for businesses with international aspirations.
Look for:
- Multi-country support: The ability to handle various currencies, languages, and tax systems efficiently as you expand into new markets.
- Performance consistency: A system that maintains speed and reliability as you increase the number of store locations and transaction volumes.
- Flexible architecture: Cloud-based solutions or systems that can easily add new features and functionalities as your business needs evolve.
For instance, if your retail chain expands from 10 stores in one country to 100 stores across five countries, your POS should seamlessly accommodate this growth without performance issues.
Cost
Look at the big picture of what you’ll be spending now and in the future. A POS system will have different costs to be aware of, including:
- Upfront expenses: This includes POS hardware, software licenses, and installation fees.
- Ongoing charges: Think about monthly or annual subscription costs and transaction fees.
- Hidden costs: Don’t forget staff training, system upgrades, and add-on features.
It’s important to weigh the initial price tag against the long-term value. Sometimes, a pricier system might save you money in the long run if it’s more efficient and reliable.
For example, a cheaper POS might seem attractive at first, but if it leads to frequent downtime or requires constant technical support, it could cost you more in lost sales and frustrated customers.
Ease of use
Your international POS system should be easy to use. Faster checkout times lead to happier customers and more productive employees.
When it comes to customization, consider POS systems that offer flexibility without deep technical knowledge. For instance, Shopify POS UI extensions allow businesses to customize their point-of-sale interface with apps that add or modify features, functionality, and workflows. This means you can adapt your POS to your unique needs without starting from scratch or hiring a developer.
Look for a POS that is intuitive enough for new hires to pick up quickly and flexible enough to grow with your international business. The right system should feel designed specifically for your operation, not a one-size-fits-all solution you must work around.
Customer support
Support should be accessible at all times, considering different time zones and international holidays. Look for providers offering various contact methods, such as phone, email, live chat, and even on-site support for critical issues.
For example, if your system experiences downtime during a busy sales period in your Tokyo store, you need to know that you can reach support immediately, communicate effectively in Japanese, and resolve the issue quickly to minimize lost sales.
Some providers offer service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee response times for different issue severities. A comprehensive online library of tutorials, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides can be invaluable for quick problem-solving.
Integration capabilities
A POS system’s ability to integrate with other business software is becoming increasingly important. Consider a POS that has integrations with your:
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
- Ecommerce platform
- Supply chain management software
- Business intelligence tools
For instance, a retailer with both physical and online stores would benefit from a POS that integrates with their ecommerce platform (like Shopify), inventory management system, and CRM. This integration could enable features like buy online, pickup in-store, or provide sales associates with a customer’s online browsing history for more personalized in-store service.
Win in new markets with Shopify POS
Shopify POS has everything you need to sell internationally: It works online and off, handles multiple currencies, and keeps track of your inventory worldwide. It’s easy to use, whether you’re just starting to expand or running a large enterprise.
With helpful features like Shopify Fulfillment Network and Managed Markets, you can easily ship products and handle local laws. Shopify POS gives you the tools to expand your business into new countries confidently.
International POS FAQ
What is the international POS fee on a bank statement?
An international POS fee on a bank statement is a charge applied when you use your card for purchases in a foreign country. This fee typically covers currency conversion costs and additional processing required for cross-border transactions.
What is a POS transaction?
A POS transaction is a sale or purchase made through point-of-sale software, such as a store checkout or restaurant. It involves the exchange of payment for goods or services, typically using a card or digital payment method processed through a POS terminal.
How do I enable international POS transactions?
To enable international POS transactions, upgrade your existing POS system to one with multi-currency and cross-border capabilities, or implement a dedicated international POS solution.
