Free support 24/7
Free support 24/7
If you own an online store in Saudi Arabia, you've probably come across the question: Should I choose a local or international payment gateway?
There are many options, each with its own advantages and challenges. The decision you make regarding your payment gateway directly impacts the customer experience and the order fulfillment rate in your store.
In this blog, we'll explain the difference between local and international payment gateways, and when each is right for you, depending on the type of store you own and your target audience.
1. What is meant by local and international payment gateways?
A payment gateway is an electronic tool that enables customers to pay you securely online.
Local gateways operate within Saudi Arabia or the Gulf, accept Saudi Riyals, and support Mada and other well-known local payment methods such as STC Pay, Tamara, and Tabby.
Global gateways, such as Stripe and PayPal, are often used for stores selling outside the Kingdom or to an international audience and support multiple currencies and international payment methods.
2. Advantages of Local Payment Gateways
Local gateways offer a seamless experience tailored to the Saudi market, as they support the Arabic language, accept Saudi riyals, and are often highly compatible with stores like Salla and Zid.
The bank transfer process is also faster and simpler, and technical support is often available in Arabic and better understands the needs of the local market.
3. Advantages of Global Payment Gateways
Global gateways are characterized by their support for a large audience from various countries, providing advanced and diverse payment solutions, and helping you target customers outside Saudi Arabia with ease.
However, their drawbacks include that some do not support the Saudi riyal or require a bank account in a foreign country. Sometimes, the integration process with the store is complex or requires a programmer.
4. How do you choose the right payment gateway for you?
The choice depends on the type of store you own.
If you sell only within Saudi Arabia, it's best to start with local payment gateways.
If you ship internationally or target customers outside the Kingdom, it's better to use global gateways or combine multiple gateways to give your customers more options and increase the chances of order completion.
5. Things to Consider Before Choosing a Payment Gateway
• Does it support your preferred currency?
• What is the commission percentage for each transaction?
• Are there monthly fees or hidden costs?
• Is it easy to integrate with your store?
• Does it provide high protection against fraud?
• What is their level of technical support?
6. Can you use more than one payment gateway in your store?
Yes, many online stores in Saudi Arabia integrate more than one payment gateway to cover all customer preferences.
The goal is for customers to find the method they're most comfortable with, whether it's Mada, STC Pay, Apple Pay, or a credit card.
There isn't a single payment gateway that's right for every store, but there is one that's best suited to your business and customer type.
Local payment gateways are excellent for stores selling within Saudi Arabia.
Global payment gateways are a smart choice if you're looking to reach an international audience.
If you're confused about which payment gateway to choose, or need help connecting the most appropriate payment gateway, the "Sahl" team is ready to support you step by step.
Be smart in your choice, because the checkout experience is one of the most important factors that determine whether a customer completes the purchase or leaves your store.
You can create your store easily
