You're ready to open a Shopify store, but you notice the price tags you want to use are in Saudi Riyal (SAR) or Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Before you sign up for a paid plan, you need to confirm that Shopify can process orders in that currency. If the currency isn’t supported, you’ll face conversion fees, confusing checkout experiences, or even an inability to accept payments.
Direct answer: check Shopify’s currency list before you create a paid account
The quickest way to verify currency support is to visit Shopify’s official Supported Currencies page. Look for your country’s three‑letter ISO code (e.g., SAR, PKR, AED). If the currency appears, you can select it during store setup; if not, you’ll need to choose an alternative currency or consider a different platform.
Why currency verification matters at the pre‑launch stage
- Payment gateway compatibility: Most gateways only process transactions in the store’s primary currency.
- Customer trust: Shoppers expect to see prices in their local currency without automatic conversion.
- Accounting simplicity: Using a single currency avoids extra bookkeeping steps.
- Compliance: Some countries require merchants to bill in the local legal tender.
Step‑by‑step process to verify currency support
- Identify the currency you need. Write down the ISO code (e.g., SAR) and the country you’ll primarily sell to.
- Visit Shopify’s official list. Use the link above or search “Shopify supported currencies” on the Shopify Help Center.
- Check the table for your currency. The list shows the currency name, ISO code, and any special notes (e.g., “available for Shopify Payments only in X countries”).
- Confirm payment gateway availability. If you plan to use Shopify Payments, verify that the gateway supports the currency in your country. For other gateways, check their documentation for currency limits.
- Test in a free trial. Start a 14‑day trial, set the store currency, and attempt a test checkout using the payment method you intend to use. No real charge is made if you use a test card.
- Document the outcome. Note any error messages, conversion fees, or additional steps required. This record helps you decide whether to proceed or adjust your plan.
Realistic hypothetical example
Assumptions: Ahmed runs a small apparel brand in Saudi Arabia. He wants to sell in SAR and expects most customers to be local. He plans to use Shopify Payments because it offers lower transaction fees than third‑party gateways.
Referral disclosure: Nextpath Solutions may receive a referral fee if you create a Shopify account through these links.
Verification steps:
- Ahmed looks up “SAR” on the Supported Currencies page and sees it listed with a note: “Shopify Payments available in Saudi Arabia.”
- He checks the Shopify Payments country list and confirms Saudi Arabia is eligible.
- During his free trial, Ahmed sets the store currency to SAR and adds a test product priced at 199 SAR.
- He creates a test order using Shopify’s test card (4242 4242 4242 4242). The checkout completes without errors, confirming the currency works.
- Ahmed notes that the transaction fee for SAR is 2.9 % + 2 SAR per order (as shown in the Payments fee table).
Result: Ahmed can confidently move to a paid plan, knowing his primary currency is supported and the fees are acceptable.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Assuming “local currency” means automatic support. Some countries allow the local currency for display only; the actual payment may be processed in USD. Always check the payment gateway notes.
- Skipping the test checkout. Even if the currency appears on the list, a gateway configuration issue can block transactions. A quick test order catches this early.
- Choosing a currency that requires a separate bank account. Shopify Payments may require a local bank account in the same currency. If you don’t have one, consider a third‑party gateway that supports multi‑currency payouts.
- Overlooking regional restrictions. Some currencies are only available for merchants with a registered business in the country. Verify your business registration status before committing.
Practical checklist before you commit to a paid Shopify plan
- Write down the target selling currency (ISO code).
- Confirm the currency appears on Shopify’s Supported Currencies page.
- Check Shopify Payments eligibility for your country and currency.
- Identify an alternative gateway if Shopify Payments isn’t available.
- Run a test checkout in a free trial using a test card.
- Record transaction fee percentages and any fixed fees.
- Ensure you have a bank account that can receive payouts in the chosen currency.
- Document any extra steps (e.g., currency conversion settings, tax configuration).
When to consider professional help
If you discover that your desired currency is not directly supported, or if you need a multi‑currency setup (e.g., selling in both SAR and USD), a Shopify Expert or a payment‑gateway consultant can help configure apps like Multi‑Currency Converter or set up a separate storefront. Their fees vary, so weigh the cost against the expected revenue from additional markets.
Conclusion
Verifying currency support is a small step that prevents major headaches later. By following the six‑step process, running a quick test checkout, and checking payment‑gateway requirements, you can decide confidently whether to proceed with Shopify or explore alternatives. Keep the checklist handy, and you’ll avoid surprise conversion fees or checkout failures when you finally go live.
FAQs
Can I change the store currency after I’ve launched?
Changing the primary currency is possible but resets all product prices and can affect existing orders. It’s best to set the correct currency before you start accepting real payments.
What if my country isn’t on the Shopify Payments list but the currency is supported?
You can still use a third‑party gateway that accepts the currency. Check the gateway’s documentation for any extra fees or settlement times.
Do I need a local bank account to receive payouts in the chosen currency?
For Shopify Payments, yes – payouts are sent to a bank account in the same currency and country. Some third‑party gateways allow cross‑border payouts, but they may charge higher conversion fees.