How to Pay a Virtual Assistant Overseas (Safely and Cheaply)

Paying an international VA is easier than most owners expect, but the method you choose affects fees, speed, and your VA’s take-home pay. Here’s what to know.

Common payment methods

Wise

Widely used for international contractor payments. Transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. Funds typically arrive quickly in local bank accounts.

Payoneer

Popular with freelancers who also work on marketplaces. Many VAs already have an account.

PayPal

Familiar and easy, but currency conversion and fees can take a noticeable bite out of what the VA receives. Ask your VA what they actually net.

Marketplace payments (Upwork, OnlineJobs.ph)

Convenient if you hired there, but platform fees apply.

Managed payroll

On a managed VA plan, you reimburse wages to the provider and they handle payouts, records, and holidays. One invoice, no transfers to manage. That’s how GrowthToro Managed works.

Pay schedule

Weekly or bi-monthly is common and appreciated. Monthly can be hard on VAs who live paycheck to paycheck. Whatever you pick, never pay late. Reliability is one of the strongest retention levers you have.

Hourly or salary?

• Hourly with time tracking is most common and fair for variable workloads. See time tracking.
• Fixed monthly works for full-time VAs with stable hours and builds a sense of stability.

Bonuses and raises

• A year-end bonus (often the equivalent of one month’s pay for Filipino VAs, mirroring 13th-month pay) is a strong, low-cost retention tool.
• Review pay every 6–12 months. A modest raise is far cheaper than rehiring.
• Performance bonuses tied to outcomes (appointments set, reviews earned) can work for revenue-linked roles.

Records and taxes

Keep invoices or payment records for every payment and a signed contractor agreement. Ask your CPA how to document foreign contractor payments for your situation, including any forms they want on file. This isn’t tax advice; requirements depend on your business and the contractor’s status. See contractor vs employee.

Protect yourself

• Pay only against approved timesheets or invoices
• Never prepay large amounts to a new VA
• Use payment methods with clear records
• Confirm banking details by video or a second channel before the first payment, to avoid fraud

Want payroll off your plate entirely? See the Managed plan.