LinkedIn Premium is LinkedIn’s paid subscription service that unlocks additional features beyond the free version of LinkedIn. Some of the key benefits of LinkedIn Premium include being able to send InMail messages to anyone (even if you’re not connected), seeing who viewed your profile, getting insights into how your content is performing, and accessing online courses and professional coaching.
LinkedIn Premium is priced in your local currency by default. However, if you need to pay in a different currency than your country’s default, there are a few steps you can take.
Using a Credit Card with International Transactions
One of the easiest ways to pay for LinkedIn Premium in another currency is by using a credit card that allows international transactions. Many major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard can be used internationally and will automatically convert the charge into your home currency.
When signing up for LinkedIn Premium, simply enter your international credit card information as normal. LinkedIn will detect the card is foreign and process the payment conversion for you. The charge on your card statement will show up in your credit card’s native currency.
Just make sure your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, as those can make this option more expensive. Many premium travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees.
Use a Gift Card for That Country
Another way to pay for LinkedIn Premium in a different currency is to purchase a gift card for that specific country. For example, if you wanted to pay for LinkedIn Premium in Euros, you could purchase a LinkedIn gift card denominated in Euros.
You can buy foreign LinkedIn gift cards from some third party resellers online. Just make sure the gift card is for the right country store you want to use. Once you redeem the gift card on your LinkedIn account, it will allow you to subscribe in that currency.
The downside is you may pay a small premium for purchasing a foreign gift card from a reseller. Make sure to factor those extra costs in.
Use a Virtual Bank Account
A few online services allow you to open a virtual bank account in another country. This can be helpful if you need to pay in a currency where purchasing a gift card is difficult.
Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) let you hold balances in 55+ currencies. You can convert money between currencies at favorable rates. Wise gives you European bank details, so you can pay for Euro transactions directly from your Wise Euro account.
The process works like this:
- Sign up for a multi-currency account with Wise.
- Deposit funds into your Wise account and convert to Euros.
- When purchasing LinkedIn Premium, enter the virtual bank account details from Wise as your payment method.
- Wise will withdraw the Euros to complete the purchase.
While a bit more involved, this lets you lock in better foreign exchange rates compared to paying directly in another currency.
Use a Proxy Billing Address
Some users report success signing up for LinkedIn Premium by using a proxy billing address in your target country. For example, you can enter the address of a hotel, friend, or virtual office when entering your billing details.
LinkedIn may initially block the transaction due to the IP address mismatch. But reaching out to their customer support team to process the payment manually often works.
This approach can be hit or miss depending on the proxy address used. And you’ll need to cancel and resubscribe each billing cycle. But it does offer a free workaround if you have an address you can use.
Register for a Local Version of LinkedIn
If the above options don’t work, a final approach is to register for a local version of LinkedIn in your target country. For example, LinkedIn.de for Germany, LinkedIn.nl for Netherlands.
The signup process will detect your foreign IP address and automatically default to that country store. You can then purchase a Premium subscription directly in the local currency.
The downside is you’ll have a separate LinkedIn profile for that country. You won’t be able to merge it back with your primary profile unless you travel to that country and login from a local IP.
Summary
Paying for LinkedIn Premium in a foreign currency is certainly possible with a few handy workarounds:
- Use an international credit card
- Purchase a gift card for that country
- Open a virtual bank account
- Use a proxy billing address
- Sign up for that country’s LinkedIn store
Taking a few extra steps can help you access LinkedIn Premium no matter what currency or country you need it for. The premium features can greatly boost your LinkedIn presence and job search prospects abroad.
With some creative thinking, you can overcome the international payments challenge. So don’t let a little foreign currency stop you from getting the most out of LinkedIn!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LinkedIn Premium automatically charge in my local currency?
Yes, LinkedIn Premium will by default charge you in the local currency of the country your LinkedIn account is based in. This currency is set based on your IP address when you first created your LinkedIn account.
Can I change the billing country for my LinkedIn Premium account?
LinkedIn does not allow you to easily change your billing country once your account is set up. Your billing country is locked to where you initially created your account. To pay in a different currency, you’ll need to use one of the workarounds mentioned in this article.
Are there any extra fees for paying LinkedIn Premium internationally?
LinkedIn itself does not charge any extra fees for international payments. However, your bank or credit card company may impose foreign transaction fees or markup the exchange rate. To avoid fees, use a card or service that offers fee-free international charges.
Can I use PayPal to pay for LinkedIn Premium in different currencies?
PayPal can be used to pay for LinkedIn Premium in different currencies. When checking out with PayPal, simply choose your desired currency for the transaction. PayPal will convert the charge for you based on their exchange rate.
Is it better to pay annually or monthly for LinkedIn Premium internationally?
Generally it is cheaper to pay annually for LinkedIn Premium rather than monthly. This helps avoid recurring international payment charges each month from your bank or credit card. Paying annually also locks in a single exchange rate for the year.
Country-Specific LinkedIn Premium Prices
For reference, here is a table of LinkedIn Premium prices in major currencies worldwide:
Country | Currency | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
---|---|---|---|
United States | USD | $29.99 | $239.88 |
Canada | CAD | $34.99 | $279.88 |
United Kingdom | GBP | £23.99 | £167.88 |
France | EUR | €24.99 | €167.88 |
Germany | EUR | €24.99 | €167.88 |
Australia | AUD | $44.99 | $359.88 |
Hong Kong | HKD | $239 | $1,999 |
Singapore | SGD | $42.99 | $359.88 |
Japan | JPY | ¥2,500 | ¥20,000 |
Rates are displayed as approximate monthly and yearly totals. Actual charges may be slightly different due to taxes and billing increments.
Conclusion
In summary, signing up for LinkedIn Premium in a foreign currency is possible with some clever workarounds. Whether using an international credit card, wise bank transfers, gift cards, or proxy addresses – you can avoid being limited by your home currency.
Focus on minimizing exchange fees and transactions costs for the most savings. And consider paying annually in your target currency for large long-term discounts. With a global professional network like LinkedIn, you should be able to access the same services no matter where you are located.