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Creating Invoices

Dual currency invoicing

Set up and use dual currency invoicing to show both GHS and USD amounts, giving clients payment flexibility.

Last updated: November 20244 min read

What is dual currency invoicing?

Dual currency invoicing displays both Ghana Cedis (GHS) and US Dollars (USD) on the same invoice, allowing clients to pay in their preferred currency while protecting your business from exchange rate fluctuations.

Global Flexibility

Accommodate international clients and local businesses with USD budgets

Risk Protection

Hedge against currency volatility while offering payment options

Setting up dual currency

Enable dual currency mode

  1. Go to Settings → Invoice Preferences
  2. Find the "Currency Settings" section
  3. Toggle on "Dual Currency Display"
  4. Select GHS as primary, USD as secondary
  5. Choose your exchange rate source

Exchange rate options

Live Rates (Recommended)

Automatically updated from Bank of Ghana. Rates refresh daily and are locked when invoices are created.

Fixed Rates

Set a specific exchange rate for consistent pricing. Useful for contracts or when you want rate stability.

Manual Rates

Enter custom rates per invoice. Gives maximum control but requires manual updates.

Invoice display options

Primary/Secondary display

Show one currency prominently with the other as reference:

Website Development
GHS 12,000
($750 USD)
SEO Optimization
GHS 4,000
($250 USD)
Total
GHS 16,000
($1,000 USD)
Exchange rate: 1 USD = 16.00 GHS (Nov 6, 2024)

Equal prominence display

Show both currencies with equal importance:

Consulting Services
$2,500 USD
GHS 40,000
Pay in either currency • Rate: 1 USD = 16.00 GHS

Creating dual currency invoices

Standard workflow

  1. Create invoice normally with line items and rates
  2. Choose "Dual Currency" in the currency selector
  3. Select or confirm the exchange rate to use
  4. Preview both currency displays
  5. Send invoice with both amounts shown

Rate validation

Before sending, Plaen shows you:

  • Current exchange rate being used
  • Rate source and last update time
  • Total amounts in both currencies
  • Option to lock in the current rate

Payment handling

Accepting payments in both currencies

Configure payment methods for dual currency:

  • GHS payments: Mobile money, local bank transfers
  • USD payments: International bank transfers, PayPal, crypto
  • Either currency: Flexible payment options

Currency preference settings

Specify your preference on invoices:

  • "Payment preferred in USD" - for international work
  • "Either currency accepted" - maximum flexibility
  • "GHS equivalent at current rates" - rate protection

Exchange rate management

Rate locking

Protect against rate fluctuations:

  • Invoice creation: Rate locked when invoice is generated
  • Validity period: Set how long rates remain valid
  • Contract rates: Use fixed rates for long-term projects

Rate updates

Stay current with exchange rates:

  • Daily automatic updates from Bank of Ghana
  • Manual rate refresh option
  • Historical rate tracking for records
  • Rate change notifications

Best use cases

International clients

  • Foreign companies operating in Ghana
  • Export services to other countries
  • International NGOs and organizations
  • Expat-owned businesses

High-value services

  • Large consulting projects
  • Software development contracts
  • Architectural and engineering services
  • Long-term service agreements

Tax and compliance

  • Ghana tax reporting: Convert all income to GHS for tax purposes
  • Exchange rate documentation: Keep records of rates used
  • Foreign exchange regulations: Follow Bank of Ghana guidelines
  • Invoice requirements: Ensure dual currency invoices meet legal standards

Reporting and analytics

Track performance across currencies:

  • Revenue reports in both currencies
  • Exchange rate impact analysis
  • Client payment preferences
  • Currency conversion records