Kathmandu-Nepal’s payment service provider Khalti by IME Wallet has enabled Stripe’s payment system, allowing freelancers in Nepal to receive payments from abroad more easily.

The system supports multiple currencies and global payment methods. Payments are routed through Khalti, reducing delays and costs.

Earlier, individuals had to rely on remittance channels via banks, which were slow and expensive.

Khalti says only 20 percent of freelancers currently use formal channels, while 80 percent rely on informal methods. The new system aims to shift more payments into official channels.

Users must request payment through the Khalti wallet. The payer receives an email with a payment link and PAN details. They can pay using their bank, card, or digital wallet. Funds are deposited instantly into the recipient’s Khalti wallet.

The process enables near real time transactions at lower cost.

Tax is deducted at source. Since PAN details are linked to Khalti accounts, deductions are applied automatically based on the type of payment. This reduces compliance burden for freelancers.