i18n blog

I was surprised to realize that a huge number of US companies are not able to generate international invoices. BTW, I’m not speaking right now about a standardized invoice format – only about an invoice that should clearly identify the parties involved, the goodies and their prices.

So, what is mandatory to write on any invoice:

• Company name (not necessary the business name)
• Address including
  • Country, yes even if you are from US !
  • State, street, number, zip code, …. Formatting rule: in format used in the company’s country
• Company registration number and company VAT ID – if you have only one, it could be enough.
• Phone/fax numbers - including the international prefix – specific problem in US
• Email - optional but recommended.
• Currency used using 3-letter ISO-4217 currency code (USD for US dollars). You’ll be amazed how many invoices are generated without specifying the currency.
• Document title – it has to include INVOICE in it
• Document number
• Date of the document

The list in not complete, so if you know additional requirements please send them – I’m quite sure that there are additional requirements in many countries.

BTW: if you are looking for a layout for international invoices you can study this document.