Throw the word "domestic" right out the window. In case you haven't noticed, the US isn't the only country engaging in ecommerce. As a matter of fact, last year the US only represented 43% of online users. And that number stands to drop considerably in the next few years. So what does that mean to you? One of the most common mistakes made by many ebusinesses (both here in the US and elsewhere) is that they still think they are competing in a local environment. Once you've launched your e-commerce store, it's time to consider yourself global. Capice?
Sure you've got your site converted into several languages - such as Japanese and German - but can you convert the Euro to Yen? By not being able to accept foreign currency, you'll be turning away valuable customers - who aren't likely to return.
A little known fact is that merchant banks will generally accept charges in any currency, provided the merchant sends the currency information along with the purchase amount when transmitting sales information. Chances are you already have a payment processing software that's capable of handling multiple currencies. There are also free and inexpensive sites and services that will allow you add currency-conversion tools to your site so that your customers can see the product prices in their local (and up-to-date value) currencies on your site.
For starters, check out E4X.com which allows your global customers to browse through your online catalogue and purchase in their local currency while you receive payment in the currency of your choice. Also, Xenon Laboratories' Universal Currency Converter can be added to your site through a simple javascript which can be found at http://www.xe.net/ucc/customize.htm. Also, myCustoms.com and Global CommerceZone are a couple more companies that offer calculation and customs documentation as part of their service.
For a great article on taking your ebusiness global, read Globalization of E-commerce: Are You Ready?
For a complete listing of payment solution providers, check out Ecommerce Guide's Link Vault.
International Flavor: Accepting Foreign Currency 
