Going Global: How to Set Up Multi-Currency and Multi-Language Features in Shopify

Going Global: How to Set Up Multi-Currency and Multi-Language Features in Shopify
6 min read
09 November 2023

Customers will likely shop more from any digital Shopify store if they can shop in their own language and currency. Consider a multi-language and multi-currency setup for your business to capitalize on this opportunity. Many Shopify store owners prefer integrating these features right into their Shopify development services to gain the maximum returns. This blog will discuss how to set up multi-currency and multi-language features in Shopify. 

Why Multi-Currency and Multi-Language Features Matter

Before diving into the 'how,' let's understand the 'why' behind these features:

Global Reach: Multi-currency and multi-language features enable you to reach a broader international audience. Shoppers are more likely to engage with your store when they browse and purchase in their preferred currency and language.

Improved User Experience: Shoppers appreciate a website that speaks their language and displays prices in their local currency. This enhances the user experience, making it more convenient and comfortable for them to shop on your site.

Competitive Advantage: Offering multi-currency and multi-language support sets you apart from competitors who may cater only to a single market. It's a competitive advantage that can attract and retain global customers.

Increased Trust: Trust is a critical factor in online shopping. Shoppers are more likely to trust a store that accommodates their language and currency preferences, which can lead to higher conversion rates.

Conversion Optimization: By allowing customers to shop in their local currency, you reduce the likelihood of cart abandonment due to confusion about conversion rates.

Global Branding: Building a global brand involves speaking the language of your target audience. Multi-language features enable you to align your brand messaging with diverse cultures.

Setting Up Multi-Currency in Shopify

Now, let’s see how to set up multi-currency features in your Shopify store:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure that your store is eligible for multi-currency features. As of writing this guide, Shopify Payments is available in specific countries. You can check the eligibility on Shopify's official website.

Step 2: Enable Multi-Currency in Shopify Payments

  1. Navigate to 'Settings.'
  2. Select 'Payment providers.'
  3. In the Shopify Payments section, click 'Manage.'
  4. In the Multi-Currency section, select the currencies you want to add to your store.
  5. Configure rounding rules, which determine how prices are displayed.
  6. Save your changes.

Step 3: Set Exchange Rates

Shopify will automatically set the exchange rate for your additional currencies. However, you can edit these rates if needed.

Step 4: Customize Currency Formatting

You can customize how prices are displayed for each currency by going to 

'Settings' > 'General' > 'Standards and formats.' This allows you to tailor the presentation of prices to each market.

Step 5: Publish Your Currency Selector

Add a currency selector to your online store to enable customers to select their preferred currency. You can use Shopify apps to create a user-friendly selector.

Setting Up Multi-Language in Shopify

Let’s see how to set up multi-language features in your Shopify store:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure that your store is eligible for multi-language features. As of writing this guide, the Shopify Online Store 2.0 update has introduced native multi-language support. Check if your Shopify development solutions are compatible with this feature.

Step 2: Enable Multi-Language Support

  1. In Shopify admin, navigate to 'Settings.'
  2. Select 'Languages.'
  3. Choose the primary language for your store.
  4. Add additional languages.

Step 3: Translate Content

Begin translating your store's content into the supported languages. You can translate product descriptions, collections, pages, blog posts, and more. You can also hire professional translators for this task if needed.

Step 4: Set Up URL Structure

Shopify supports the use of language tags in URLs to help with SEO. Ensure that your URL structure includes the appropriate language tags for each page.

Step 5: Customize Language Switcher

Customize your theme to include a language switcher to allow customers to switch between languages. You can use Shopify apps or hire a developer to create a seamless language-switching experience.

Benefits of Multi-Currency and Multi-Language Features

Now that we've covered the 'how,' let's explore the significant benefits these features bring to your Shopify store:

Expanded Market Reach

Multi-currency and multi-language features break down language and currency barriers, enabling you to reach a global audience. This broadens your market reach, potentially increasing sales and revenue.

Enhanced User Experience

Offering a tailored experience for each visitor creates a comfortable and familiar shopping environment. This leads to increased user satisfaction and higher chances of conversion.

Increased Trust and Credibility

Shoppers are likelier to trust a store that speaks their language and displays prices in their currency. This trust is a critical factor in gaining credibility with your global customers.

Improved SEO and Visibility

Implementing multi-language features with appropriate language tags can enhance your SEO efforts, making your store more visible to international audiences.

Competitive Advantage

Offering multi-currency and multi-language support sets you apart from competitors who may need these features. It's a competitive edge that can attract customers looking for a seamless shopping experience.

Conversion Optimization

Multi-currency features reduce cart abandonment by displaying prices in shoppers' local currency, reducing confusion and uncertainty regarding conversion rates. This optimization can significantly improve your conversion rates.

Final Words

Setting up multi-currency and multi-language features in your Shopify store is a strategic move that can significantly impact your e-commerce business. Partnering with a Shopify development company, you can deliver a seamless shopping experience for global customers with the help of these features. 

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Richard Duke 3
I am Tech Blog Writer.
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