If you do not know Venmo, it is a US-based peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app. People use it to split bills, pay friends, and make quick everyday payments. But once travel, relocation, or international payments come into the picture, a common question comes up: does Venmo work internationally?

Venmo is highly popular in the US, especially among Gen Z and Millennials to the point where “Venmo me” has become a common phrase when asking for a payment. As of now, Venmo has over 95 million active user accounts in 2025.

If you are outside the US or are planning to travel abroad, or even trying to send money across borders and you use Venmo, then this guide is for you. It clarifies everything about Venmo international transactions. We’ll cover how you can safely use Venmo internationally, what are Venmo’s international limitations, and what safer alternatives exist.

Venmo relies on US bank accounts, US phone numbers and a US social security number. All Venmo transactions move through American banking rails.
It is connected directly to US debit and credit cards. The app focuses on domestic convenience rather than global money movement. Because of this design choice, Venmo works extremely well inside the United States and this is why Venmo is very popular in the US.

Does Venmo work internationally while traveling outside the US?

Venmo is exclusively available within the United States and in its certain territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.

To make a Venmo transaction, both sender and receiver need US bank accounts and they both need to be in the US. If either party is located outside these areas, you can’t use Venmo.

This means Venmo does not connect to international banks or global payment networks in the way international transfer services do. Still wondering can Venmo be used internationally or can you send money internationally with venmo? The answer is No.

Venmo may appear to work while you are abroad, but with strict conditions.

You can SOMETIMES open the app and are able to view your balance or complete Venmo transactions. But it is rare, you cannot add international bank accounts, or send money to non-US users and you cannot receive money from international accounts using Venmo.

How to use Venmo safely outside the US in 2026?

Need to Venmo someone in the US and don’t know if you can use Venmo outside the US?

Good news, Venmo works internationally if you use a reliable VPN that has servers in the US. I highly recommend EonVPN for your Windows-based devices because it takes strong security measures and works reliably with Venmo. Otherwise NordVPN, ExpressVPN and other popular VPS are also great choices to use Venmo app internationally.

Here are four easy steps on how to use Venmo with a VPN abroad:

  1. Sign-up for a top VPN service.
  2. Download the VPN app onto the device(s) you will be using Venmo on.
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to the US VPN server.
US VPN Server

This will assign you a US IP address and will allow you to securely access Venmo worldwide. 4. Go to Venmo via the app or website, log in.

If you are still unable to use Venmo, try clearing your cache and cookies. Also make sure that you open the app AFTER you are connected to the VPN.

Why use a VPN to Venmo internationally?

Using a VPN is a workaround to Venmo transactions while traveling internationally because it masks your actual location.

When you use a VPN before opening the Venmo app, the VPN makes it look like you are accessing the internet from somewhere in the U.S. (because you are connected to a US server via VPN). This is how using a VPN will allow you to use Venmo while abroad.

However, a VPN should never be used to bypass financial rules or commit policy violations. It should be used strictly for privacy and security purposes.

Why Venmo does not support international transfers?

Financial apps anywhere in the world must comply with strict regulations in the country they operate in. Since Venmo is US exclusive, it strictly follows US rules and regulations ONLY.

If Venmo chooses is to support international transfers, it would require Venmo to:

  • Follow foreign financial laws
  • Support international anti-money laundering rules
  • Handle currency exchange regulations
  • Work with overseas banks

Venmo has chosen not to expand in that direction and operates in USD only. This is the reason there is no such thing as “Venmo international transfer” or “Venmo international transaction“. If someone claims otherwise, they are likely misunderstanding how the platform works because sending money internationally with Venmo is unavailable.

Second reason is, Venmo closely monitors its user’s IP addresses, device location, login behavior and payment patterns. When you access Venmo internationally, your IP address (if not using a VPN) and device location changes to outside the US. If there’s considerable change in timezones, your login behavior might also be flagged in the Venmo database. If usage looks suspicious, Venmo may lock the account or request additional verification. It might delay transactions or freeze your Venmo funds temporarily. This is not a flaw. It is part of their fraud prevention system.

Understanding Venmo’s structure is key to understanding why Venmo international use is limited. Problems start when users assume it functions like international transfer platforms and do not research “is Venmo international” or is Venmo worldwide available.

Does Venmo convert currency?

No. Venmo does not convert currencies or hold foreign balances nor does it support exchange rates. Every Venmo transaction is processed through US banks and all transactions are in USD.

Does Venmo work in Germany or other countries?

No, Venmo does not officially work in Germany, Europe, Asia, The Middle East or any country outside the United States. Even if the app opens in Germany, its main features are restricted. Venmo users in Germany or other countries cannot create new Venmo accounts or link their German bank accounts to Venmo or receive payments locally or internationally.

What are best Venmo alternatives for sending money internationally

If you need to send or receive money globally, there are many platforms that are better suited. We recommend following:

  1. PayPal (Paypal fees can be higher)
  2. Wise (Formerly TransferWise) (often the most cost-effective option)
  3. Revolut
  4. Xoom

Whatever platform you choose to access US platforms from abroad, for your online security use a VPN. A trusted VPN can encrypt your connection, reduce exposure to data interception and add a layer of privacy when accessing financial apps. This is especially useful when traveling and connecting through unfamiliar networks.

Conclusion

Venmo is an excellent domestic payment app, but it is not built for international use. It does not support global transfers, foreign currencies, or international banking systems.

If you are traveling abroad do not rely on Venmo as your primary payment method. Use international money transfer services instead. If you choose to access Venmo while abroad using VPNs, use it with responsibility and understand the local laws. Some countries ban the use of VPNs.

FAQs

Can you use Zelle or Venmo internationally?

No. Both Zelle and Venmo only work within the United States and require US bank accounts.

How many active users are on Venmo?

Venmo has 90+ million active users, mostly based in the United States.

What is the $600 rule on Venmo?

If you receive $600 or more in payments for goods or services in a year, Venmo may report it to the IRS and issue a 1099-K.

Can you Venmo internationally?

You cannot Venmo internationally. You can only send money to US users in USD only. Venmo does not support international payments or transfers.

Can Americans living in France use Venmo and complete bank transfers?

No, Venmo will not work in France unless you use a VPN. Moreover, if you are trying to complete a bank transfer involving any French bank, it is impossible even with a VPN because Venmo does not convert currency or deal with banks outside the US.