Automatically Convert Currency at Checkout | Shopify Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Problem with Currency Conversion Apps
3. Shopify's Multicurrency Feature
4. Setting Up Shopify Payments
5. Enabling Multi Currencies
6. Using Geolocation Redirect
7. Configuring Geolocation Redirect
8. URL Redirection for Currency Conversion
9. Testing the Currency Conversion
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the issue of currency conversion for Shopify stores and how it can affect the checkout process. We will discuss the limitations of currency conversion apps and their inability to convert currencies automatically at checkout. However, with the introduction of Shopify's multicurrency feature, there is now a way to overcome this limitation. By enabling multi currencies in Shopify payments and using the geolocation redirect app, we can ensure that the currency is automatically converted for customers throughout the entire website and checkout process. Let's dive deeper into this topic and learn how to set it up for your own Shopify store.

The Problem with Currency Conversion Apps

One of the frustrations many Shopify store owners face is the inability of currency conversion apps to convert currencies automatically at checkout. While these apps can convert currencies based on the customer's location, they fail to do so seamlessly throughout the entire shopping experience. For example, a customer from the US may see prices in dollars on the website but encounter a conversion back to pounds at checkout. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and abandoned checkouts, ultimately hurting conversion rates.

Shopify's Multicurrency Feature

To address this issue, Shopify has introduced the multicurrency feature. With this feature, customers can choose their preferred currency from a dropdown menu on the website, and the currency will be converted throughout the entire shopping experience, including the checkout process. However, the conversion is not automatic, and customers have to manually select their desired currency. This is where the geolocation redirect app comes in, allowing us to make the currency conversion automatic for a seamless customer experience.

Setting Up Shopify Payments

To start utilizing Shopify's multicurrency feature, you need to enable multi currencies in Shopify payments. This native feature of Shopify allows you to convert currencies and display a dropdown menu on your website for customers to choose their preferred currency. By removing any existing currency conversion apps that you might have installed, you can take advantage of Shopify's built-in functionality. Moreover, using Shopify payments for currency conversion is not only better in terms of user experience but also more cost-effective.

Enabling Multi Currencies

Once you have Shopify payments set up, you can enable multi currencies in the payment provider settings. By selecting the currencies you want to enable, Shopify will convert prices automatically based on the customer's selection. The multicurrency dropdown menu will appear on your website, allowing customers to choose their preferred currency. However, as mentioned earlier, this selection is not automatic, and customers have to manually choose their desired currency.

Using Geolocation Redirect

To make the currency conversion automatic, we need to use a geolocation redirect app. One such app is the Geolocation Redirect, which allows you to redirect customers based on their location. With this app, we can reroute customers to a URL that will enable automatic currency conversion using Shopify's multicurrency feature. By redirecting customers from specific countries to the corresponding currency-converted URL, we can ensure a seamless shopping experience.

Configuring Geolocation Redirect

To configure the Geolocation Redirect app, you need to set your store's country to your current country. This will serve as the base country for redirection. In the app settings, you can activate the auto redirection feature to ensure that customers are automatically redirected based on their location. Furthermore, by setting up URL redirections for specific countries, you can define the URL that will automatically convert the currency for customers from that country.

URL Redirection for Currency Conversion

Using the Geolocation Redirect app, you can specify the URL that will perform the currency conversion for customers from specific countries. By appending the currency parameter to the URL, you can indicate the desired currency for conversion. For example, if a customer from France visits your website, they can be redirected to a URL with the currency parameter set to Euros, ensuring that all prices are displayed in Euros throughout the website and checkout process.

Testing the Currency Conversion

To test if the currency conversion is working correctly, you can use a VPN service like TunnelBear to simulate browsing from different countries. By pretending to be from a specific country, you can verify if the redirect and currency conversion are functioning as expected. Make sure to test multiple countries to ensure thorough testing of your setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by combining Shopify's multicurrency feature and the Geolocation Redirect app, you can achieve automatic currency conversion for customers throughout your Shopify store's website and checkout process. This seamless experience ensures that customers see prices in their preferred currency from start to finish, minimizing confusion and increasing conversion rates. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up automatic currency conversion for your own Shopify store and provide a better shopping experience for your customers.

Highlights

• The limitations of currency conversion apps in Shopify
• Introduction to Shopify's multicurrency feature
• Enabling multi currencies in Shopify payments
• The role of the geolocation redirect app in automatic currency conversion
• Configuring URL redirection for currency conversion
• The cost-effectiveness of using Shopify payments for currency conversion
• Testing the currency conversion setup using a VPN service
• Improving the customer experience and conversion rates with automatic currency conversion
• The importance of a seamless shopping experience in international e-commerce
• The potential impact of automatic currency conversion on abandoned checkouts

FAQ

Q: Can I still use currency conversion apps with Shopify's multicurrency feature enabled? A: No, currency conversion apps are incompatible with Shopify's multicurrency feature. To benefit from automatic currency conversion, it is necessary to remove any existing currency conversion apps and rely on Shopify payments for multicurrency functionality.

Q: Does Shopify's multicurrency feature support all currencies? A: While Shopify's multicurrency feature supports a wide range of currencies, it does not cover every currency. Make sure to review the supported currencies list to ensure compatibility with your target markets.

Q: Is the geolocation redirect app the only option for automatic currency conversion in Shopify? A: The Geolocation Redirect app is a popular choice for enabling automatic currency conversion in Shopify. However, there might be other similar apps available that offer similar functionality. It is recommended to explore different options and compare their features and pricing.

Q: Can I customize the appearance of the multicurrency dropdown menu on my Shopify store? A: Yes, it is possible to customize the appearance of the multicurrency dropdown menu by editing the theme's code or using a Shopify app. Consult Shopify's documentation or seek assistance from a Shopify developer for guidance on customizing the dropdown menu to match your store's design and branding.

Q: Are there any additional costs associated with using the geolocation redirect app? A: The geolocation redirect app typically has a monthly subscription fee after the initial free trial period. Be sure to check the pricing details of the app you choose to ensure it aligns with your budget and requirements.

Q: Will automatic currency conversion work for all Shopify plans? A: Yes, automatic currency conversion using Shopify's multicurrency feature and the geolocation redirect app should work across different Shopify plans. However, it is always recommended to check the feature availability and limitations of your specific plan to ensure compatibility.