IOne of the most important decisions for Shopify store owners is choosing the right payment gateway. The payment experience directly affects customer trust, checkout conversion rates, and even your store’s growth potential. At AddHype, we have worked with both local and international brands to integrate the best Shopify payment gateways from Pakistan and UAE-specific options to global providers like PayPal and Stripe. This guide explores all the major gateways you can use to make your Shopify store ready for sales worldwide.

What is a Shopify Payment Gateway?

A payment gateway is the technology that processes transactions between your online store and your customers’ banks or wallets. It ensures secure, encrypted payments whether customers are using credit cards, digital wallets, or alternative methods. Without a reliable gateway, customers may abandon their carts which is why selecting the right option for your target market is crucial. The Shopify integrates with hundreds of gateways worldwide, giving businesses flexibility to operate locally and globally.

Shopify Payments (Available in Select Countries)

Shopify Payments is Shopify’s own built-in solution. It’s available in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, and parts of Europe. Benefits include:

• No third-party transaction fees (only card processing fees).
• Supports major debit/credit cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay & Google Pay.
• Direct integration with your Shopify dashboard for reporting and payouts.

However, Shopify Payments is not yet available in Pakistan or UAE, so merchants in these regions need alternative solutions.

Popular Global Gateways

PayPal

PayPal is trusted worldwide and easy to integrate with Shopify. It allows customers to pay using their PayPal balance, bank accounts, or cards. International clients often prefer PayPal for its buyer protection and ease of use. The downside is slightly higher transaction fees and limited direct withdrawal options in Pakistan.

Stripe

Stripe supports payments in 135+ currencies and is widely used for international e-commerce. It’s excellent for businesses with global audiences and supports recurring billing for subscriptions. However, Stripe is not natively available in Pakistan or UAE, so businesses often use partner accounts or alternatives like Checkout.com.

2Checkout (now Verifone)

2Checkout is a popular option for businesses in regions where Shopify Payments and Stripe are unavailable. It supports 200+ countries, multiple currencies, and localized payment methods. For merchants in Pakistan and UAE, it’s a strong choice for cross-border selling.

Payment Gateways in Pakistan

For businesses based in Pakistan, Shopify supports integrations with local providers to accept payments directly from customers:

• PayFast: A leading Pakistani gateway supporting Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, and wallet payments. It’s one of the most reliable local options for Shopify merchants.
• JazzCash: Widely used mobile wallet, ideal for local customers who prefer mobile payments.
• Easypaisa: Another top mobile wallet in Pakistan, trusted for e-commerce transactions.
• HBL Payment Gateway: One of Pakistan’s largest banks, offering direct card processing for online businesses.

Using these gateways allows Shopify merchants in Pakistan to serve both local customers and international buyers through integrations like 2Checkout or Payoneer for payouts.

Payment Gateways in UAE

The UAE is a major e-commerce hub in the Middle East, and Shopify merchants here can access several robust payment gateways:

• PayTabs: A UAE-based payment processor that supports multiple currencies and methods, including cards and wallets.
• Telr: Popular in the Middle East, supporting local and international card payments as well as alternative methods.
• Checkout.com: A global gateway with strong presence in UAE, supporting Shopify integration for cards, wallets, and BNPL.
• Network International: One of the oldest and most trusted processors in the UAE region.

For Shopify stores in UAE targeting GCC and international markets, pairing a local gateway with PayPal or 2Checkout provides maximum coverage.

Alternative and Emerging Payment Methods

In addition to traditional card processors, Shopify also supports modern alternatives:

• Digital Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay (popular with international clients).
• Cryptocurrency Payments: Via Coinbase Commerce or BitPay increasingly used by global Shopify merchants.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Options like Klarna, Afterpay, and Tabby (popular in UAE) improve conversion rates by offering installment plans.
• Manual Payments: COD (Cash on Delivery), bank transfers, or money orders, which are still widely used in Pakistan and UAE.

How to Choose the Right Payment Gateway

Selecting the right gateway depends on your business model and target customers. Pakistani businesses may prioritize PayFast, JazzCash, and Easypaisa for local buyers while integrating 2Checkout for international reach. UAE merchants may prefer PayTabs, Telr, or Checkout.com for local transactions alongside PayPal for global customers. For businesses serving both national and international audiences, a combination of local and global gateways ensures maximum flexibility and trust.

Why AddHype Recommends a Tailored Approach

At AddHype, we’ve successfully set up Shopify payment gateways for clients in Pakistan, UAE, and beyond. Our approach is not just technical — we analyze your audience, market, and product type to recommend the best gateways. For example, a Pakistani fashion brand selling locally might prioritize JazzCash and Easypaisa, while an international home décor brand in UAE could benefit from PayTabs and PayPal. By aligning your payment options with customer expectations, we ensure smoother checkouts and higher conversions.

Conclusion

Payment gateways are at the heart of every Shopify store’s success. From Shopify Payments, PayPal, and Stripe to regional providers like PayFast, JazzCash, Easypaisa, PayTabs, and Telr, each solution comes with unique benefits. Businesses in Pakistan and UAE can thrive by combining local solutions for domestic buyers and international gateways for global reach. At AddHype, we help Shopify merchants make the right choices, integrate systems seamlessly, and optimize checkouts for maximum growth.

Ready to integrate the best payment gateway for your Shopify store? Contact AddHype today and let our experts set up a seamless, secure, and growth-focused checkout experience for your customers.