Hiring freelance developers globally sounds attractive — lower rates, flexible contracts, and access to global talent pools.
But what are the real costs you should plan for?

Here’s a complete breakdown:

1. Base Hourly or Project Rate

Freelance developers' rates vary massively based on geography and expertise:

• India, Vietnam: $20–50/hr
• Eastern Europe: $35–70/hr
• Latin America: $30–60/hr
• Western Europe/US: $75–150/hr+

Highly specialized skills (AI, blockchain, senior architecture) command even higher rates globally.

2. Platform Fees

Hiring via platforms (Upwork, Freelancer, etc.) may add service fees:

• 10-20% of project value typically
• Some platforms (like BeGig) focus on transparent, commission-light pricing models

3. Payment Processing Costs

Cross-border payment gateways (PayPal, Wise, Payoneer) may add:

• 1–3% transaction fees
• Currency conversion charges

Always factor these into total cost calculations.

4. Communication and Project Management Time

Managing remote freelancers requires:

• Kickoff calls
• Regular check-ins
• Async collaboration time

Estimate 10–20% additional project management overhead unless you hire project-ready freelancers who work independently.

5. Quality Risks and Rework

If a hire isn’t vetted properly, you might face:

• Delays
• Rework
• Additional hidden costs for fixing poor-quality code

Tip: Using vetted platforms like BeGig reduces these risks massively.

Sample Cost Calculation (Simple Project Example)

Developer Fee (100 hours @ $40/hr) = $4,000

Platform/Payment Fees (5%) = $200

Project Management Time (~15 hrs internal) = ~$750 internal cost

Total Project Cost = $4,950

Always plan +10–20% buffer for scope changes and unforeseen coordination.

Conclusion:
Global freelance hiring is powerful — but understanding the full cost landscape ensures you budget smartly, avoid surprises, and maximize ROI.
Working with trusted marketplaces like BeGig can help you control costs and ensure project success.