International Payment Mechanisms

UCSF provides multiple mechanisms for purchasing goods and services and processing payments to international vendors and contractors.

Common Payment Mechanisms

Wire Transfer via Supply Chain Management

A wire transfer is an electronic payment made to a supplier from UCSF’s bank account directly to the supplier’s bank account. Generally, wire transfers are accepted world-wide, though wire transfers cannot be processed to a sanctioned country (contact [email protected] with questions about current restrictions).

While the BearBuy system cannot support foreign currencies, Accounts Payable can process and pay invoices in foreign currencies via Wire Transfer when necessary.

  • When placing the order in BearBuy, enter an estimate in USD based on the currency exchange rate.
  • The supplier will need to provide an invoice in their preferred currency.
  • The invoice must reference the PO number and contain the supplier's wire payment instructions.
  • Email the invoice to UCSF Accounts Payable at [email protected].
  • Accounts Payable will pay the invoice by Wire Transfer based on the day's currency exchange rate.
  • When submitting a Payment Request, enter an estimate in USD based on the currency exchange rate.
  • The request will route for approval from your department, and then it will route for approval from Accounts Payable.
  • Accounts Payable will pay the invoice by Wire Transfer based on the day's currency exchange rate.

For further instructions on foreign wire transfers, please visit the Supply Chain Management page.

University Business Credit Card

Based on need, a UCSF employee may qualify for a University business credit card, referred to as a Procurement Card (P-Card), to facilitate the timely purchase of low value goods and services. The accessibility of these cards is limited to increase fraud prevention. For more information, visit the UCSF Finance Secure site on UCSF’s Card Programs.

Other International Payment Tools

StoneX
StoneX is an institutional-grade financial services network that supports global payments through a foreign currency trading platform. The objective of this service to expedite and streamline payment to international suppliers, vendors, and contractors, in foreign currencies for requested goods and services. StoneX’s global payments platform, called FXecute™, allows for payment in local currencies to 175 countries within 2 days of a transaction request with no wire or other transaction fees. This platform can be made available to departments for low-value (below $10,000) international transactions conducted in foreign currencies with suppliers who have a foreign bank account. Please contact the IRSO Office for more information about this service.

Western Union GlobalPay
Western Union’s GlobalPay service is available for transmitting low value (below $10,000) international transactions, especially to payees who do not have a bank account. This service can only be used for transactions that do not involve a contract. Please contact the IRSO Office for more information about this service.

Non-Preferred Mechanisms

Paper Check
Payment by paper check is the least-preferred method of payment due to the high cost of processing and potential risks. Foreign organizations and their local banks are often unwilling to accept checks from U.S. institutions.

Setting Up a Foreign Bank Account
UCSF is prohibited from opening international bank accounts without approval and oversight from the University of California Office of the President’s Treasury Department. Access to local bank accounts is available through Global Programs for Research and Training (link) where the entity is registered.

Employee Reimbursement
UCSF employees can use a personal credit card or cash to pay for travel and related items and file for reimbursement. For purchase of goods and services, employees should avoid using personal funds and submitting for reimbursement; instead, campus departments should use BearBuy or a Procurement card for such purposes.