Hey Lykkers! So, you’re thinking about taking your business global—or maybe you already have. That’s huge! When we talk about going global, most of us immediately think about exchange rates. And yes, currency fluctuations matter.

But if that’s all you’re tracking, you’re missing the real story.

Going global isn’t just about converting dollars to euros or pesos. It’s about stepping into a new business culture, a new set of rules, and a whole new way customers think and buy. There are silent forces at play that can make or break your international success—forces that don’t show up on a simple exchange rate chart.

Let’s talk about 7 things to track when your business goes global (that aren’t exchange rates). These are the behind-the-scenes metrics and insights that truly determine whether your global move will soar or stumble.

1. Local Payment Preferences & Processing Timelines

How people pay is deeply cultural. While credit cards dominate in the U.S., many European countries prefer direct bank transfers, and in parts of Asia and Africa, mobile wallets are king.

If you only accept international credit cards, you might be shutting out a huge portion of your market. Also, track how long it actually takes for money to land in your account. Cross-border transactions can be held up for days due to local banking regulations or anti-fraud checks, impacting your cash flow.

A 2024 survey by Discover Financial Services found that 85% of consumers said a negative payment experience would make them less likely to return — a powerful signal that payment methods are central to trust and loyalty.

2. Customer Support Costs & Channels

Your customer support load will change—and often increase—when you enter a new region. Track the cost per ticket and the preferred channels of communication. In Japan, for example, customers may expect phone support and incredibly detailed, polite responses, which requires more trained staff time than text-based chat.

Failing to budget for localized, quality support can destroy your brand reputation before it even gets established.

3. "Hidden” Logistics & Last-Mile Delivery Realities

You know about shipping containers and air freight. But have you priced out warehousing storage fees in a foreign trade zone? Or the cost and reliability of "last-mile" delivery in dense urban centers versus rural areas? In many countries, the final delivery leg is fragmented and unpredictable.

4. Cultural Buying Cycles & Seasonality

Your Q4 holiday rush might not occur in all regions, as different countries have their own peak shopping periods. In Australia, for example, summer corresponds with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Track local holidays, seasonal demand shifts, and typical salary cycles.

When do people in this region traditionally make big purchases? Aligning your marketing and inventory with these cycles is crucial.

5. Digital Marketing Channel Efficacy

Assuming your standard digital ad platforms will work everywhere is a costly mistake. The global online landscape is deeply fragmented. In many major markets, homegrown platforms hold dominant shares.

Across much of Europe and Latin America, social media and messaging apps outside the U.S. giants command significant user attention, and local platforms often dominate search and engagement. giants command significant user attention. It’s essential to research and track where your specific target audience actually spends their time online and what it costs to reach them there.

The return on investment (ROI) from the channels you know best will almost certainly differ dramatically in new markets.

6. Regulatory & Compliance Administrative Load

This isn't just about big laws like GDPR. It’s about the ongoing administrative burden: local tax filing frequency, data storage requirements, labeling and packaging rules, and environmental regulations. The hours your team spends on compliance is a real cost. Consult with a local expert early.

7. Local Competitor Pricing & Value Perception

Finally, track not just what your direct competitors charge, but how they structure pricing and what’s included. In some markets, customers expect all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. In others, highly discounted base prices with many add-ons are standard. More importantly, track perceived value.

Does your product solve a painful enough problem in this new context to justify your price point? This requires ongoing customer interviews and sentiment analysis.

Going global is an adventure, Lykkers. It’s about connecting, adapting, and understanding. By tracking these seven areas, you move beyond financial conversion to human connection and operational wisdom. Here’s to your next big leap—may it be informed, resilient, and wildly successful.

What’s the most surprising challenge you’ve faced in a new market? Share your story below.