Indian designers often see a $10 tool and pay noticeably more. Here is where the difference comes from, and how to avoid failed renewals.
The real price
Start with the listed price in dollars. Foreign providers of online services generally charge 18% GST to Indian consumers. Your bank then converts the dollars at its rate and usually adds a foreign transaction markup, often a few percent. Some tools show INR prices; check whether they include tax.
Recurring payments and RBI rules
The RBI's consolidated e-mandate framework of April 2026 covers cards, UPI and prepaid instruments. You register a mandate once with additional authentication. You must get a pre-debit alert at least 24 hours before each payment, with the merchant, amount and date, and you can opt out. Payments up to ₹15,000 can go through without fresh authentication; larger ones need it.
Why renewals fail, and what to do
Many international cards or merchants do not support Indian e-mandates smoothly, so monthly renewals fail and accounts get downgraded. Paying annually, using a card your bank has enabled for international recurring payments, or paying by invoice for teams avoids most problems.
For studios and companies
If you have a GSTIN, a foreign provider may not charge GST, and you account for it under reverse charge. Your accountant will know. Ask vendors for a tax invoice with your company details.
ExodeUI also bills in dollars: a free Community plan and Professional at $5 per month billed yearly, so the same tax and card notes apply. We make ExodeUI.