aussie in this exact situation checking in .... after looking into the local options for charging in US dollars (NAB is the only player in town who will handle foreign currency transactions, but it's messy and expsensive), I'm now looking at either flying to the US or using a third party to incorporate an LCC and set up a US bank account for me (I won't link directly to any sites, but you should be able to google for them). This isn't me, but this fellow summarises the issues facing aussies startups who want to charge in US dollars - http://www.geoffmcqueen.com/2010/07/02/going-to-america-onli...
Hi, new to this board, but founded Paymate in Oz, so have some insights. Besides NAB, CBA also processes credit card payments in foreign currencies (and settles in that currency). Neither bank is keen to sign up small merchants, which may be the hurdle faced by startups. Happy to help out with the banks if you have a reasonable volume to process.
If you are setting up a US business and that is where the customers are, then it may be worthwhile to set up a US company and get US merchant facilities. I did this with Wells Fargo and Chase so have some idea of process.
