Payments business PayPal has launched a new website aimed at small businesses who want to expand their footprint overseas.

The site, called PassPort [see link at bottom of story], gives guidance on aspects of international business, such as local sales peaks, cultural customs, shipping and logistics, currency exchange rates, fees, customs procedures and taxes.

“Small business owners know that reaching a global market can exponentially increase their sales, but many aren't sure where to start,” said Carey Kolaja at PayPal.

“In 2013, global trade accounted for approximately 25 percent of PayPal’s Total Payment Volume – so we understand the challenges and opportunities of international trade.

“We designed PassPort with our international insights to help small businesses tap into global sales opportunities as simply and seamlessly as possible.”

PayPal points out that global retailers open themselves up to new opportunities beyond Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

The Chinese 11 November holiday, for example, dwarfs Black Friday in the US, while similar high spending periods mark Golden Week in Japan and Click Frenzy in Australia.