Getting Pakistani Rupees for Your Trip

Pakistan is emerging as an exciting destination for adventurous travellers, from the ancient Mughal architecture of Lahore to the stunning Karakoram Highway and peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan. Understanding money in Pakistan is essential – it's a cash-based economy with limited card infrastructure.

The Pakistani Rupee has experienced volatility in recent years, so check current rates before you travel. Pakistan offers excellent value for money – your pounds will go far, especially outside the major cities. However, you'll need cash for almost everything.

Best Ways to Get Pakistani Rupees

Based on rates and convenience for UK travellers (per £1,000 converted)

Using Cards in Pakistan

Pakistan is primarily a cash economy. Card acceptance is very limited:

Where cards may work: International hotels (Marriott, Pearl Continental), some upmarket restaurants in Lahore and Karachi, major shopping malls, and some airline offices. Visa has better acceptance than Mastercard.

Where you'll need cash: Virtually everywhere else – local restaurants, guest houses, markets, transport, shops, tourist sites, and all of northern Pakistan. Even some places that have card machines may experience technical issues.

Important: Never rely on cards as your primary payment method in Pakistan. Always have sufficient Rupee cash, especially when travelling outside major cities.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs

ATMs are available in Pakistani cities but have limitations:

• Best banks: HBL (Habib Bank), MCB Bank, Bank Alfalah, and UBL have the most ATMs and are generally reliable with international cards
• Withdrawal limits: Typically PKR 25,000-50,000 per transaction, with daily limits around PKR 50,000-100,000
• ATM fees: Pakistani banks charge around PKR 500-750 per withdrawal. Your home bank may add fees
• Availability: Plentiful in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and major cities. Very limited or non-existent in rural areas and the northern mountains
• Reliability: ATMs can run out of cash, especially around holidays. Some may not accept foreign cards

Always decline the ATM's offer to convert to your home currency – choose to be charged in PKR for a better rate.

Exchanging Cash in Pakistan

Exchanging foreign currency in Pakistan is straightforward and often offers better rates than exchanging before you travel:

• Money changers: Licensed exchange offices are found in all major cities. Areas like Zainab Market in Karachi, Hall Road in Lahore, and Jinnah Super in Islamabad have many competing exchanges
• Currency preference: USD and GBP are easily exchanged. EUR is accepted but may get slightly worse rates. Bring clean, undamaged notes
• Banks: Banks exchange foreign currency but are slower and may require more paperwork than money changers
• Airport: Lahore and Karachi airports have exchanges. Rates are slightly worse than in the city but convenient for initial cash
• Keep receipts: Save your exchange receipts. You may need them when leaving Pakistan or for larger purchases

Money for Northern Pakistan

If you're heading to Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, or the Karakoram Highway, extra preparation is essential:

• Limited banking: ATMs are rare beyond Gilgit. HBL has branches in Gilgit and some larger towns, but don't count on ATM access
• Bring enough cash: Calculate your budget for the entire northern trip and withdraw or exchange before leaving Islamabad or Lahore. Add 20% buffer
• Small notes: Break larger notes in cities. PKR 100, 500, and 1,000 notes are most practical in mountain areas
• Budget: Northern areas are very affordable. Basic guest houses cost PKR 2,000-5,000 per night, meals PKR 300-800