Money in Pakistan

The Pakistani Rupee and where to change money

Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), a floating currency whose rate can move, so it is worth checking the current rate before changing money. US dollars, euros and pounds exchange readily at authorised forex dealers in the major cities — Karachi's Saddar area, Liberty Market and MM Alam Road in Lahore, and the Blue Area and F-7 Markaz in Islamabad all have reliable, competitive offices. Airport exchange kiosks are convenient but give less favourable rates, so change only what you need there and the rest in the city. The local mobile-money apps such as JazzCash and Easypaisa require a Pakistani SIM and bank account and are not available to visitors.

ATMs: plentiful in the cities, scarce in the north

ATMs are widespread in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Faisalabad and Multan, where the main bank networks — HBL, Meezan Bank, UBL, MCB and Allied Bank among them — accept Visa and Mastercard. In the mountain north, by contrast, machines are far scarcer and connectivity can be unreliable, so withdraw enough PKR in Islamabad or Lahore before heading up toward Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, Hunza or the Karakoram Highway. American Express is not widely supported. Tell your bank you are travelling to avoid your card being blocked, and prefer ATMs inside bank branches during daylight hours.

Cards in the cities, cash everywhere else

Card acceptance is improving in Pakistan's major commercial centres — upscale hotels, larger restaurants and malls in Karachi (Clifton, Defence), Lahore (Gulberg, DHA) and Islamabad (Blue Area, F-6) take Visa and Mastercard — but cash remains king almost everywhere else. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not available in Pakistan, and the popular local digital-payment apps need a Pakistani account, so neither is an option for visitors. Carry PKR in cash for local transport, street food, bazaars, guesthouses and anywhere outside the main commercial districts, and keep smaller notes for everyday spending.

How far your money goes

Pakistan is a very affordable destination for most Western visitors: everyday costs — simple guesthouses, local food, shared transport — are low by international standards, while upscale city hotels and private northern tours cost considerably more. Prices shift with inflation and the exchange rate, so treat any quoted figure as a rough guide and check current costs as you plan; the mountain north, where much is trucked in, tends to run a little higher than the plains. Tipping is appreciated and meaningful — a small amount at restaurants where service is not included, a little more for hotel staff, guides and drivers, and generously for trekking porters and high-altitude guides at the end of a trip.