Pakistan Currency Guide
The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the official currency. Pakistan is a cash-heavy economy, though digital payments are growing rapidly in cities. Here's everything you need to know about money in Pakistan.
Currency Overview
| Currency | Pakistani Rupee (PKR / Rs.) |
| Symbol | ₨ or Rs. |
| Subunit | 1 Rupee = 100 Paisa (rarely used) |
| Banknotes | Rs. 10, 20, 50, 75, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 |
| Coins | Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10 (coins less common) |
| Central Bank | State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) |
Approximate Exchange Rates (2026)
| Currency | 1 Unit = PKR |
|---|---|
| US Dollar (USD) | ~278 PKR |
| British Pound (GBP) | ~352 PKR |
| Euro (EUR) | ~302 PKR |
| UAE Dirham (AED) | ~76 PKR |
| Saudi Riyal (SAR) | ~74 PKR |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | ~205 PKR |
| Australian Dollar (AUD) | ~182 PKR |
| Chinese Yuan (CNY) | ~38 PKR |
Rates fluctuate daily. Check xe.com or your bank for current rates before exchanging. These are approximate mid-market rates.
Where to Exchange Money
Best Options (in order)
- Licensed exchange bureaux: Found in major cities and airports. Best rates, lower fees than banks. Look for SBP-authorised dealers.
- Banks: HBL, UBL, MCB, Allied Bank, and Meezan Bank exchange foreign currency. Slightly lower rates but secure. Open Mon-Fri (some Sat mornings).
- Airport exchange counters: Convenient on arrival but rates are 2-5% worse than city bureaux. Exchange a small amount for immediate needs.
- ATMs: Withdraw PKR directly. Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. Most ATMs dispense up to PKR 25,000-50,000 per transaction.
Avoid unlicensed street money changers. While rates may look better, you risk receiving counterfeit notes or being shortchanged. Stick to authorised dealers.
ATMs & Credit Cards
ATMs
- Available in all cities and most towns. Rare in remote mountain areas.
- HBL, UBL, MCB, and Meezan Bank ATMs reliably accept international Visa/Mastercard.
- Daily withdrawal limit: Typically PKR 25,000-50,000 per transaction.
- Fees: Your home bank may charge $2-5 per withdrawal + 1-3% foreign transaction fee. Pakistani banks usually don't charge ATM fees to international cards.
- Tip: Carry cash for areas north of Gilgit — ATMs can be unreliable or absent.
Credit/Debit Cards
- Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, shopping centres, and airlines.
- American Express has limited acceptance.
- Small shops, local restaurants, and markets are cash-only.
- Contactless payment is growing in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi but not universal.
Tipping Guide
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10% of bill (if service charge not included) |
| Hotel porter | PKR 100-200 per bag |
| Taxi/Careem driver | Round up or PKR 50-100 |
| Tour guide (full day) | PKR 500-1,000 |
| Trek porter (per day) | PKR 300-500 |
| Hotel housekeeping | PKR 100-200 per day |
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory in Pakistan. In tourist areas and for good service, it's a welcome gesture.
Related Guides
Quick Facts
- Currency: PKR (Rs.)
- 1 USD: ~278 PKR
- 1 GBP: ~352 PKR
- ATMs: Visa/MC accepted
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants