What Currency Is Used in Pakistan?

What is the Currency for Pakistan?

If you’re travelling to Pakistan, sending money to family, or doing business with Pakistani companies, it’s important to know how the currency works. This article is written for UK residents who need a clear understanding of Pakistan’s official money system, including how to exchange it, where to use it, and what to expect in terms of value and usage.

What is the official currency of Pakistan?

The official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee, abbreviated as PKR. It’s also commonly written with the symbol Rs when referring to local prices or cash.

All transactions within Pakistan must be conducted in PKR, and this is the currency you’ll need whether you’re buying food from a local market, booking a hotel, or paying for transport.

How is the Pakistani rupee structured?

The rupee is a decimal-based currency, divided into 100 paisa, although paisa coins are rarely seen or used in everyday life. The State Bank of Pakistan is responsible for issuing and regulating currency in the country.

Banknotes currently in circulation include denominations of Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 500, Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000. Coins also exist but are generally only used in smaller transactions.

Exchange rates fluctuate, but at the time of writing, £1 is roughly equivalent to 350–400 PKR. Rates vary depending on market conditions, so always check with a reliable source before sending money or travelling.

Should you bring rupees or exchange on arrival?

You may struggle to find Pakistani rupees in UK currency exchange providers, as they are not always held in stock due to import restrictions. It is usually more practical to bring British pounds or US dollars and exchange them upon arrival in Pakistan at authorised money changers or banks.

Many travellers also choose to withdraw PKR from ATMs after arriving, but it’s important to check if your UK card is accepted and whether your bank charges foreign transaction fees.

Is Pakistan cash-based or card-friendly?

Pakistan remains a heavily cash-based economy, particularly outside major cities. While debit and credit cards (mostly Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at large retailers, hotels and restaurants in urban areas, many businesses—especially local shops, taxi drivers and market stalls—will only accept cash.

That said, digital payments are growing in popularity within Pakistan, and platforms like JazzCash and Easypaisa are commonly used for mobile transfers. However, these services generally require a Pakistani mobile number and bank account, so they’re not easily accessible for short-term visitors.

Tips for handling money in Pakistan

• Carry small denominations to avoid issues when making change for large notes

• Always exchange money at reputable outlets—avoid unlicensed street changers

• Use bank-affiliated ATMs where possible and avoid withdrawing large amounts late at night

• Keep receipts for currency exchanges or ATM withdrawals, particularly if you may need to convert any leftover cash back at the end of your trip

Common issues to be aware of

One common problem faced by UK visitors is assuming they can use international bank cards freely. In reality, not all ATMs or payment terminals in Pakistan will accept foreign cards, especially those that are chip-and-pin based. It’s wise to carry backup cash in case of technical issues.

It’s also important to note that the rupee is a restricted currency, meaning it cannot be easily traded outside Pakistan. You may not be able to convert leftover PKR back into pounds after your trip, so aim to spend most of what you exchange.

In summary

The currency used in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), and while card payments are increasingly common in cities, cash remains the dominant method for daily transactions. UK visitors should plan ahead by bringing cash to exchange locally or using travel-friendly cards with low fees. Understanding the rupee will help ensure a smooth, cost-effective experience when dealing with money in Pakistan.