Currency & Payment

Pakistan uses the Pakistani rupee (PKR, ₨), which is only in circulation within the country. Notes come in a range of denominations, and cash is still the main way to pay in many places, especially outside big cities. Carry small notes for taxis, tips and markets, as change for large notes can be hard to get.

It is common to bring a widely traded currency such as US dollars and change it into rupees after you arrive. Exchange money at banks or licensed money changers rather than informal traders, and compare rates. US dollar notes should be clean and undamaged. Keep your receipts, which can help if you want to change rupees back when you leave.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger shops and many restaurants in major cities such as Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Away from these places, and at small shops, markets and for transport, cash is usually required. Carry enough rupees for daily needs and treat cards as useful in cities rather than universally accepted.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns and are a convenient way to get rupees, though machines can occasionally be out of cash or out of service. Use ATMs attached to banks where possible, watch for foreign-card fees, and decline home-currency conversion for a better rate. Withdraw enough before heading to rural or remote areas where machines are scarce.

Mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa are widely used by locals for payments and transfers. However, they usually require a local phone number and a Pakistani account, so short-term visitors often cannot set them up. Plan to rely on cash and, in cities, cards, rather than local mobile wallets.

Tipping, often called baksheesh, is common and appreciated in Pakistan. In restaurants a small tip of around 5-10% is usual if service is not already included, and small amounts are welcome for hotel staff, porters, drivers and guides. Keep small notes handy so you can tip easily. Amounts are modest and at your discretion.

Pakistan is generally inexpensive for visitors, with low costs for local food, transport and simple accommodation, though international hotels and imported goods cost much more. Prices vary between big cities and smaller towns. In markets and with taxis, some bargaining is normal, so agree a price before you buy or ride.

Pakistan does not operate a broad tourist tax-refund scheme like those found in some countries, so in most cases sales tax on purchases is not refundable to visitors. Prices you see usually include applicable taxes. If you make large or specialist purchases, ask the seller directly about any documentation and check current customs rules before you rely on a refund.