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How to send money to Pakistan
Find the most cost-effective and convenient way to make an international money transfer to send money to Pakistan.
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Navigating money transfers can be tough, especially when you’re sending money to a smaller country like Pakistan. But it doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. When you’re looking to convert your dollars to Pakistani rupees, it pays to spend your time comparing options and finding the best money transfer service for your needs.
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Compare money transfer services to Pakistan
Banks versus money transfer companies
If you need to send money to Pakistan, you may approach your bank to initiate the transfer. However, if you use a major bank to complete the global money transfer, you most likely won’t receive a competitive exchange rate on your transaction, and you’ll have to pay sizable fees.
For a more cost-effective option, you may want to check out the services provided by a specialist money transfer company. Providers like Xoom and PakRemit offer online transfers from the US to Pakistan with better exchange rates than banks, and many have lower transfer fees.
Case Study: Yousuf sends money to Pakistan
Yousuf works in the United States and wants to send $1,000 to his wife back in Pakistan. While his bank could transfer the money, the high fees and low exchange rate make it a less valuable offer. In an effort to save money on his end and send more to his wife at home, he compares the services of two online money transfer companies.
| Transfer company 1 | Transfer company 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | $1 USD = $99.40 PKR | $1 USD = $100.08 PKR |
| Transfer fee | $20 | $5 |
| Transfer method | Bank account deposit | Bank account deposit |
| Processing time | Within minutes | 2 to 4 business days |
| PKR Received | $99,400 PKR | $100,080 PKR |
As the table shows, not only can Yousuf save $15 in transfer fees by using the second money transfer provider, but he’ll also be able to send his family an extra 680 rupees.
How to compare transfer companies when sending money to Pakistan
- Transfer options. Can you lock in an ideal exchange rate now and transfer the money later, known as a forward contract? Does the institution offer limit orders, which allows you to take advantage of changing market conditions by executing the money transfer when a certain exchange rate is met? Can you schedule recurring payments?
- Turnaround time. If you need to send an urgent transfer, some providers allow you to send funds that become available for collection within minutes.
- Minimum amount. Some money transfer providers will impose a minimum limit on the amount you can send; for example, $500. This can be quite restrictive if you only want to transfer a relatively small amount of money.
- Exchange rates. The exchange rate impacts how much money arrives in your recipient’s account, so see how each provider’s rates stack up against the competition. However, don’t forget that providers with better exchange rates may also charge higher fees.
- Transfer fees. Transferring money overseas will usually incur a transaction fee, and these can range from $3 to $25 or more. Once again, remember to examine fees alongside the exchange rates offered by a provider.
- Transfer methods. While some providers only allow you to make transfers online, others will allow you to send funds over the phone or by visiting a branch.
Foreign exchange rates explained
Exchange rate is used by banks and money transfer providers to determine how much one country’s currency is worth in the currency of another country. The US dollar is generally strong, which means it will yield more when exchange for rupees. The exact amount depends on the global economy and your individual money transfer provider. This amount can change daily, so check back often to see if you can get a good deal, especially if you frequently send money to Pakistan.
Options for sending money to Pakistan from America
- Bank-to-bank transfers. Speak to your financial institution about how you can send money from your US bank account to your recipient’s Pakistani bank account.
- Online money transfer companies. Services like PakRemit, Ria and Xoom all allow you to send money to Pakistan online.
- Money transfer companies with a cash pickup option. MoneyGram and Western Union are two companies that allow you to send funds online or from an agent location in the US, and the cash can be collected from an agent in Pakistan.
- Checks. This money transfer method is not as efficient as other transfer methods, but it still enables you to send funds overseas.
How to send money to Pakistan
- Use the table above to compare some of your money transfer options.
- Click Go to site when you’re ready to start your transfer.
- Create an account and start a transaction.
- Enter your recipient’s information and how much you want to send.
- Pay for your transfer.
- Save your tracking number or receipt to follow up on the progress of your transfer.
Emergency cash transfers in Pakistan
Emergency transfers to Pakistan are possible, but it might cost you. These tend to have higher fees and less favorable exchange rates, meaning it will cost you more to potentially send less. However, if an emergency situation arises and you need to send money fast, an emergency transfer might be the solution to get your recipient rupees when they need them.
Tips for picking up cash in Pakistan
Because many cash pickup locations are in big cities, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. When picking up cash, be careful not to make yourself a target. Bring a friend along to help, and have a nondescript bag you can use to carry your rupees. You can also limit your risk by quickly depositing your cash into a safe or bank account.
Cash pickup locations in Pakistan
Ask an Expert
Hey,
My brother studies in USA and I send him money on weekly bases for his day to day expenses and house rent etc. What is the easiest way of sending him money.
Hi Abdullah,
Thanks for getting in touch! It’s helpful to know that we don’t have a comparison page with a list of brands that allow you to send money from Pakistan to the US. The companies listed above are available to people in the US only. You might want to check the money service providers available in Pakistan.
I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help at the moment. Feel free to email back if you have other questions.
Best,
Nikki
How to send money from the Philippine to Pakistan?
Hi Salaman,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
The page provides us with a comparison table that you could use on how to send money from the Philippine to Pakistan. Just change the “To” country to Philippines to get a list and estimate on the transfer you wish to complete. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I want to pay for a conference in Estonia from Pakistan. I have a credit card of Pakistan and usually pay for the conferences using my credit card but unfortunately this conference does not accept credit card payments.
Is there nay method to pay for the conference through credit card?
Hi Sajid,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
What we need to know first is what modes of payments the event organizers accept for payments for the conference. That way, you may be able to arrange the payment for the conference. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
How do I send money to Pakistan securely?
Hello Clark,
Thank you for your comment.
You can send money to Pakistan by wire transfer, bank to bank transfer or using money transfer companies. You can protect yourself and avoid money transfer scams by:
– Avoid sending money to someone you’ve never met in person.
– If you feel you have to send money to someone you’ve never met, try to avoid sending large sums all at once.
– Consider paying late. Scammers will often say you have to transfer by a certain date in order to take advantage of what they have offered you. If you don’t meet their deadline and they contact you again saying the deadline has been extended, you may be dealing with scammers.
– Use a reputable and secure money transfer service. While most of the time your money transfer provider is not the problem, it’s always wise to choose a service who takes security seriously.
To know more about money transfer scams, please check our guide here.
The list of the money transfer companies above is so far reliable. You may compare by rates, transfer speed and fees. After comparing, you can start the transfer by clicking the Go to Site button.
Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS to help consider whether the product is right for you.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
I will pick up money from bank.
Hi Mohammad,
Thanks for your inquiry and for visiting our page.
If you are picking up money sent to you at the bank, please inform your sender on this. Also, inform your sender to speak to his/her financial institution and ask how to send money from a US bank account to your Pakistani bank account, the details needed, transfer fees and transfer times.
Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Regards,
Nikki
Dear Sir My money 340 Million US Dollars was released by Payoneer and lying in First Century Bank USA. I requested to
Xoom to bring my money from USA to Pakistan in my bank. Xoom
is keeping my money with her and asking me to request Payoneer
)(sender) to contact xoom. Please telkl me procedure/law
Hi Imtiaz,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
Please note that you are trying to transfer a huge amount of money. There are certain laws that regulated money transfers. In your case, you need to follow the instructions of Xoom. That is the best way for you to get your money.
Since we don’t represent Xoom nor Payoneer, I would strongly advise that you directly get in touch with them.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua