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How to send money to Pakistan
Find a fast, low-fee way to transfer cash to friends, families and businesses.
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Your local bank won’t be the fastest or cheapest way to convert your hard-earned US dollars into Pakistani rupees. For that, turn to digital money specialists the flexibility to fit your budget, turnaround and other needs.
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Compare money transfer services that send to Pakistan
Compare minimums, speed, fees and more when converting US dollars to Pakistani rupees.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
What's in this guide?
How to send money to Pakistan online
Sign up and send money with a digital money transfer specialist in four steps:
- Sign up for an account. Pick a provider and sign up for a free online account using your contact information, proof of ID and preferred payment method.
- Provide transfer details. Submit your recipient’s contact information and pick a delivery method. If transferring to a bank, you’ll need their Pakistani bank account details.
- Confirm transfer details. Double-check your payment method, expected fees and destination.
- Save your receipt. Record your receipt’s confirmation number to track the progress of your transfer to Pakistan. Some money transfer providers send a text or email when your transfer is complete.
What’s the best way to send money to Pakistan?
Online money transfer providers typically offer the strongest exchange rates and lowest fees on money transfers to Pakistan. Some pair services with local mobile wallet companies like JazzCash. Banks, PayPal and other options are available but come with high fees, weak rates and long turnaround.
Banks
Pakistani rupees aren’t a popular currency, which means banks may not offer them. If your bank supports rupees, beware of high fees and wide margins on the exchange rate compared to digital and other options.
Cash transfers
Services like Western Union allow you to transfer cash for pickup at a local branch in Pakistan — often in 15 minutes. While it’s a fast way to send money, you’ll pay for the convenience in weak rates and high fees. If a cash pickup is necessary, look to digital services like WorldRemit or Remitly.
Digital money transfer specialists
Companies like OFX and TransferWise specialize in foreign currencies, making them some of the most cost-effective transfers. Most offer a variety of options for your recipient to receive your money, like to a JazzCash account or for cash pickup at an agent location.
Crunching the numbers: Sending $1,000 to Pakistan
Let’s say you need to send $1,000 to family in Pakistan. Here’s what you might face as far as fees and exchange rates as of February 18, 2020.
| Bank transfer | Cash transfer | Money transfer service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | $24 + additional correspondent bank fees | $9 | $3.99 |
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = 138.75 PKR | 1 USD = 146.21 PKR | 1 USD = 153.73 PKR |
| Transfer speed | 2 to 5 days | Minutes | Minutes |
| Amount received | 135,420 PKR | 144,894 PKR | 153,117 PKR |
| Verdict | Slowest and most expensive | Better than bank transfer | Fastest and best value |
The bank transfer is slow and results in the smallest amount transferred to your recipient, given a weak exchange rate. With the specialist money transfer service, your recipient ends up with 17,697 more rupees. Speed is similar for a cash transfer and a money transfer service, both of which can arrive in minutes.
How to get the most out of your money transfer to Pakistan
Weigh costs and fees against convenience, and learn how to compare money transfer providers that send to Pakistan to meet your needs:
- Exchange rates. The USD–PKR relationship is relatively stable, so providers should offer exchange rates close to the mid-market rate. If they don’t, consider taking your business elsewhere.
- Transfer fees. Transferring money overseas nearly always requires fees, but they might be hidden in the exchange rate. When sending large amounts, it may be cheaper to pay a flat fee to secure a stronger exchange rate.
- Transfer limits. How much you can send varies by company, and different amounts can attract higher or lower fees. Shop around for the best deal on the number of Pakistani rupees you’re sending.
- Turnaround. Transferring money through a local bank can take a business week or longer. If you need the funds delivered quickly, seek out a digital specialist that offers instant transfers.
- Minimum limits. Average incomes vary widely between the US and Pakistan, which means companies with high minimums transfers may not be your best choice.
- Transfer methods. Whether you want money sent to a Pakistani bank account or picked up as cash at a local agent, narrow down a company that matches your preferred delivery method.
Emergency cash transfer
When it’s more important to get your money to Pakistan quickly, look for money transfer companies that support cash pickup in minutes. You can pay with a credit or debit card for fast pickup, but fees are higher than other methods.
How to send money to Pakistan without a bank account
Cash transfer services can help you if you’re unbanked or marginally banked. If you don’t have a bank account, look for a local company that supports storefronts for cash payments. These services include agent locations in other countries that allow your recipient to pick up cash without a bank account.
Pakistani exchange rates explained
The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another country’s currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it yields more money when exchanging it in a country with a weaker currency. Pakistan’s exchange rate is flexible compared to the US dollar, which means it shifts during large global events but typically doesn’t change much day-to-day. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.
Track how the Pakistani rupee trades against the US dollar in our historical rate chart.
Documents needed for sending to and receiving money in Pakistan
To send money to Pakistan from the US, you’ll need government-issued ID and other documents, while documents needed to pick up money in Pakistan may be different by company.
Documents to send money from the US
To send money from the US to Pakistan, you’ll need documentation and details that include:
- Identification. Most services require a driver’s license, passport or other government-issued ID. Some services allow you to send transfers without ID, but they may require your SSN.
- Payment method. Your service may accept credit or debit cards, cash, bank accounts or personal checks.
- Recipient information. Submit your recipient’s name as it appears on their ID, along with their phone number, Pakistani bank account and routing number.
Documents to receive money in Pakistan
To pick up money in person, documentation can include:
- Transfer number. The person sending you money can forward the transfer’s confirmation details — called a PIN, a MTCN, a reference number or a tracking number, depending on the company.
- Government-issued ID. A Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or passport is typically accepted.
- Amount sent. You may need to know how much was sent, usually within 10% of the total.
- Sender’s information. Take along your sender’s full name, the sending country and their address, if known.
What to watch out for
Typically, Pakistan imposes no restrictions on remittances to the country through banks and money transfer companies. But in the US, banks and companies are required to comply with banking and recording standards that help them avoid the appearance of money laundering. These standards require customers to submit valid ID, log high-amount transfers and submit precise recipient information.
Bottom line
Sending your hard-earned money to Pakistan shouldn’t cost a fortune. Compare money transfer companies that specialize in foreign transactions for the strongest rates, lowest fees and flexible delivery. For transfers to other countries, rely on our country specific guides the next time you need to make a transfer.
Read more on this topic
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XE vs. OFX money transfers Check out this side-by-side comparison of XE and OFX to find out which provider offers the best value on international money transfers.
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Alternatives to InstaReM Find the best alternative websites to InstaReM for online money transfers.
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TransferWise account for e-commerce sellers review Receive payments in five local currencies and convert them to dozens of others using one account.
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XE vs. Western Union We compare XE's and Western Union’s fees, exchange rates and transfer speeds side by side.
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Remitly vs. PayPal Compare a well-known payments giant to the newer Remitly and see which one can give you a better deal.
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Remitly vs. TransferWise Remitly and TransferWise’s fees, exchange rates and speeds compared side by side.
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How to send money to Guinea Compare the services that send money to Guinea. Find out how to get the best value for your money, how long it takes and what to look out for.
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Best places to exchange currency in Sydney Your guide to currency exchange services in Sydney, including where to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees.
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