Pakistan
Money in Pakistan: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Pakistani rupee cash for most purchases; cards work in major hotels and city shops but not reliably north of Islamabad. Carry US$ as backup and tip roughly 5‑10 % or small change for service.
More
GuidePakistan
Key facts
- Currency
- Pakistani rupee (PKR, Rs)
- Cash needed
- Essential outside big‑city hotels and malls
- ATM limitscheck
- Rs 20,000–50,000 per withdrawal, often lower in the north
- Card acceptancecheck
- Major hotels, restaurants and shops in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi; limited north
- Typical tipcheck
- 5‑10 % of bill or small change (Rs 20–100) for restaurants, guides, drivers
Currency and payment
Pakistan uses the Pakistani rupee (PKR, Rs). Cash is the primary payment method; ATMs are common in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi but often have low per‑withdrawal limits of Rs 20,000–50,000 and may run out of cash in remote areas.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in upscale hotels, large restaurants and some shops in the major cities. In smaller towns, markets and northern regions, card terminals are rare and transactions may be declined, so keep sufficient cash.
It is advisable to carry a small amount of US dollars as a backup, especially if you travel to remote areas where currency exchange options are limited.
- ATMs: major banks in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi; limit Rs 20,000–50,000 per withdrawal
- Cards: Visa/Mastercard in 4‑star+ hotels, city centre malls, some restaurants
- Cash: always have Rs 500–1,000 for taxis, street food, small shops
Tipping
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave about 5‑10 % of the bill or round up to the nearest Rs 100. For hotel staff, porters and drivers, a tip of Rs 50–200 per service is typical.
Guides for organized tours usually expect a tip of Rs 500–1,000 per day, depending on the quality of service. In markets and small eateries, leaving small change (Rs 20–50) is appreciated.
- Restaurants: 5‑10 % or round up
- Hotel staff/porters: Rs 50–200
- Taxi/ride‑share drivers: round up to nearest Rs 50
- Guides: Rs 500–1,000 per day
Useful internal links
- travel to Pakistan → /pakistan
- pakistan esim → /pakistan/sim-and-esim
- pakistan food guide → /pakistan/food-and-drink
- Pakistan health and vaccines → /pakistan/health-and-vaccines
- pakistan visa requirements → /pakistan/visa-requirements
- best places to visit in pakistan → /pakistan/best-places-to-visit
- Pakistan best time to visit → /pakistan/best-time-to-visit
- cost of travel in pakistan → /pakistan/travel-costs
- visit Karachi → /karachi
- Islamabad travel guide → /islamabad
- visit Lahore → /lahore
- Tipping around the world → /topics/tipping-around-the-world-country-by-country-guide
- Currency converter with typical prices → /tools/currency-converter
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Pakistan?
The Pakistani rupee (PKR, Rs) is the official currency and is used for all transactions.
Should I use cash or a card in Pakistan?
Use cash for most purchases, especially outside major cities. Cards work in upscale hotels and city shops, but not reliably in the north.
How much should I tip in Pakistan?
Tip about 5‑10 % in restaurants or round up to the nearest Rs 100; give Rs 50–200 to hotel staff, porters and drivers; guides expect Rs 500–1,000 per day.
Can I use US dollars in Pakistan?
US dollars are not widely accepted for everyday purchases but are useful as backup currency for exchange in remote areas or if ATMs fail.
Are there ATMs in northern Pakistan?
ATMs exist in major northern towns like Gilgit and Skardu but often have low limits (Rs 20,000–50,000) and can run out of cash in peak summer. Carry enough cash from Islamabad.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Pakistan
Loading…
Was this useful?