Money and duty free for Pakistan
Currency and Money
Currency information
The Pakistani Rupee (PKR; symbol Rs) banknotes are in denominations of Rs5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rs10, 5, 2 and 1.
Credit cards
Credit cards are accepted in Pakistan, but their usage is not as widespread as in many other countries. Digital payment options are primarily concentrated in large urban centres, while cash remains essential for day-to-day transactions.
ATM
ATMs are widely available in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other urban centres across Pakistan. They are operated by most major banks and generally accept international cards, particularly those on the Visa and Mastercard networks.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 09:00 to 17:00. Some may have shorter hours on Saturdays.
Currency restrictions
Importing foreign currency: Visitors entering Pakistan are allowed to carry unlimited foreign currency, but amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or its equivalent) must be declared to customs upon arrival.
Exporting foreign currency: When leaving Pakistan, travellers can take out a maximum of USD 10,000 (or its equivalent in other foreign currencies).
Exporting local currency: Residents and visitors are restricted to carrying a maximum of PRK 10,000 out of the country.
Currency exchange
Reputable currency exchange companies are concentrated in cities, so plan ahead if you are visiting remote areas.
The most widely accepted foreign currency in Pakistan is the US Dollar (USD). Many hotels, larger shops, and travel agencies in major cities may accept USD, but it's always best to carry Pakistani Rupees (PKR) for day-to-day transactions. Other currencies, like the Euro (EUR) and British Pound (GBP), are also commonly exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices.
Pakistan duty free
Overview
The following items may be imported into Pakistan by tourists over the age of 18 without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
• Personal Items: personal clothing and accessories; toiletries and used electric razors, medals, trophies and prizes bestowed to travellers, an iron and a hair dryer; a mobile phone, a wristwatch, a camera and a video camera, a laptop computer and accessories, a buggy, toys, and a wheelchair.
Additional duty-free allowance (on the first visit in a year after a stay abroad for more than 7 days):
• Tabarrakat (religious gifts) up to US$100.
• Professional tools up to US$500.
• Personal jewellery in reasonable quantity.
• One radio or standard tape recorder.
• One VCP, VCR, VCD, or DVD player.
• Items not exceeding US$500, excluding televisions, deep freezers, refrigerators, microwave ovens, cooking ranges, washing machines, and air conditioners.
Travellers can also purchase items worth up to US$500 from duty-free shops within 60 days of arrival.
Please note that customs regulations can change, so visitors should consult the latest guidelines from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) or contact Pakistani customs authorities before travelling.
Banned Imports
Banned imports include alcoholic beverages, counterfeit goods, obscene materials, goods infringing on intellectual property rights, hazardous materials, and fireworks.
Banned Exports
Banned exports include drugs and narcotics, weapons and explosives, endangered wildlife and products.
Restricted exports that require special permission from the government include antiques and cultural artefacts (over 50 years old), and certain precious stones, metals, and high-value jewellery.
