Newcomer Guide

Topic 4 of 14

Money

Rupees, ATMs, exchanges, and the counterfeit problem

The currency is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR / Rs). Cash is still king outside malls and upscale restaurants, assume markets, rickshaws and small eateries are cash-only.

  1. 1Use ATMs attached to bank branches (HBL, MCB, UBL, Standard Chartered), most accept foreign Visa/Mastercard.
  2. 2Fees are charged per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts fewer times.
  3. 3For cash exchange, use only SBP-licensed exchange companies or banks; bring your passport and keep the receipt.
  4. 4Break big notes at supermarkets, small vendors genuinely may not have change for Rs 5,000.
Counterfeit Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 notes circulate through informal channels. This is the whole reason to refuse street money-changers, the 'better rate' is how the fakes reach you.
Tipping: not obligatory, always appreciated. Rounding up or ~5 to 10% at sit-down restaurants is generous. Nobody tips rickshaw drivers, though rounding up is kind.
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