Newcomer GuideNext upGetting around the city
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.
- 1Use ATMs attached to bank branches (HBL, MCB, UBL, Standard Chartered) — most accept foreign Visa/Mastercard.
- 2Fees are charged per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts fewer times.
- 3For cash exchange, use only SBP-licensed exchange companies or banks; bring your passport and keep the receipt.
- 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 ~5–10% at sit-down restaurants is generous. Nobody tips rickshaw drivers, though rounding up is kind.