ATM Fees in Pakistan
Pakistani Rupee (PKR) • Updated April 2026
Pakistan is largely cash-based. Card acceptance is limited to upscale hotels and restaurants in major cities. ATMs available in cities but less reliable in rural areas. Bring USD as backup.
Tips for Pakistan
- • Cash essential for most transactions
- • Cards only at upscale establishments
- • HBL and MCB have most ATMs
- • ATM withdrawal limits are often very low (20,000-25,000 PKR), forcing multiple transactions and fees
- • USD useful as backup
- • Raast (instant payment) is widely used locally but inaccessible to most tourists
Airport tips
- • Major airports have ATMs
- • Get cash for taxi
- • Exchange counters available
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Pakistan, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
PKR/day
≈ $16.16-43.10 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
PKR/day
≈ $57.47-133 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
PKR/day
≈ $194-460 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Pakistan.
Credit card acceptance
LowCash-based economy. Cards only at upscale hotels and restaurants in cities.
You'll need cash for
- • Most restaurants
- • Markets
- • Transport
- • Local shops
- • Outside major cities
Cards usually accepted
- • Upscale hotels
- • High-end restaurants
- • Shopping malls in cities
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HBL | 800-1,200 PKR | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.00 USD | 1,700 | Largest network |
| MCB | 800-1,200 PKR | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.00 USD | 1,500 | Good coverage |
| Standard Chartered | 800-1,200 PKR | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.00 USD | 100 | Reliable for foreigners |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HBL | 800-1,200 PKR | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.00 USD | 1,700 | Best coverage |
| MCB | 800-1,200 PKR | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.00 USD | 1,500 | Nationwide |
| Standard Chartered | 800-1,200 PKR | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.00 USD | 100 | Major cities |