ATMs are the simplest way for most visitors to get rupees in Pakistan, but limits, fees and availability vary a lot, especially once you leave the big cities. This ATM and cash guide for Pakistan explains which cards work, what limits and charges to expect, and how to plan cash for the mountains. Last checked: October 2026. Bank limits, fees and tax rules change, so confirm details with your bank.
Quick answer: can tourists use ATMs in Pakistan?
Yes. International Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay cards are widely accepted at ATMs in cities and larger towns. Withdraw enough cash before you head north, because machines become scarce and are not always working in Hunza, Skardu and smaller valleys. Carry a backup card kept separately from your main one.
ATM and cash quick facts
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Cards that work | Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay; PayPak is a domestic network and will not work for foreign accounts |
| Daily limits | Reported in 2025 as PKR 25,000 to 50,000 for standard local debit cards and up to PKR 500,000 for premium cards; foreign debit cards were reported at the equivalent of about USD 200 to 500 a day. Limits differ by bank and machine |
| Fees | Your home bank may charge a foreign withdrawal fee and a percentage on top, and the Pakistani bank may add its own fee for other-bank cards. One 2025 report put the other-bank ATM fee at about PKR 34 |
| Where machines are reliable | Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and most mid-sized cities |
| Where they are not | Mountain valleys and small towns in Gilgit-Baltistan and similar areas |
Which cards work
Rely on an international Visa or Mastercard debit card. UnionPay is also accepted by many banks. Tell your bank you are travelling to Pakistan before you leave, because unexpected foreign withdrawals can trigger a fraud block.
Withdrawal limits
Limits depend on your own bank, the machine and the card type, so you may hit the cap sooner than expected. If a machine refuses a large amount, try a smaller amount or another bank’s ATM. Plan a few shorter withdrawals in the city and carry the cash you need for the north.
Fees to expect
- Your home bank may charge a flat fee and a percentage for foreign withdrawals.
- The Pakistani bank may charge for using another bank’s ATM. Read the on-screen fee notice before you confirm.
- Larger, less frequent withdrawals usually cost less in total than many small ones.
The cash withdrawal tax
Pakistan deducts an advance tax from non-filers on cash withdrawals above PKR 50,000 in a day. The rate is 0.8 percent under the Finance Act 2025, and it was unchanged for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. It applies to accounts held at Pakistani banks. We could not confirm whether it applies to withdrawals made with foreign-issued cards, so check your receipt and your bank statement, and treat any deduction as a small extra cost.
Cash in northern Pakistan
Hunza, Skardu and the smaller valleys run mostly on cash. Withdraw several days of spending in Gilgit, Skardu or another town before heading into the mountains, and keep small notes for transport, guides and meals. For planning, see our Pakistan travel cost guide.
If a machine keeps your card
Contact the bank that owns the machine as soon as possible, then your own bank. Getting a card back in a small town can take days, which is why a backup card matters.
Travel tips
- Use your own bank’s ATMs where possible to avoid other-bank fees.
- Withdraw in daylight at machines inside banks or hotels.
- Keep a mix of small and large notes.
- Read our currency exchange guide, e-Visa guide and SIM card guide before you travel.
ATM and cash guide for Pakistan FAQs
What is the ATM withdrawal limit in Pakistan?
It depends on the bank and card. In 2025 rates ran PKR 25,000 to 50,000 per day for standard local cards, up to PKR 500,000 for premium cards, and about USD 200 to 500 for foreign debit cards. Check with your bank.
Do Pakistani ATMs accept foreign cards?
Yes, Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay are widely accepted. PayPak works only with local accounts.
Why was tax taken from my withdrawal?
Pakistani banks deduct 0.8 percent from non-filers on daily cash withdrawals above PKR 50,000. Whether this affects foreign cards is unclear, so ask your bank if you see a deduction.
Are ATMs available in northern Pakistan?
Far fewer than in the cities, and some do not work. Withdraw before you go.
What if an ATM keeps my card?
Contact the machine’s bank and your own bank straight away, and use your backup card.
Final thoughts on the ATM and cash guide for Pakistan
Plan cash in advance, carry a backup card and expect limits and fees to differ. Confirm current figures with your own bank before you travel.