How to send money from Pakistan to abroad (2026 guide)

Sending money out of Pakistan is harder than sending money in. Strict FX controls, limited bank channels, and high fees make it expensive. This guide compares every available channel.

Why it is hard

Pakistan's foreign exchange regime restricts outward remittances. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) requires documentation for most outbound transfers. Banks add their own fees and markups on top.

Channel comparison

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

• Fees: 0.5-1.5% of transfer amount
• Speed: 1-2 business days
• Limits: Depends on your bank's outward remittance limit
• Pros: Mid-market rate, transparent fees, reliable
• Cons: Requires a Pakistani bank account that supports outward remittance
• Best for: Freelancers paying for software, subscriptions, or family abroad

2. Payoneer

• Fees: 2% for cross-currency transfers
• Speed: 1-3 business days
• Limits: Based on your Payoneer balance
• Pros: Already used by freelancers, familiar interface
• Cons: Higher fees than Wise for pure FX
• Best for: Freelancers who already receive USD on Payoneer

3. Bank wire (SWIFT)

• Fees: Rs 2,000-5,000 per transfer + correspondent bank fees
• Speed: 3-5 business days
• Limits: Up to $50,000 with SBP approval
• Pros: Handles large amounts, official documentation
• Cons: Slow, expensive, requires paperwork
• Best for: Large business payments, tuition, medical

4. Hawala / Hundi

• Fees: 1-3%
• Speed: Same day
• Limits: Informal, no official limit
• Pros: Fast, no paperwork
• Cons: Illegal, no recourse, risk of fraud
• Best for: Not recommended — use only as last resort

SBP documentation requirements

For outbound transfers above $10,000 per year, you need:

• CNIC copy
• Bank statement (6 months)
• Source of funds documentation
• Purpose of remittance (invoice, fee letter, etc.)

Step-by-step: sending via Wise

1. Open a Wise account and verify your identity.
2. Link your Pakistani bank account.
3. Enter the recipient details and amount.
4. Choose "Personal" or "Business" purpose.
5. Upload supporting documents if requested.
6. Pay via bank transfer to Wise's local account.
7. Wise converts and sends to the recipient.

Cost comparison (sending $1,000)

Channel	Fee	Effective rate	Total cost
Wise	$8-12	Mid-market	~$10
Payoneer	$20	2% markup	~$20
Bank wire	Rs 3,000 + correspondent	Bank rate (2-3% markup)	~$40-60
Hawala	$10-30	Variable	~$20-40

Our recommendation

Use Wise for amounts under $5,000. Use bank wire for larger amounts that need official documentation. Avoid hawala entirely.

---

This article is editorial. It is not financial or tax advice.