Sending money from Europe to Pakistan: what you need to know
Pakistan is one of the world's largest remittance recipients — annual inflows are 27 billion (2023). While we don't have a dedicated guide for Europe senders yet, the providers above are licensed for outbound transfers from Europe to Pakistan.
How recipients in Pakistan receive funds
Your recipient in Pakistan can receive PKR in several ways. The fastest method depends on whether they have a bank account, a mobile wallet, or need cash:
- Bank Account (IBFT) — Interbank Funds Transfers to all Pakistani banks via RAAST payment system.
- EasyPaisa / JazzCash — Mobile wallet delivery widely used across Pakistan for instant receipt.
- Cash Pickup — Available through HBL, MCB agents, Western Union, and local exchange companies.
Confirm the delivery method with your recipient before you send. Most providers let you choose the method during checkout, but the fee and speed can vary — bank transfers are typically cheapest, cash pickup is typically fastest.
Which EUR → PKR provider is best for you?
There is no single 'best' provider — the right choice depends on whether you prioritise the recipient amount, the fee, the speed, or the institution type.
- If you want the most for your money: Remitly delivered the highest recipient amount in our most recent live snapshot.
- If you want zero fees: Remitly charges no upfront fee — just check the exchange rate margin in the table to see what you actually receive.
- If you'd rather use a bank: BNP Paribas is one of the licensed bank options in this corridor — slower (typically 1–3 days) and usually more expensive than money-transfer operators, but some senders prefer the familiarity.
Recommendations refresh with the live data above. The provider that wins today may not win tomorrow — always check the live table immediately before sending.
Receiving foreign currency in Pakistan
Pakistan's rules around inbound foreign currency are usually permissive for personal remittance, but it's worth knowing the framework:
- SBP Roshan Digital — State Bank of Pakistan's Roshan Digital Account allows overseas Pakistanis to receive and invest remittances through a special account.
The hidden cost: rate margin vs upfront fee
The single biggest mistake in international transfers is comparing fees instead of comparing the recipient amount. Many providers advertise "no fee" but build a 2–4% margin into the exchange rate they offer you. On a €1,000 transfer, a 3% rate margin costs you €30 of value — invisible unless you check the rate against the mid-market.
The mid-market rate right now is approximately 1 EUR = 322.49 PKR. That's the rate banks use among themselves — providers add a margin on top, which is why the table above ranks by recipient amount rather than by headline fee.
When comparing options, always look at the "Recipient gets" column in the table above. That number already includes both the upfront fee and any rate margin — it's the only honest measure of cost.