Send Money from the UK to Pakistan
Compare current GBP → PKR rates from 17+ providers. Fast and affordable.
Why People Send Money UK → Pakistan
The UK has the largest Pakistani community outside Pakistan — over 1.1 million people. Remittances to Pakistan support families, fund property construction, cover weddings and medical costs, and are a critical part of Pakistan's foreign exchange income. This is one of the UK's top remittance corridors.
Pro Tip: PKR can be volatile — check rates before sending
The Pakistani Rupee has experienced significant depreciation in recent years. A large swing in the GBP/PKR rate can affect your recipient more than the transfer fee. Compare rates on the day you plan to send.
How to send money from UK to Pakistan
- Compare GBP→PKR rates: Check the live table above for the actual PKR amount your recipient receives. For Pakistan transfers, rate margins between providers can vary by 1–2%, which on £500 is £5–£10.
- Register with your provider: Sign up using a UK passport or biometric residence permit. ACE Money Transfer and WorldRemit both specialise in UK→Pakistan and have streamlined registration. Standard KYC takes under 5 minutes.
- Enter Pakistani bank details: You need the recipient's IBAN (24 characters, starting with PK) and bank name. Major Pakistani banks: HBL, MCB, UBL, Bank Alfalah, Allied Bank, Meezan Bank. Pakistani IBANs are 24 characters starting with "PK".
- Choose your payment method: UK Faster Payments is the cheapest funding method. Debit card is faster but adds 1–2%. ACE Money Transfer and other Pakistan-focused providers often waive fees for bank transfer funding.
- Confirm and track: Most providers deliver GBP→PKR within 1–2 business days. You will receive tracking updates by email or SMS. First-time transfers may take slightly longer due to compliance review.
What to know
Pakistan uses IBANs
Unlike most South Asian countries, Pakistan uses IBANs — 24 characters starting with "PK" followed by 22 digits. Your recipient can find their IBAN in their banking app, on a bank statement, or by visiting their branch. Having the correct IBAN avoids delays. Major banks: HBL, MCB, UBL, Bank Alfalah, Meezan Bank, Allied Bank.
PKR exchange rate volatility
The Pakistani Rupee has undergone significant depreciation in recent years due to economic pressures. The GBP/PKR rate can shift by 5–10% over a few weeks. If you are planning a large transfer (e.g. for property), consider whether to split it into multiple transfers over time or send promptly if the current rate is favourable.
Roshan Digital Account for NRPs
Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs) can use the State Bank of Pakistan's Roshan Digital Account (RDA) — a foreign currency account that allows NRPs to invest in Pakistani government securities, property, and mutual funds. Several UK-based money transfer providers support transfers to RDA accounts. This is worth exploring for larger, investment-oriented transfers.
ACE Money Transfer specialises in UK→Pakistan and consistently offers competitive GBP→PKR rates with low fees — it is the top choice for this corridor. WorldRemit are strong alternatives with good customer support. Wise supports PKR transfers at mid-market rates. Western Union and MoneyGram offer cash pickup across Pakistan including smaller cities and rural areas. For very large transfers (property purchases, business payments), compare OFX or a specialist Pakistan remittance provider.
FAQs
How long does a transfer from UK to Pakistan take?
Most providers deliver GBP to Pakistani bank accounts within 1–2 business days. ACE Money Transfer and WorldRemit often deliver within the same day for transfers submitted during business hours. Cash pickup through Western Union is available within minutes.
Which provider has the best GBP to PKR exchange rate?
ACE Money Transfer specialises in UK→Pakistan and regularly offers the best GBP→PKR rates. WorldRemit is also competitive. Compare the live PKR recipient amount in our table above — rates change daily.
What is a Pakistani IBAN and how do I find it?
Pakistani IBANs are 24 characters starting with "PK" — e.g. PK36SCBL0000001123456702. Your recipient can find their IBAN in their bank's mobile app under account details, on a bank statement, or by visiting their branch. Unlike Indian IFSC codes, Pakistani IBANs identify both the bank and branch.
Can I send money to a Meezan Bank account from the UK?
Yes. Meezan Bank (Pakistan's largest Islamic bank) is supported by most providers including ACE Money Transfer, WorldRemit, and Wise. You need the recipient's 24-character Pakistani IBAN starting with "PK" and the bank name.
Is there a limit on remittances to Pakistan from the UK?
Most providers allow £10,000–£30,000 per transaction for verified accounts. Pakistan has no tax on incoming personal remittances. The UK requires providers to report transfers above £10,000 under anti-money laundering regulations — handled automatically by your provider.
What is the Roshan Digital Account and can I send to it from the UK?
The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is a scheme by the State Bank of Pakistan allowing non-resident Pakistanis to hold and invest in Pakistani securities from abroad. Several UK providers support RDA transfers. It allows NRPs to invest in savings certificates, mutual funds, and property. Contact your provider to confirm RDA support before transferring.