How can foreigners use local payments in Pakistan? A Complete Guide

Overview of Local Payment Methods in Pakistan

With the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), more and more foreigners are coming to Pakistan to work, travel or do business. Understanding and mastering the local mainstream payment methods is crucial for daily life and business activities. Pakistan has a unique financial ecosystem that encompasses both traditional channels and emerging digital solutions.

Cash has long been the primary means of transaction in Pakistan, but the popularity of electronic payments has increased significantly in recent years. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), digital transactions grew by 35% year-on-year in 2022, reflecting a clear trend towards cashlessness. For foreigners, familiarising themselves with these local payment tools not only improves convenience, but also avoids the security risks of carrying large amounts of cash.

Main payment methods available to foreigners

1. Easypaisa: the mobile wallet leader

As Pakistan's first and largest mobile financial services platform, Easypaisa is operated by Telenor Bank:

• Registration Process: Foreign users are required to provide a copy of their passport, a valid visa and a local mobile phone number
• Functional featuresBill payment, money transfer, online shopping and QR code payment support
• Recharge Method: Cash top-ups or international credit cards can be made through our partner agents' outlets (some restrictions apply).
• cutting edge: Coverage of 50,000+ retail outlets nationwide with user-friendly English interface

2. JazzCash: a service owned by the telecommunications giant

JazzCash, the digital wallet launched by Jazz Telecom, continues to grow in market share:

• Account classification::
  • Basic Account (Limit 50,000 PKR/month): only mobile phone number verification is required
  • Fully verified account (limit 200,000 PKR/month): biometric authentication required
• Cross-border applications: Support for remittances to 140 countries (including China)
• special hint: For short-term stays, a basic account is recommended to cover daily needs.

HBL Konnect: Commercial Banking Solutions

Habib Bank (HBL) has launched a lightweight banking service suitable for medium to long term stay expatriates:

3. HBL Konnect: commercial banking solution

Habib Bank (HBL) launched the HBL Konnect It is a digital wallet designed for unbanked users or those who need simplified financial services, especially for foreigners with medium to long term stay.

Registration and Account Opening Process

• Documentation requirements: Passport, valid visa, Pakistani mobile phone number
• Verification Method: Biometric verification (fingerprint enrolment) to be completed at an HBL branch or authorised agent
• Account type: Available in Basic and Fully Validated versions, the latter supporting higher transaction limits

Main functions and services

✅ Local & International Money Transfers - Transfers can be made to other HBL accounts or other banks in Pakistan and cross-border remittances to selected countries (e.g. China, UAE, etc.) are supported.
✅ Bill Payment & Recharge Service - Pay your utility bills, top up your phone bill and other daily payment needs.
✅ Debit card application (optional) - You can apply for a linked Visa debit card for offline POS swiping and ATM cash withdrawals.

Recommended for people

✔️ Expatriates working or staying permanently in the country (more than 6 months)
✔️ corporate expatriate employees who need more stable financial services

4. SimSim: an emerging e-wallet platform

SimSim, which has emerged in recent years, was launched by UBL Bank and focuses on an easy-to-use mobile payment experience.

[How do foreigners register?]

1. 📱Download the app and enter your Pakistani mobile number to receive the OTP verification code.
2. 🆔 Upload passport front page + visa page photos for KYC verification.
3. 👆 Activate for use after completing facial recognition.

⚠️ Note:
Short-term travellers can choose "Basic Wallet" (up to PKR 50,000 per transaction);
Long-term residents are recommended to upgrade their "Verified Account" (monthly limit of PKR 2 million).

[FAQ on the use of foreigners]

❓Q1: Can Chinese citizens pay directly with Alipay/WeChat?
→ Currently only supported by a few Chinese-owned shopping malls (e.g. some merchants in Lahore's Chinatown), it is recommended to bind a local wallet to cope with most scenarios.

❓Q2:Which app is best for short-term business trips?
→ We recommend the combination of Easypaisa Basic Account + JazzCash to meet your daily spending needs without complicated procedures.

❓Q3: What should I do if I encounter a failed transaction?
①Check network connection
②Confirm that the account balance is sufficient
③Contact the customer service hotline (English service is available on all platforms)

[Updated policy changes for 2024]

According to the new SBP regulations:
🔹 All mobile wallets are required to complete biometric filings (affecting unverified account functionality)
🔹 2% surcharge to be levied on offshore credit card top-ups (effective March 2024)
Users are advised to complete the identity upgrade as early as possible to avoid usage restrictions.

You've mastered it with this guide:
✓ Comparison of the characteristics of the four major payment instruments
✓ Step-by-step registration tutorials
✓ Optimisation options for different residence cycles

Now you can choose the right payment method according to your needs and enjoy the convenience and security of Pakistan's digital financial services! For further enquiry, please leave a message.