Pakistan — Currency & Money

Pakistan runs on cash in Pakistani Rupees (PKR). Cards work only at larger hotels, upscale restaurants and some big-city shops; assume cash everywhere else. ATMs are common in cities but can run dry or cap withdrawals, so keep a reserve and prefer machines inside banks or malls to limit skimming. US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange — bring clean, newer notes and use licensed dealers, not street changers. Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims and tightly permit-controlled otherwise. Buy a Jazz, Zong or Telenor SIM with your passport for cheap data, noting networks can be suspended around security events.