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Money & duty free for Pakistan

Currency information: 

Pakistan Rupee (PKR; symbol Rs). Notes are in denominations of Rs5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1.

Credit cards: 

American Express is the most widely accepted card. MasterCard and Visa are also good, but Diners Club and other cards have more limited use. In general, unless you are travelling at the top end the entire time, cash is far more useful – only high-end hotels, airline offices, upmarket shops and restaurants will accept credit cards. In the mountains and in the countryside it is best to carry cash in rupees, and do not assume that money changing facilities will be available.

ATM: 

There are ATMs in all major cities.

Travellers cheques: 

Generally accepted at most banks, 4- and 5-star hotels and major shops, though the exchange can often be problematic. US cheques are the most widely accepted.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Sat 0900-1330, Fri 0900-1230.

Currency restriction: 

US dollars remain the most widely accepted foreign currency. Make sure your notes are clean and without tears. When you exchange money keep hold of the official currency exchange receipts that you will be given - this way you have a better chance of exchanging back any unspent currency. Avoid accepting any torn or dirty notes as these are more difficult to spend. You will need to present your passport every time you exchange money. British pounds and the Euro will also be exchanged in banks in the big cities - again keep all receipts.

If you are in difficulty it is possible to do fast international money transfers with Western Union (www.westernunion.com). You will find the necessary counters in major cities, look for the distinctive yellow and black lettering. To keep your money safe in busy areas such as markets or bus stations it is a good idea to conceal your cash under your clothes with a money belt. Petty crime is rare, and rarer still outside of the big cities, but for peace of mind this can be a wise idea.

Pakistan duty free

The following items may be imported into Pakistan without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• Gifts up to a value of Rs2,000 (for the first visit in a calendar year, Rs1,000 for the second visit in a calendar year).

Note: Residents under 18 years old are not allowed any free import.

Banned imports: 

The import of alcohol, matches, plants, fruit and vegetables, fireworks, counterfeit or pirated articles or goods, indecent or obscene material and livestock is prohibited. Anything bearing words or inscription of a religious connotation, or anti-Islamic literature is also prohibited, as are Holy Koran translations without Arabic text.

Banned exports: 

The export of antiques, certain chemicals, gems and counterfeit and pirated articles and goods is prohibited.

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