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How to Send Money from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan — Best Ways & Lowest Fees
Sending money from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan is one of the most common financial transactions for Pakistani expats in the Kingdom. Pakistan is consistently one of the top recipients of Saudi remittances. This guide compares the most popular methods — bank transfers, mobile apps, exchange houses, and money transfer services — so you can choose the fastest and cheapest option for your situation.
Highlights
- ★Al Rajhi Bank's Mutabaqah service is one of the most popular options for Pakistan remittances — competitive rates and available 24/7 via app or branch.
- ★STC Pay offers competitive exchange rates and instant transfers to Pakistani mobile wallets (JazzCash, Easypaisa) — no bank account needed on the receiving end.
- ★Exchange houses (Al Ansari, Al Mulla, UAE Exchange) often offer better exchange rates than banks for Pakistan transfers.
- ★Western Union and MoneyGram offer cash pickup in Pakistan — useful if your recipient does not have a bank account.
- ★Pakistan's State Bank requires remittances to come through official channels — all methods listed here are compliant.
- ★The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) rate fluctuates — always check the live rate on the day you send, not a quote from earlier.
Which Method Should You Use?
Who Is This For?
Pakistani expats in Saudi Arabia who want to send money home to family regularly or occasionally, and want to understand which method gives the best rate and lowest fees.
Directory
Most popular bank for Pakistan transfers among Saudi-based Pakistanis. Transfer via Al Rajhi app, online banking, or branch. Competitive PKR rate. Transfers reach Pakistan accounts within hours. Fee: SAR 10–25 per transaction.
Saudi mobile wallet with strong Pakistan remittance service. Supports direct transfer to JazzCash and Easypaisa. Competitive rates. No branch visit needed. Transfer fee: varies (check in-app rate). Register with your Iqama and Saudi mobile number.
Widely used for cash pickup transfers. Recipient can collect PKR cash from thousands of Western Union agent locations across Pakistan. Fee: SAR 15–50 depending on amount. Available online, via app, or at branches.
Exchange house with branches across Saudi Arabia. Often better PKR rates than banks. Cash transfer or bank deposit to Pakistan. Fee: SAR 10–30. Check live rates at branches.
Alinma Bank's remittance service. Good rates for Pakistan transfers. Available via Alinma app and branches. Suitable for Alinma account holders.
Standard SWIFT bank transfer to any Pakistani bank account. Best for large amounts. Higher fees than exchange houses (SAR 30–60) but reliable for corporate or large personal transfers.
Practical Tips
- 💡Check the rate on the day — the SAR/PKR rate changes daily. A difference of even 1–2 PKR per SAR matters significantly on large transfers.
- 💡Transfer during Pakistani banking hours (9am–5pm PKT, which is 8am–4pm Saudi time) for same-day credit. Transfers sent late evening may arrive the next morning.
- 💡STC Pay requires your Iqama number and Saudi mobile number to register. It does not require a Saudi bank account — useful for expats who have not yet opened a bank account.
- 💡Al Rajhi Mutabaqah allows you to lock in a rate at the time of the transaction — what you see is what the recipient receives, no hidden rate changes.
- 💡For regular monthly transfers, set up a standing instruction through your bank or keep STC Pay topped up to avoid last-minute rushes at month end.
- 💡Remittances sent through official channels qualify for Pakistan's Roshan Digital Account (RDA) incentives — ask your Pakistani bank if your transfers qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit on how much I can send from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia does not set a personal remittance limit for residents with a valid Iqama. However, for large transfers (SAR 50,000+), banks may ask for source of funds documentation. Pakistan's State Bank encourages remittances through official channels and has no cap on inward remittances.
Which method has the best SAR to PKR exchange rate?
Rates vary daily and differ by provider. Generally, licensed exchange houses (Al Ansari, Al Mulla) and STC Pay offer better PKR rates than high-street banks. The best approach is to check 2–3 providers on the day you want to transfer. A difference of 2–3 PKR per SAR can mean PKR 600–900 more on a SAR 300 transfer.
Can I send money to Pakistan without a Saudi bank account?
Yes. STC Pay works without a Saudi bank account — you fund it with cash at any STC store or top up via another method. Western Union and MoneyGram also allow cash-send transactions at their agent locations without needing a bank account.
How long does a transfer to Pakistan take?
STC Pay to JazzCash/Easypaisa: usually within minutes. Al Rajhi Mutabaqah to a Pakistani bank: same day to next business day. SWIFT bank transfer (SNB, Alinma): 1–3 business days. Cash pickup (Western Union, MoneyGram): usually within minutes of sending.
What details do I need to send money to a Pakistani bank account?
You need the recipient's full name, bank name, branch, and IBAN (24-digit account number starting with PK). For mobile wallets (JazzCash, Easypaisa), you only need the recipient's registered Pakistani mobile number.