Yes, you can send money from PayPal to Pakistan, but it goes through a money transfer service, not directly to a bank

PayPal does not transfer funds directly into Pakistani bank accounts. Instead, PayPal partners with Wise (formerly TransferWise) and other money transfer operators to move your money from PayPal to Pakistan. The money arrives as a bank deposit, but the route is indirect: PayPal converts your funds to Pakistani rupees and passes them to the transfer partner, who then deposits into the recipient's bank account.

The process takes 1 to 3 business days once initiated. Fees vary by amount and method—PayPal charges a conversion fee (usually 2–3% of the amount sent) plus a fixed transfer fee that ranges from $0.99 to $4.99 depending on the corridor. The recipient's bank may also charge a small deposit fee, though most Pakistani banks do not.

You need the recipient's full name, bank account number, and bank branch code (SWIFT code or IBAN). PayPal will ask for these details before you confirm the transfer. The recipient does not need a PayPal account.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal sends money to Pakistan through third-party transfer partners like Wise, not directly from your PayPal balance to a bank account.
  • The transfer takes 1 to 3 business days and costs 2–3% in conversion fees plus a fixed fee of $0.99 to $4.99.
  • You must provide the recipient's full name, bank account number, and SWIFT code or IBAN before the transfer is sent.
  • The recipient's bank may charge a small deposit fee, but most Pakistani banks do not charge incoming international transfers.

How to send money from PayPal to a Pakistani bank account

Log into your PayPal account and select Send Money from the menu. Choose the option to send money internationally. Enter the recipient's name and email address (or phone number if they are in your contacts). PayPal will then ask whether the recipient has a PayPal account; select No to proceed with a bank transfer.

Enter the amount you want to send in your home currency. PayPal will show you the exchange rate, the fees, and the amount the recipient will receive in Pakistani rupees. Review these details carefully—the exchange rate and fees are locked in at this point.

Next, enter the recipient's bank details: their full name (as it appears on their bank account), bank account number, and SWIFT code or IBAN. If you do not have the SWIFT code, ask the recipient to check their bank statement or contact their bank directly. PayPal will validate these details before you confirm.

Click Send to complete the transfer. PayPal will deduct the amount plus fees from your PayPal balance or linked bank account. You will receive a confirmation email with a transaction reference number. Share this number with the recipient so they can track the deposit on their end.

Exchange rates and fees you will pay

PayPal uses its own exchange rate, which is typically 1–2% higher than the mid-market rate you see on Google or XE.com. This markup is how PayPal makes money on the conversion. The exact rate changes throughout the day based on market conditions.

On top of the conversion markup, PayPal charges a fixed transfer fee. For transfers to Pakistan, this fee is usually between $0.99 and $4.99, depending on the amount sent. Smaller transfers (under $100) tend to have lower fixed fees; larger transfers may have higher ones. PayPal shows the total cost before you confirm, so you know exactly what you are paying.

The recipient's bank may charge a deposit fee for receiving international money, but this is rare in Pakistan. Most Pakistani banks absorb the cost or charge a nominal amount (100–500 rupees). The recipient should check with their bank if they want to know in advance.

If cost is your main concern, compare PayPal's rate and fees against other services like Wise, Remitly, or MoneyGram. Wise often has lower fees for larger amounts, while Remitly may be cheaper for smaller transfers. The best choice depends on how much you are sending.

What information you need from the recipient

Before you start the transfer, ask the recipient for the following details in writing:

  • Full name: Exactly as it appears on their bank account. Middle names and spelling matter.
  • Bank account number: The complete account number, not a shortened version.
  • SWIFT code or IBAN: Pakistani banks use SWIFT codes (usually 8 or 11 characters). Some banks also provide an IBAN. If the recipient is unsure, they can find this on their bank statement or by calling their bank.
  • Bank name and branch: The full name of the bank and the branch where the account is held.

Incorrect details are the most common reason transfers fail or are delayed. If the name does not match exactly, or if the account number is wrong, the money may be returned to your PayPal account after 5–10 business days. Ask the recipient to double-check everything before you send.

Timeline: when the money arrives

PayPal processes the transfer within 1 business day. Once PayPal sends the funds to the transfer partner (usually Wise), the money typically arrives in the recipient's Pakistani bank account within 1 to 2 additional business days. In total, expect 1 to 3 business days from the time you click Send to the time the money appears in the recipient's account.

Weekends and Pakistani public holidays can add delays. If you send money on a Friday evening, the recipient may not see it until Tuesday or Wednesday. During major holidays (Eid, Independence Day), banks may process transfers more slowly.

You can track the transfer using the transaction reference number PayPal provides. Log into your PayPal account, go to your transaction history, and click on the transfer to see its status. The status will show as Processing, In Transit, or Completed. Once it shows Completed, the money has left PayPal's system and is on its way to the recipient's bank.

What happens if the transfer fails or is delayed

If the recipient's bank rejects the transfer (usually because of incorrect account details), PayPal will return the money to your PayPal account within 5–10 business days. You will receive an email explaining why the transfer was rejected. The fees you paid are not refunded.

If the transfer is delayed beyond 3 business days, contact PayPal support with your transaction reference number. Provide the recipient's bank details and ask PayPal to check the status with the transfer partner. In rare cases, the money may be stuck in the transfer partner's system and require manual intervention.

If the recipient claims they never received the money, ask them to check their bank account carefully—sometimes deposits appear under a different name or take longer to post. If the money truly did not arrive after 5 business days, ask the recipient to contact their bank with the transfer reference number. The bank can investigate on their end and confirm whether the funds were received.

Alternatives to PayPal for sending money to Pakistan

Wise (formerly TransferWise) often offers better exchange rates and lower fees than PayPal for larger transfers. You can link your PayPal balance to Wise and send money directly, or use Wise as a standalone service. Wise is especially competitive for amounts over $500.

Remitly specializes in remittances to Pakistan and may have lower fees for smaller amounts (under $200). Remitly also offers a mobile app and allows the recipient to pick up cash at partner locations if they prefer not to use a bank account.

MoneyGram and Western Union allow cash pickups in Pakistan, which can be useful if the recipient does not have a bank account. However, fees are typically higher than bank transfers, and the recipient must visit a physical location to collect the money.

If you are sending money regularly, ask your own bank whether they offer international transfers to Pakistan. Some banks have lower fees for frequent customers or offer better rates for larger amounts. This route requires more setup but can save money over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the recipient use the money immediately after it arrives?

Yes. Once the money deposits into the recipient's bank account, they can withdraw it, transfer it, or use it for purchases immediately. There is no hold or waiting period on the recipient's end. The only delay is the 1–3 business days it takes for the transfer to arrive.

What if I send money to the wrong bank account by mistake?

If you realize the mistake before PayPal processes the transfer, cancel it immediately through your PayPal transaction history. If the transfer has already been sent, contact PayPal support right away with the transaction reference number. PayPal may be able to recall the funds, but this depends on how far along the transfer is. Once the money reaches the recipient's bank, recovery is difficult and requires the recipient's bank to reverse the deposit.

Do I need to report this transfer to the IRS or Pakistani tax authorities?

If you are sending money as a gift, no reporting is required in most cases. If you are sending money as payment for goods or services, you may need to report it depending on your country's tax laws and the amount. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure. PayPal does not report individual transfers to tax authorities unless they exceed certain thresholds or are flagged as suspicious.

Can I send money from PayPal to a mobile wallet in Pakistan instead of a bank account?

PayPal does not support direct transfers to Pakistani mobile wallets like JazzCash or Easypaisa. You must send to a bank account. However, the recipient can withdraw the money from their bank account and transfer it to a mobile wallet themselves if they prefer.

Is there a limit to how much I can send?

PayPal's sending limits depend on your account history, verification status, and country. Most accounts can send between $1,000 and $10,000 per transaction, with higher limits available for verified accounts. Check your PayPal account settings under Limits to see your current sending limit. If you need to send more, you can make multiple transfers or contact PayPal support to request a higher limit.