Where to exchange money in Islamabad
Before you set out exploring in Islamabad, it's wise to be as prepared as possible for your trip. One important thing is knowing the local currency if it differs from your own and where you can exchange it.
In this article you will discover some of the best currency exchanges in Islamabad that you can visit.
We will also introduce Wise - A digital alternative which could save you time and money.
Spend abroad without hidden fees
Currency exchanges in Islamabad
Consider using digital alternatives like Wise when looking at currency exchanges. If you still need to have some physical cash, here are a list of currency exchanges you can find in Islamabad.
A reminder from us - There's no such thing as 0% commission or fee-free so remember to do your research and make an informed decision.
| Money Changer | Address | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| D.D Exchange Company (Pvt) Ltd I-8 Branch | Shop No 21 Anique Arcade Plaza, near MIB and MCC, I-8 Markaz I 8 Markaz I-8, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan | +92 308 5000413 |
| Western Union | Islamabad | Kulsum Plaza, Block E G 6/2 Blue Area, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan | +92 51 2342003 |
| DD Exchange Company (Pvt) Ltd F-10 Branch | Shop No 7 Ground Floor, Plot # 2, Super Trader, near Bank of Punjab, F-10 Markaz F 10/4 F Sector, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan | +92 307 5000419 |
| Dollar East Exchange Company | 47 Jinnah Ave, Block E G 6/2 Blue Area, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan | - |
| FAIR DEAL EXCHANGE CO PVT LTD WESTERN UNION AND RIA MONEY CHANGER AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE KARACHI COMPANY G9 | SHOP NO 5A, BACK SIDE OF PEHCHAN MALL, G-9 Markaz G 9 Markaz G-9, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 46000, Pakistan | +92 307 5555714 |
| Universal Exchange Co Pvt Ltd | Dodhy Plaza, Jinnah Ave, Block E, Blue Area, Islamabad, ICT, 46 Jinnah Ave, Block E G 6/2 Blue Area, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan | +92 51 2277573 |
| Asia Money Changers | Madni Plaza, Jinnah Ave, Block E G 6/2 Blue Area, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan | - |
| Riaz Exchange Co Pvt Ltd | Blue Area, Islamabad, ICT, P39F+WGX, F 6/1 Blue Area, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan | +92 51 2275553 |
| AA Exchange DHA Branch | Shop # 2-F, Block No. 2, Ground Floor, Sector F DHA Phase 1, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad Capital Territory 46000, Pakistan | +92 51 5154984 |
| Premier International Currency Exchange | P39F+JWV, Jinnah Ave, Block E G 6/2 Blue Area, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan | +92 51 2604612 |
| Pakistan Currency Exchange,(western union,moneygram,ria) | Shop # 5, Phase - 4 Civic Center Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Punjab 46220, Pakistan | +92 304 2226142 |
| Sadiq Exchange F-11 Islamabad Branch (Western Union, Money Gram) | Shop No3, Ground Floor, Hamza Plaza, Plot No 20, 11 Markaz Sector F F-11, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan | +92 321 5590055 |
| Bizzon Plaza | MXMQ+74W, Hilal Rd, F-11 Markaz F 11 Markaz F-11, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan | +92 333 5986559 |
| AA Exchange Company (Pvt) Ltd. | M4, Mazanine Floor, Islamabad Stock Exchange Tower, Block J F 7/1 Blue Area, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan | +92 51 111 022 111 |
| Pakistan Currency Exchange Co Pvt Ltd | Madni Plaza, P39F+99Q, Jinnah Ave, Block E, Blue Area, Block E G 6/2 Blue Area, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan | - |
| AA Exchange Company I-8 Markaz Branch Islamabad | Shop No.16, Ground Floor, Plot.33, I-8 Markaz I 8 Markaz I-8, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44790, Pakistan | +92 51 4861828 |
| Western Union, MoneyGram & RIA - Pakistan Currency Exchange Saddar Rawalpindi | Basement Mall Plaza، Saddar, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan | +92 800 135 37 |
| Al-Qasim Traders Franchise Pakistan currency Exchange | Sumbal Rd, F-10 Markaz F 10/4 F-10, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan | +92 51 2211811 |
| Islamabad Exchange Co B | Capital Trade Centre, Office 5, Street 57, F-10 Markaz F 10/3 F-10, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan | +92 51 2809751 |
| Ravi Exchange Co Western Union | Shop No 1 New Abadi Ali Pur, Lehtrar Rd, near Islamabad Medical Complex Fazaldad Plaza, Ali Pur, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan | - |
Pakistani rupee rate today
The currency used in Islamabad, as well as the rest of Pakistan is Pakistani rupee.
However, when visiting a currency exchange shop you will notice they use currency codes. The code for Pakistani rupee is PKR. Keep an eye out for this if you want to compare exchange rates.
What you should know about exchanging money in Islamabad
When exchanging money in Islamabad or any foreign city, it's important to be aware how to get the best deals and avoid excessive charges and hidden fees. If you are planning on staying in Pakistan long-term or looking to make a larger investment you could consider opening a local bank account. Otherwise, use the tips below to help avoid getting overcharged.
1. Be wary of 'zero fee' services
Some services claiming 'no commission' often offer poor exchange rates. These may not reflect the mid-market rate, similar to what you'd see when checking the rate on Google. This can lead to higher costs for you and more profits for them.
2. Research the exchange rate
Check what the current exchange rate is so it's easier to spot a bad deal from currency exchanges.
3. Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels
It may be highly convenient, but airports and hotels will almost always offer poor rates and high transaction fees. Avoid this where possible.
4. Use ATMs strategically
Check if your local bank has partnerships in Pakistan banks to avoid unwanted ATM fees. It's becoming less of a requirement, but it can be good to inform your bank before traveling too.
5. Pick local currency on ATMs and card payments
When using an ATM abroad, choose to be charged in Pakistani rupees for a fairer rate and fees. The same applies if you get the option on card machines.
Consider an alternative to physical currency exchanges
Say goodbye to overcomplicated currency exchange. Wise can help you get a better deal on currency conversion in over 40 currencies, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees.
Open a personal Wise account online or in the Wise app, and order a linked debit card for a one-time fee to spend and withdraw money in 150+ countries.
There’s no fee to spend any currency you hold, and no foreign transaction fee to worry about. Use your account when you travel or shop online in foreign currencies, send payments in 70+ currencies, and get your own local account details in 9 currencies.
Other currency exchanges
Bottom line
As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to exchanging money in Islamabad. Don't forget to do your research on the exchange rate before converting your money, and check Wise out if you want a fuss-free alternative to exchanging cash.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.