Last Updated: January 14, 2026
TL;DR (Quick Summary)
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to start on wise: complete guide for pakistanis (2026). Includes practical steps and tips for Pakistani freelancers.
How to Start on Wise: Complete Guide for Pakistanis (2026)
Payment Methods Comparison for Pakistani Freelancers
| Method | Withdrawal Fee | Transfer Time | PKR Support | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payoneer | 1% | 1-2 days | Yes | Best Overall |
| Wise | 0.5-1% | 1-3 days | Limited | Best Rates |
| Bank Wire | $25-50 | 3-5 days | Yes | Large Amounts |
| Western Union | $10-20 | Minutes | Cash | Urgent Only |
Understanding Wise and Its Benefits for Pakistani Freelancers
Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is a payment platform designed to facilitate international money transfers at a lower cost. It’s particularly beneficial for freelancers because of its transparent fee structure and real exchange rates. Here’s why you might want to consider Wise over traditional banking methods or even Payoneer:- Lower Fees: Wise offers some of the lowest fees for international transfers. For instance, sending $1,000 to a client could cost you around $7 compared to a typical bank fee of up to $30.
- Real Exchange Rates: Unlike banks, which often mark up exchange rates to profit from currency conversion, Wise uses the mid-market rate, ensuring you get more of your hard-earned money.
- Multi-Currency Account: With Wise, you can hold money in multiple currencies, which is perfect if you work with clients worldwide.
How to Withdraw from Wise in Pakistan
Withdrawing your earnings from Wise to a local bank account is fairly straightforward. The process is quite similar to withdrawing from Payoneer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:- Create and Verify Your Wise Account: Sign up for a Wise account and complete the verification process. You'll need to provide identification and some personal details.
- Add Your Pakistani Bank Account: Once verified, link your bank account. Wise supports withdrawals to banks like HBL, MCB, UBL, and Meezan.
- Transfer Funds: After receiving money in your Wise account, initiate a transfer to your local bank account. The transfer usually takes 1-2 business days.
- Check Fees: Before confirming the transfer, check the fees associated with the withdrawal. Typically, Wise charges a small fee, but it’s always lower than traditional banks.
How to Earn Money with Wise
Earning money on Wise is directly related to the freelance work you do. Here are a few platforms where you can find gigs and get paid through Wise:- Freelancing Platforms: Sites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to receive payments directly into your Wise account.
- Direct Clients: You can also approach local businesses or international clients and offer your services. Many clients appreciate the convenience of Wise.
- Online Marketplaces: Consider selling digital products like e-books or graphic designs on marketplaces that support Wise.
My Experience with Wise and What I Learned
As I delved deeper into using Wise, I discovered some valuable lessons. Initially, I was hesitant about switching from Payoneer, which had been my primary payment method. However, I noticed several advantages with Wise. For instance, I had a client from Australia who wanted to pay me $1,000 for a project. Using Payoneer, I would have incurred around $25 in fees, but with Wise, the fee was just $7. That’s a significant difference, especially when you’re starting out and every dollar counts. Another critical lesson I learned was about currency conversion. Wise’s rates were consistently better than my local bank’s rates. I remember making a payment in GBP, and Wise saved me approximately 5% compared to my bank's conversion rate. However, I faced challenges too. Setting up my Wise account took a bit longer than expected due to the verification process, and not all clients were familiar with the platform initially. But once I explained its benefits, they were more than happy to use it.Practical Tips for Getting Started with Wise
If you’re considering using Wise for your freelancing payments, here are some actionable steps I suggest:- Sign Up: Create a Wise account and go through the verification process as soon as possible. This will save you time when you start receiving payments.
- Educate Your Clients: Inform your clients about Wise and how it works. Share the benefits of using Wise over traditional banks or PayPal.
- Link Your Pakistani Bank Account: Make sure to link your bank account to withdraw funds easily. Choose banks like HBL, MCB, or UBL for better service.
- Keep Track of Fees: Always check the fees associated with your transfers and withdrawals. Wise provides a transparent breakdown, so you know what you’re being charged.
Next Steps
Embarking on your freelancing journey with Wise can be a game-changer. Whether you’re working from Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad, the ability to receive payments efficiently can significantly impact your income. Remember, while PayPal may not be an option in Pakistan, Wise and Payoneer offer solid alternatives. In conclusion, my experience with Wise has been positive, and I encourage you to explore it as a payment solution for your freelance work. As you venture into this world, stay patient, keep learning, and don’t hesitate to adapt your strategies as needed. With determination and the right tools, financial freedom is within your reach.Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wise work in Pakistan?
Wise works with limitations in Pakistan. You can send money via Wise but receiving directly to a Wise account is difficult. Most freelancers use Payoneer instead.
What's the difference between Wise and Payoneer?
Payoneer is specifically designed for freelancers and works better in Pakistan. Wise has lower fees but limited functionality in Pakistan.
What's the best way to receive dollars in Pakistan?
For Pakistani freelancers, Payoneer is the best method. It works with Fiverr, Upwork, and most platforms, and transfers easily to Pakistani banks.