How to Withdraw Money from Wise in Pakistan

Last Updated: January 14, 2026

TL;DR (Quick Summary)

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to withdraw money from wise in pakistan. Includes practical steps and tips for Pakistani freelancers.

How I Navigated Money Withdrawals from Wise in Pakistan

Payment Methods Comparison for Pakistani Freelancers

MethodWithdrawal FeeTransfer TimePKR SupportRating
Payoneer1%1-2 daysYesBest Overall
Wise0.5-1%1-3 daysLimitedBest Rates
Bank Wire$25-503-5 daysYesLarge Amounts
Western Union$10-20MinutesCashUrgent Only
When I first got into freelancing, the thrill of earning money from clients across the globe was amazing. However, I quickly realized that getting my hard-earned cash into my hands in Pakistan was a different ball game altogether. For a long time, I relied on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, using Payoneer as my primary payment method. But then I stumbled upon Wise—formerly TransferWise—and it opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I remember my first withdrawal from Wise. I had earned around $2,000 from a project, and I was anxious to see how smoothly the withdrawal process would be. I had heard mixed reviews about Wise in Pakistan, but I was determined to make it work. Here’s how I did it and what you need to know to successfully withdraw money from Wise to your Pakistani bank account.

Understanding Wise Bank Transfers in Pakistan

Wise is an online money transfer service that allows you to send and receive money internationally. Unlike traditional banks, Wise uses real exchange rates and charges lower fees, making it a popular choice among freelancers and expatriates. How to Set Up Your Wise Account 1. **Create an Account**: Signing up is straightforward. You visit the Wise website, enter your email, and set a password. 2. **Verify Your Identity**: You’ll need to upload some identification, such as your CNIC, to comply with regulations. 3. **Add Your Bank Details**: This is crucial. You must link your Pakistani bank account (like HBL, MCB, or UBL) to receive your funds. Why Choose Wise? - **Low Fees**: Wise generally charges a fee of around 0.5% to 1% for transfers, which is significantly lower than traditional banks. - **Real Exchange Rate**: The money you send is converted at the mid-market rate, meaning you get more PKR for your USD compared to banks that often charge inflated rates. - **Quick Transfers**: Many transfers are completed within a few hours, making it faster than some local banks.

Wise Payment Methods in Pakistan

When dealing with Wise in Pakistan, it’s essential to understand your payment options. Here’s a quick rundown: 1. **Bank Transfer**: You can receive money directly into your Pakistani bank account. Wise supports several banks like HBL, MCB, UBL, and Meezan. 2. **Payoneer Integration**: If you prefer, you can also withdraw from Wise to your Payoneer account. This is a great option since PayPal doesn’t work in Pakistan and Payoneer gives you a $25 bonus for signing up.

Withdrawing Money from Wise to Pakistani Banks

Now that you have your Wise account set up, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of withdrawing funds. Steps to Withdraw from Wise to Your Pakistani Bank 1. **Log into Your Wise Account**: Open the Wise app or website and log in. 2. **Select 'Withdraw'**: Navigate to the 'Balance' section and choose 'Withdraw'. 3. **Input Amount**: Enter the amount you wish to withdraw. For example, if you have $2,000, that might convert to around PKR 560,000 (considering an exchange rate of 280 PKR/USD). 4. **Choose Your Bank**: Select your linked Pakistani bank account. 5. **Review Fees**: Wise will show you the fees applied. For a $2,000 transfer, expect a fee of around $10-$20. 6. **Confirm the Transfer**: Once you confirm, the money will be on its way to your bank account! When I made my first withdrawal, I was shocked at how quickly the money landed in my HBL account. It took only a few hours, and I was able to access my funds almost immediately.

Payoneer as an Alternative Withdrawal Method

If you’re looking for an alternative, you can opt to withdraw from Wise to your Payoneer account. Here’s how: 1. **Transfer Funds to Payoneer**: In your Wise account, choose to withdraw to your Payoneer account instead of your bank. 2. **Withdraw to Local Bank**: Once the funds are in your Payoneer account, you can withdraw them to local banks like MCB or UBL. 3. **Receive a Bonus**: Remember, if you’re new to Payoneer, you get a $25 bonus when you make your first transaction. Payoneer is a lifeline for freelancers in Pakistan, especially since PayPal isn’t an option.

My Experience with Wise and What I Learned

Over my five years as a Freelancer, I’ve tried numerous payment platforms. While Payoneer has been my go-to, Wise has been a refreshing addition. I remember facing a frustrating situation when one of my clients insisted on using Wise instead of Payoneer. I was hesitant, but I decided to give it a shot. After following the steps I’ve outlined, I managed to withdraw around $1,500 to my UBL account. The process was seamless, and the funds were available within hours. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of using Wise. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Initially, I struggled with the exchange rates and fees. I learned to double-check the conversion rates and fees before confirming any transactions to avoid unexpected deductions.

Key Takeaways from My Experience

- **Always Check Fees**: A small fee can add up, especially when transferring larger amounts. - **Timing is Key**: Transfers can take a few hours to a couple of days. Plan your withdrawals accordingly. - **Keep Your Documents Ready**: Ensure your identification is verified to prevent any delays in withdrawals.

Practical Tips for Freelancers in Pakistan

If you’re a freelancer looking to withdraw money from Wise, here are some practical tips to make the process smoother: 1. **Use Reliable Banks**: Stick to well-known banks like HBL, MCB, or UBL for better service and reliability. 2. **Monitor Exchange Rates**: Use currency converter apps to track rates and choose the best time to withdraw. 3. **Consider Payoneer**: If you’re not already using Payoneer, consider signing up. The benefits are immense, especially for freelancers in Pakistan. 4. **Stay PSEB Registered**: Being registered with PSEB can offer you access to various resources and support for your freelancing career. Plus, it keeps you compliant with local tax regulations from FBR. 5. **Keep Records**: Maintain records of all transactions for tax purposes and to track your earnings.

Conclusion

Withdrawing money from Wise in Pakistan can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. My journey from freelancing novice to earning over $100,000 has been filled with learning opportunities. Wise has proven to be an invaluable tool in my arsenal, especially with the combination of Payoneer. If you’re looking to streamline your payment methods, I highly recommend giving Wise a try. With the right knowledge and a little patience, you can make the most of your freelancing income and achieve financial freedom.

About the Author

Ahmed Hassan is a Freelancer & Remote Work Consultant from Pakistan with over 5 years of experience. He has earned more than $100,000 USD through platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and direct clients. Ahmed is PSEB registered and helps Pakistani freelancers succeed in the global marketplace.

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.

Best Way to Receive Dollars in Pakistan

PayPal doesn't work in Pakistan - Payoneer is the best alternative!

Get Started with Payoneer