Best Way to Send Money from UAE to Pakistan in 2026
With over 1.5 million Pakistani nationals living and working in the UAE, the AED to PKR remittance corridor is one of the busiest in the world. Whether you're sending money to family, paying for property, or supporting education costs back home, finding the best way to send money can save you thousands of dirhams annually.
In this comprehensive guide, we compare the top money transfer services available in the UAE for sending money to Pakistan, including online services like Wise and Remitly, traditional providers like Western Union, and local exchange houses like Al Ansari and UAE Exchange.
Quick Answer: For most transfers, Wise offers the best overall value with mid-market exchange rates and transparent fees. For urgent cash pickup, Al Ansari Exchange or Western Union are the fastest options. For mobile wallet delivery, Remitly is excellent with frequent promotions.
UAE to Pakistan Money Transfer Comparison Table
| Provider | Exchange Rate | Fee (AED 1,000) | Speed | Payout Options | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Mid-market rate | AED 15-25 | 1-2 business days | Bank transfer, JazzCash, Easypaisa | 4.8/5 |
| Remitly | Mid-market -0.3% | AED 0-15 | Minutes to 3 days | Bank, Cash pickup, Mobile wallet | 4.6/5 |
| Western Union | Mid-market -2-4% | AED 20-50 | Minutes | Cash pickup, Bank transfer | 4.2/5 |
| Al Ansari Exchange | Mid-market -1-2% | AED 10-20 | Same day to 1 day | Bank transfer, Cash pickup | 4.4/5 |
| UAE Exchange | Mid-market -1.5% | AED 15-25 | Same day | Bank transfer, Cash pickup | 4.3/5 |
Best for Large Transfers: Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) has become the go-to choice for cost-conscious expats sending money from UAE to Pakistan. Their key advantage is using the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup, plus transparent fees that you see upfront.
✓ Pros
- True mid-market exchange rate
- Transparent, low fees (0.5-1.5%)
- Supports JazzCash & Easypaisa
- Mobile app with rate alerts
- Multi-currency account available
✗ Cons
- No cash pickup option
- Takes 1-2 business days
- Requires online verification
- Bank transfer fees from UAE banks
Best for: Regular senders who prioritize value over speed, large transfers over AED 3,000, tech-savvy users comfortable with apps.
Best for Speed: Remitly
Remitly excels at fast transfers to Pakistan with excellent mobile wallet integration. Their Express option can deliver money to JazzCash or Easypaisa within minutes, making them ideal for urgent transfers.
✓ Pros
- Minutes delivery to mobile wallets
- Frequent zero-fee promotions
- First transfer discounts
- Excellent mobile app
- Cash pickup available
✗ Cons
- Exchange rate markup (0.3-0.5%)
- Higher fees for bank transfers
- Promotional rates not always available
- Lower limits than Wise
Best for: Urgent transfers, mobile wallet recipients, first-time senders looking for promotions.
Best for Cash Pickup: Al Ansari Exchange
Al Ansari Exchange is one of the most trusted names in UAE money transfer with over 200 branches across the country. They offer competitive rates for cash pickup in Pakistan through their partner network.
✓ Pros
- Extensive branch network in UAE
- Same-day delivery possible
- Trusted local brand
- No need for smartphone/internet
- Can pay with cash
✗ Cons
- Exchange rate markup (1-2%)
- Must visit branch in person
- Weekend/holiday limitations
- Rates vary by branch
Best for: Those who prefer in-person service, recipients without bank accounts, same-day cash pickup needs.
Best for Familiarity: Western Union
Western Union remains popular for its extensive global network and instant cash pickup service. While not the cheapest option, their reliability and reach make them a solid choice for urgent transfers.
✓ Pros
- Instant cash pickup worldwide
- Thousands of locations in Pakistan
- App and in-person options
- Established trust and reliability
✗ Cons
- Highest fees (AED 20-50+)
- Poor exchange rates (2-4% markup)
- Expensive for regular transfers
- Better options available for Pakistan
Best for: Emergency transfers, recipients in remote areas, those who value brand recognition.
Important: Exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day. The PKR has been volatile in recent years, so consider setting up rate alerts with Wise or Remitly to transfer when rates are favorable.
How Much Can You Save?
The difference between providers can be significant. On a typical AED 5,000 transfer to Pakistan, here's what you might receive:
| Provider | Exchange Rate | Fee | Amount Received (PKR) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 76.50 (mid-market) | AED 25 | PKR 380,587 | Best |
| Remitly | 76.27 | AED 15 | PKR 379,985 | -PKR 602 |
| Al Ansari | 75.50 | AED 15 | PKR 376,242 | -PKR 4,345 |
| Western Union | 74.00 | AED 35 | PKR 367,630 | -PKR 12,957 |
Note: Rates are illustrative. Always compare real-time rates before sending.
Tips for Sending Money from UAE to Pakistan
1. Time Your Transfers Wisely
The PKR rate can fluctuate significantly week to week. If you're sending money regularly, consider using rate alerts and transferring larger amounts when rates are favorable rather than sending small amounts frequently.
2. Consider Mobile Wallets
JazzCash and Easypaisa have revolutionized money receiving in Pakistan. Recipients can access funds instantly, pay bills, and withdraw cash from thousands of agents across the country without needing a bank account.
3. Keep Documents Ready
UAE's anti-money laundering regulations require proper documentation. Keep your Emirates ID updated and have proof of income ready for larger transfers. This speeds up verification and prevents delays.
4. Compare Total Cost, Not Just Fees
A "zero fee" transfer with a poor exchange rate often costs more than a service with transparent fees and better rates. Always calculate the total amount your recipient will receive.
Compare Live Rates Now
See exactly how much your recipient will receive with each provider using our free comparison tool.
Compare AED to PKR RatesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to send money from UAE to Pakistan?
For large transfers (over AED 3,000), Wise typically offers the best value with mid-market exchange rates and low transparent fees. For smaller amounts, Remitly often has zero-fee promotions that can be more economical.
How long does it take to send money from UAE to Pakistan?
Transfer times vary by provider: Western Union and local exchange houses offer instant cash pickup, Remitly can deliver in minutes to mobile wallets, while Wise bank transfers typically take 1-2 business days.
Can I send money to JazzCash or Easypaisa from UAE?
Yes, several providers support mobile wallet transfers. Remitly and Wise both offer JazzCash and Easypaisa as payout options, allowing recipients to receive money directly to their mobile wallets.
What documents do I need to send money from UAE to Pakistan?
You'll need a valid Emirates ID, passport, and recipient details (name, bank account or mobile number). Some providers may require proof of income for larger transfers due to UAE Central Bank regulations.
Is it better to use exchange houses or online services?
Online services like Wise and Remitly typically offer better exchange rates and lower fees. However, local exchange houses like Al Ansari are convenient if you prefer cash transactions or need same-day service.
What is the maximum amount I can send from UAE to Pakistan?
UAE Central Bank limits vary by provider. Most services allow up to AED 35,000 per transaction. Annual limits may apply based on your residency status and documentation. Wise and banks typically have higher limits for verified customers.
Conclusion
For most people sending money from UAE to Pakistan, Wise offers the best overall value with transparent pricing and mid-market exchange rates. If you need instant delivery to mobile wallets, Remitly is an excellent choice, especially with their first-transfer promotions.
For those who prefer traditional services or need cash pickup in smaller Pakistani cities, Al Ansari Exchange provides reliable service with good coverage. Reserve Western Union for emergencies when you need guaranteed instant cash pickup in remote locations.
Remember to compare rates before each transfer, as conditions change frequently. Use our comparison tool to see live rates from all providers before making your decision.