Is PayPal Available in Pakistan

Ever had a client ready to pay you, only to hear, “Do you accept PayPal?” That one question has stopped countless freelancers, online sellers, and digital entrepreneurs in Pakistan right in their tracks.

You try creating an account. You enter your details. Then comes the punch: “Service not available in your country.” It's frustrating, especially when you see PayPal working smoothly for peers in other countries with just a few clicks.

This guide is for anyone tired of half-baked solutions, conflicting advice, and risky shortcuts. We’ll explain exactly why PayPal isn’t available in Pakistan, what’s being done about it, and most importantly, what your real, working alternatives are.

If you’ve struggled with receiving international payments or running a global business from Pakistan, this article will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Let’s break it down.

Is PayPal Available in Pakistan?

If you've ever tried setting up a PayPal account with a Pakistani number or bank, you already know the answer. But there’s more to it than just a simple “no.” Let’s break it down clearly—why it isn’t available, and what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Current Status

As of 2025, PayPal does not officially operate in Pakistan. You can’t sign up with a Pakistani address, phone number, or bank account. Even if you try using VPNs or fake addresses, PayPal’s verification system will eventually flag and freeze your account.

This isn't just an inconvenience. For many freelancers and digital businesses in Pakistan, it means missed opportunities, lost payments, and a constant search for workarounds that often don’t last.

While rumors about PayPal’s entry into Pakistan pop up every year, there’s been no official announcement or confirmed plan from the company itself.

Why Isn't PayPal in Pakistan?

There’s no single reason—but a mix of politics, policy, and perception. Here are the main roadblocks:

• Regulatory complications: The financial landscape in Pakistan isn’t simple. PayPal must comply with local laws related to anti-money laundering (AML), taxation, and digital payment systems. These requirements can be complex and time-consuming to meet.
• Concerns about fraud and identity verification: Countries where identity fraud is harder to control often face delays in onboarding global payment platforms. PayPal relies on strict Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, and implementation can be tricky without the right infrastructure in place.
• Unclear government stance: Over the years, multiple administrations have talked about bringing PayPal in—but little has moved beyond discussions. The lack of clear policy or incentive for international fintech companies doesn’t help either.
• Business viability: Simply put, PayPal might not see enough profit in entering Pakistan, especially when it already operates in over 200 countries with fewer legal headaches.

This leaves users in a tough spot: there’s demand, but no supply.

Alternatives to PayPal in Pakistan

Just because PayPal isn’t available doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, many freelancers and business owners in Pakistan are already using alternative platforms that are secure, trusted, and widely accepted.

Let’s look at the best options you can use right now to receive international payments without running into PayPal’s wall.

1. Payoneer

Payoneer is easily the most popular PayPal alternative in Pakistan—and for good reason. It lets you receive payments from clients and marketplaces across the globe, including Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon, and more.

When you sign up, Payoneer gives you virtual bank accounts in the US, UK, and EU. This means a client in New York can pay you as if you had a local US bank account. The money then lands in your Payoneer wallet, and from there, you can withdraw it to your local Pakistani bank.

Their customer support is responsive, the interface is user-friendly, and the fees are reasonable compared to traditional wire transfers.

2. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Wise is another excellent option, especially if you want transparency. What sets Wise apart is its real-time exchange rate and low, upfront fees. No hidden surprises. You know exactly what the recipient will get before you hit send.

You can receive money into your Wise account from clients abroad, and then transfer it to your Pakistani bank account in PKR. It works best if you're dealing with clients who don’t mind skipping platforms and sending directly.

Freelancers, remote employees, and consultants all swear by it, especially when PayPal isn’t on the table.

3. Skrill

Skrill has been around for years and is still used by many freelancers and online sellers. It’s especially popular in gaming, trading, and affiliate marketing niches. The interface feels a bit outdated compared to Wise or Payoneer, but it gets the job done.

You can receive international payments and then withdraw them to your Pakistani bank. However, Skrill charges relatively higher fees and currency conversion rates, so it’s better suited for occasional transactions rather than high-volume use.

4. Xoom (a PayPal Service)

Yes, this might sound ironic—but Xoom, which is owned by PayPal, works in Pakistan. It’s designed for sending money to Pakistan, not the other way around. So if someone abroad has a PayPal account, they can use Xoom to send money directly to your bank account or through cash pickup services like UBL or MCB.

You don’t need a PayPal account yourself; the sender does. This makes Xoom a great option if you’ve got family, friends, or clients abroad willing to initiate the transaction from their end.

What Should You Use Based on Your Use Case?

With so many alternatives available, it can be confusing to pick the right one. The best platform for you depends on what you do and how you get paid.

This quick breakdown will help you decide what works best for your situation.

1. For Freelancers and Remote Workers

If you're working with international clients on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour, Payoneer is your best option. It’s already integrated with most freelancing platforms and allows direct withdrawals to your Pakistani bank.

Wise is also a strong choice if you invoice clients directly and want better control over currency conversion fees.

2. For Online Store Owners and Entrepreneurs

If you run an e-commerce store selling to international customers, you'll need a flexible platform. 2Checkout (now Verifone) supports multiple payment methods, including PayPal, credit cards, and local options.

Pair it with Wise or Payoneer to withdraw the funds. Some sellers also use Shopify’s integrated payment systems and link their Wise accounts.

3. For Personal Remittances

If you’re receiving money from family abroad or occasional payments from friends, Xoom, Western Union, or MoneyGram are ideal. They allow cash pickup and direct deposit, and they’re widely supported across Pakistan.

These are also the simplest options—no setup, no accounts, just fast transfers.

How to Receive Money from PayPal in Pakistan

While you can’t open a PayPal account in Pakistan, there are still ways to receive money from someone who uses PayPal—without breaking any rules. This section covers practical, working methods that people are already using.

Let’s take a closer look at how it actually works.

1. Use Xoom (A PayPal Service)

If someone abroad wants to send you money through PayPal, Xoom is your best bet. It’s a money transfer service owned by PayPal that allows users in supported countries to send funds directly to Pakistan.

All the sender needs is a PayPal account and the recipient’s name, bank details, or a valid CNIC for cash pickup.

Xoom transfers typically arrive within minutes or a few hours. You can receive the money in your bank account, or pick it up in cash from locations like MCB, UBL, or Allied Bank.

It’s fast, legal, and doesn’t require you to sign up for anything.

2. Get Paid Through a Friend or Business Partner Abroad

This is a common workaround. If you have a trusted friend or relative abroad who has access to PayPal, they can receive the payment on your behalf. Once they get it, they can transfer the amount to your Pakistani bank through Wise, Western Union, or any other platform.

Is it ideal? Not really. It requires a lot of trust. But many people still use this method for one-off payments or emergencies, especially if the sender insists on using PayPal.

3. Register a PayPal Account in Another Country (Not Recommended)

Some people try to open PayPal accounts using addresses in countries like the UAE, US, or UK, then link them with Payoneer virtual accounts. Technically, it works. But it comes with a high risk of account suspension.

If PayPal detects anything suspicious—like inconsistent login locations or ID mismatches—they can freeze your funds instantly.

This method is risky and against PayPal’s terms of service. If your income depends on receiving payments consistently, it’s better to use legit alternatives than to gamble with your money.

How to Transfer Money from PayPal to a Pakistani Bank Account

You can’t transfer money directly from PayPal to a Pakistani bank account—because PayPal doesn’t recognize Pakistani banks. But if someone wants to send you money from their PayPal, there are safe workarounds that allow you to receive it locally.

Let’s break down how you can still make it happen.

Method 1: Xoom Transfer from PayPal to Bank

The most straightforward way is through Xoom. If the sender uses PayPal, they can log into their PayPal account, choose Xoom, and send money to your bank in Pakistan.

Here’s how it works:

• The sender selects Pakistan as the destination and enters your bank details.
• They choose “Bank Deposit” or “Cash Pickup.”
• You receive the amount in PKR, usually within minutes.

You don’t need a PayPal account or to sign up for anything. As long as the sender has a verified PayPal, the transaction flows easily.

Method 2: Use a Payoneer Account (Linked to PayPal)

If you already have a Payoneer account and a virtual U.S. bank account, someone abroad can link your Payoneer bank details to their PayPal. Then, they can transfer money as if they’re paying a U.S. recipient.

Once the money reaches your Payoneer wallet, you can withdraw it to your Pakistani bank.

Again, you don’t need to create a PayPal account yourself. You just need to share your Payoneer virtual banking details with the sender.

Important Note

You cannot withdraw money from a PayPal account directly to any Pakistani bank. Any website, forum, or video telling you otherwise is either outdated or misleading. Always use legal, trusted services that are approved for cross-border transactions.

Conclusion

The short answer to “Is PayPal available in Pakistan?” is still no. And for anyone working online—especially in freelancing, e-commerce, or digital services—that can feel like hitting a wall. But it doesn’t mean your business or career has to stop.

From Payoneer and Wise to Xoom and Skrill, there are safe, legal, and effective ways to receive international payments in Pakistan. These tools are already being used by thousands of professionals across the country who simply can't wait for PayPal to show up.

The key is to choose the option that fits your needs. Don’t rely on risky hacks or fake accounts. Instead, use platforms that are designed to help you grow without fear of getting locked out or losing your money.

Until PayPal officially arrives—and yes, we all hope it does—these alternatives will keep your business moving forward.