The US dollar rate in Pakistan today (21 March 2026) is Rs. 280.30 (open market selling) and Rs. 279.25 (interbank buying) , confirmed by the Forex Association of Pakistan and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The Pakistani rupee is showing short-term stability against the dollar, trading within a tight 52-week range of Rs. 279.12 to Rs. 286.25 amid rising remittances ahead of Ramadan, continued IMF programme compliance, and improving foreign exchange reserves now standing at $19.59 billion. Whether you are a freelancer, importer, traveller, or overseas Pakistani sending money home , this live guide gives you every rate, conversion table, and expert tip you need right now.
USD to PKR Rate Today – 21 March 2026 (Open Market & Interbank)
| Market Type | Buying Rate (PKR) | Selling Rate (PKR) |
| Open Market | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 |
| Interbank (SBP) | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 279.95 |
| Mid-Market Rate | , | Rs. 279.60 |
| Today’s Trading Range | Rs. 279.30 | Rs. 281.09 |
| 52-Week Low | , | Rs. 279.12 |
| 52-Week High | , | Rs. 286.25 |
| Year-on-Year Change | , | +0.390% |
Sources: Forex Association of Pakistan, SBP, forex.pk, hamariweb.com, investing.com , updated 21 March 2026.
All Major Currency Rates in Pakistan – Open Market Today
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan, here are today’s complete open market buying and selling rates for all major currencies in Pakistan:
| Currency | Flag | Buying (PKR) | Selling (PKR) |
| US Dollar (USD) | 🇺🇸 | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 |
| Euro (EUR) | 🇪🇺 | Rs. 322.00 | Rs. 323.05 |
| UK Pound Sterling (GBP) | 🇬🇧 | Rs. 373.25 | Rs. 374.25 |
| UAE Dirham (AED) | 🇦🇪 | Rs. 76.10 | Rs. 76.65 |
| Saudi Riyal (SAR) | 🇸🇦 | Rs. 74.20 | Rs. 74.65 |
| Australian Dollar (AUD) | 🇦🇺 | Rs. 196.00 | Rs. 197.00 |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | 🇨🇦 | Rs. 194.50 | Rs. 196.00 |
| Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) | 🇰🇼 | Rs. 903.00 | Rs. 912.00 |
| Qatari Riyal (QAR) | 🇶🇦 | Rs. 76.50 | Rs. 77.20 |
| Omani Riyal (OMR) | 🇴🇲 | Rs. 723.00 | Rs. 730.00 |
| Bahraini Dinar (BHD) | 🇧🇭 | Rs. 740.00 | Rs. 748.00 |
| Chinese Yuan (CNY) | 🇨🇳 | Rs. 38.20 | Rs. 38.80 |
| Japanese Yen (JPY) | 🇯🇵 | Rs. 1.85 | Rs. 1.92 |
| Swiss Franc (CHF) | 🇨🇭 | Rs. 314.50 | Rs. 318.00 |
Gulf currencies (AED, SAR, KWD, OMR, QAR) are especially important for the millions of Pakistani workers in the Middle East sending remittances home every month.
Open Market vs Interbank Rate – The Difference That Costs You Money
The biggest confusion for anyone trying to convert currency is why the rate you see on a news ticker is never the rate you actually get at the money changer , it comes down to two markets. Here is the full breakdown:
| Feature | Open Market | Interbank |
| Who Uses It | General public, exchange companies | Banks and financial institutions only |
| Set By | Forex Association of Pakistan (demand & supply) | State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) |
| Rate Difference | Usually Rs. 0.50–1.50 higher | Lower, officially regulated |
| Best Used For | Cash exchange, travel money, remittance pickup | Bank transfers, imports, exports, TT/SWIFT |
| Where to Access | Licensed exchange companies, forex shops | Commercial bank branches |
| Gap Significance | Wide gap = market uncertainty; tight gap = stability | , |
Right now the interbank-to-open-market gap is just Rs. 0.35–1.05 , a very tight spread that signals PKR stability in March 2026.
USD to PKR Rate History – March 2026 Weekly Tracker
Today’s USD/PKR trading range is from Rs. 279.30 to Rs. 281.09, with an opening price of Rs. 279.30. Over the past year, the pair has changed by just 0.390%, trading within a 52-week range of Rs. 279.125 to Rs. 286.250.
| Date | Open Market Selling (PKR) | Interbank (PKR) | Change |
| 21 March 2026 | Rs. 280.30 | Rs. 279.95 | Stable |
| 20 March 2026 | Rs. 280.30 | Rs. 279.25 | ▼ Re. 0.01 gain |
| 17 March 2026 | Rs. 280.30 | Rs. 279.50 | Stable |
| 16 March 2026 | Rs. 280.40 | Rs. 279.65 | ▼ Re. 0.05 |
| 13 March 2026 | Rs. 280.40 | Rs. 279.75 | Stable |
| 12 March 2026 | Rs. 279.75 | Rs. 279.25 | ▲ Rs. 0.20 |
| 52-Week High | Rs. 286.25 | , | , |
| 52-Week Low | Rs. 279.12 | , | , |
Key insight: The rupee has not breached Rs. 281 for over two weeks , an unusually stable period for Pakistan’s forex market driven by Ramadan remittance inflows.
Why Is the Dollar Rate Stable in Pakistan This Week?
The Pakistani rupee recorded a slight gain against the US dollar in the interbank market on Thursday, strengthening by Re0.01 compared to the previous close. Here is what is keeping the rupee steady:
Factors strengthening the PKR:
- ✅ Ramadan remittance surge , overseas Pakistanis send 15–20% more money during Ramadan, increasing dollar supply in the local market
- ✅ Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves now stand at a nutritious $19.59 billion total , providing a strong buffer against sudden rupee depreciation
- ✅ IMF programme on track , Pakistan’s compliance with IMF fiscal conditions has restored investor confidence
- ✅ SBP market interventions , State Bank selling dollars strategically to prevent rupee volatility
Factors creating upward pressure on dollar:
- 🔴 Iran-UAE conflict , regional geopolitical tension is increasing safe-haven dollar demand globally
- 🔴 High import bill , petrol surged to Rs. 321.17/litre, meaning Pakistan needs more dollars for energy imports
- 🔴 Global dollar strengthening , the Bank of Japan kept rates unchanged, strengthening the USD against most Asian currencies including PKR
USD to PKR Quick Currency Conversion Table
Use this table for instant rupee calculations , whether you are a freelancer on Fiverr, a student paying foreign fees, or a family receiving remittances:
| USD Amount | PKR Value (at Rs. 280.30) |
| $1 | Rs. 280 |
| $5 | Rs. 1,402 |
| $10 | Rs. 2,803 |
| $50 | Rs. 14,015 |
| $100 | Rs. 28,030 |
| $250 | Rs. 70,075 |
| $500 | Rs. 140,150 |
| $1,000 | Rs. 280,300 |
| $2,000 | Rs. 560,600 |
| $5,000 | Rs. 1,401,500 |
Freelancer tip: At today’s rate, earning $500/month from Upwork or Fiverr translates to approximately Rs. 1.40 lakh/month. Every Rs. 1 rupee gain in the exchange rate means Rs. 500 more on a $500 withdrawal , always time your withdrawals when the dollar is stronger.
Top Licensed Exchange Companies in Pakistan (2026)
Pakistan’s top SBP-licensed exchange companies include H&H Exchange Co. (Pvt) Ltd., Galaxy Exchange (Pvt.) Ltd., DollarEast Exchange (Pvt) Ltd., and Habib Exchange Co. Here is the complete list of trusted companies for currency exchange:
| Exchange Company | Type | Best For |
| Dollar East Exchange | SBP Category A | Cash exchange, remittances |
| H&H Exchange Co. | SBP Licensed | Competitive rates, walk-in exchange |
| Link International Exchange | SBP & SECP Licensed | Nationwide branches, all currencies |
| Habib Exchange Co. | SBP Licensed | TT/telegraphic transfers |
| Galaxy Exchange | SBP Licensed | Lahore & Karachi markets |
| NBP Exchange Company | State-owned | Safe, regulated, nationwide |
| HBL Currency Exchange | Bank-backed | Trust, safety, large transactions |
Tips for getting the best dollar rate:
- ✅ Compare at least 3 exchangers before handing over cash
- ✅ Larger amounts get better rates , above $500 unlocks premium pricing
- ✅ Monday to Thursday mornings offer the most stable, competitive rates
- ✅ Avoid airport exchange counters , they offer Rs. 5–15 less than market rate
- ✅ Check forex.pk or hamariweb.com for live rates before visiting any exchanger
Best Ways for Overseas Pakistanis to Send Money Home (Ramadan 2026)
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis are helping stabilize foreign currency inflows , especially ahead of Ramadan. Here are the best channels ranked by exchange rate value:
| Platform | Best Feature | Exchange Rate |
| Roshan Digital Account (SBP) | Tax-free, interbank rate | Best (official interbank) |
| Bank Transfer (TT/SWIFT) | Large amounts, secure | Interbank + small fee |
| Wise (TransferWise) | Mid-market rate, low fees | Near mid-market |
| JazzCash International | Instant wallet deposit | Competitive open market |
| Easypaisa International | Fast, digital | Competitive open market |
| Western Union / Ria | Cash pickup, 8,000+ locations | Slightly lower rate |
Roshan Digital Account remains the best option for overseas Pakistanis , it offers the official SBP interbank rate, zero tax on incoming remittances, and special profit rates on term deposits in foreign currency.
How Dollar Rate Affects Your Everyday Life in Pakistan
Most Pakistanis don’t exchange dollars directly , but the dollar rate silently affects every purchase they make:
| Sector | How USD/PKR Movement Affects It |
| Petrol & Energy | Pakistan imports crude oil in USD , rupee weakness = higher pump prices |
| Grocery & Food | Palm oil, pulses, wheat are dollar-priced , PKR weakness raises food costs |
| Mobile Phones & Electronics | Imported devices get more expensive as PKR weakens |
| Freelancers & IT Exports | Weaker PKR = more rupees per dollar earned , a direct income benefit |
| Students Studying Abroad | Tuition and living expenses in USD/GBP/EUR cost more rupees |
| Medicines & Healthcare | Pharma raw materials imported in dollars , rate affects medicine prices |
| Online Shopping (Amazon, eBay) | Bank applies interbank + 1–3% fee , budget Rs. 285–290 per dollar for online buys |
SBP’s Role in Controlling the Dollar Rate
State Bank of Pakistan policies include interventions to control volatility, with the SBP using a market-determined exchange rate regime. Here is how SBP manages the exchange rate:
- Open Market Operations , SBP buys or sells dollars from its reserves to smooth out extreme rate movements
- Exchange Company Regulation , All forex dealers must be SBP-licensed; unlicensed dealers face heavy penalties
- Cracking down on grey/black market , SBP actively penalizes undeclared dollar trading to channel remittances through official banking
- Weekly Monetary Policy , Interest rate decisions directly impact the attractiveness of the PKR to foreign investors
- IMF coordination , Pakistan’s exchange rate management is currently aligned with IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) conditions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the US dollar rate in Pakistan today on 21 March 2026? The open market selling rate is Rs. 280.30 and the buying rate is Rs. 279.25. The SBP interbank rate is Rs. 279.95, as confirmed by the Forex Association of Pakistan and multiple financial portals.
Q: What is the difference between open market and interbank dollar rate in Pakistan? The interbank rate (Rs. 279.95) is used by banks for large institutional transactions set by SBP. The open market rate (Rs. 280.30) is what you get at exchange companies , slightly higher due to the dealer’s profit margin and operational costs.
Q: Why is the dollar rate stable in Pakistan right now (March 2026)? Stability is driven by Ramadan remittance inflows, improving forex reserves of $19.59 billion, IMF programme compliance, and SBP interventions. The 52-week range is just Rs. 7.13 , unusually narrow for Pakistan.
Q: Where can I check the live USD to PKR rate in Pakistan? Trusted sources include forex.pk, hamariweb.com/finance/forex, pakbiz.com, and the SBP official website (sbp.org.pk). For city-specific rates, call Link Exchange on 0800-78610 (toll-free).
Q: What is the best time to exchange dollars in Pakistan? Early weekday mornings (9–11 AM, Monday to Thursday) typically offer the most competitive and stable rates. Avoid Friday afternoons and weekend rates due to lower liquidity.
Q: Can I get a better rate than Rs. 280.30 anywhere in Pakistan? Yes. For amounts above $1,000, premium exchange companies like H&H Exchange or DollarEast often offer Rs. 0.20–0.50 better than the standard market rate. Always negotiate for large amounts.
Q: What is 1 USD in PKR for online shopping on Amazon or eBay? Your bank will apply the interbank rate plus a foreign transaction fee of 1–3%. Budget approximately Rs. 285–292 per dollar for international online purchases after all bank charges.
Q: Is the SBP helpline available for exchange rate queries? Yes. The State Bank of Pakistan general helpline is +92-21-3245-1122. For live rates, visit sbp.org.pk or the official SBP Exchange Rate portal.
Final Thoughts
The US dollar rate in Pakistan today , Rs. 280.30 (open market) , reflects a period of rare stability for the Pakistani rupee, supported by rising remittances, $19.59 billion in forex reserves, and Pakistan’s ongoing IMF programme commitments. For freelancers, the current rate means Rs. 1.40 lakh per $500 earned. For overseas Pakistanis, Ramadan 2026 is the ideal time to send money through Roshan Digital Accounts for the best exchange rates and zero tax benefits. For importers and businesses, the tight Rs. 279–281 trading range offers a manageable window for planning international payments.
Always use SBP-licensed exchange companies, compare rates before every transaction, and monitor live updates on forex.pk and hamariweb.com.
SBP Helpline: +92-21-3245-1122 | Official Portal: sbp.org.pk Live Rate Portals: forex.pk | hamariweb.com | pakbiz.com Link Exchange Toll-Free: 0800-78610
Meta Description: US dollar rate in Pakistan today (21 March 2026): Open market selling rate is Rs. 280.30 and interbank is Rs. 279.95. Check all currency rates, conversion table, city-wise rates, top exchange companies, and why PKR is stable in Ramadan 2026.
Read More: US Dollar to PKR – Open Market Rate Today 20 March 2026 (Live USD to PKR Update)
