Foreigners cannot use Easypaisa for their digital banking needs, and there are other options they can choose to perform money transactions in Pakistan.
Easypaisa is a mobile digital banking application allowing users to perform simple transactions and other financial services. It is one of the largest mobile wallets in Pakistan and provides services throughout the country.
However, any foreigners coming to Pakistan or living abroad have a question they want the answer to.
Can foreigners use Easypaisa?
This article discusses whether outsiders can use the Easypaisa app and the alternatives if they can’t.
Can Non-Pakistanis Use Easypaisa?
Non-Pakistanis cannot use Easypaisa as you need a CNIC to register an account. Without CNIC, the regulations do not allow digital banks to open accounts.
Digital banks are helpful, especially when you are visiting another country. They help you convert your currencies to local currency and make payments whenever you want.
Unfortunately, for foreigners visiting Pakistan, things might be a bit challenging. Easypaisa, one of the top Pakistani mobile banks, does not cater to non-Pakistanis. To open an account with Easypaisa, users must have a CNIC, which is the national identity card for Pakistanis.
Without a CNIC, Easypaisa does not allow users to open an account. Since foreigners do not have a Pakistani identity card, they cannot register with Easypaisa.
What Other Options Do Foreigners Have in Pakistan?
Foreigners can use international mobile wallets along with any Visa or Mastercard-supported debit or credit cards for transactions in Pakistan.
Foreigners who want to perform money transactions in Pakistan can do so in several ways. Some of the most common methods are listed below.
1. Visa and Mastercard Supported Debit/Credit Cards
The best method of payment anywhere in the world is to use international payment gateways such as Visa and Mastercard. These gateways allow users to buy, sell, and withdraw funds at most POS terminals globally.
If you have a debit or credit card supported by Visa or Mastercard, you should be able to make purchases within Pakistan. Bear in mind that only a few retailers in the country possess card payment facilities, and you should inquire before making a purchase.
2. Payoneer
Payoneer is one of the most used international mobile wallets in Pakistan. Since PayPal is not available in the country, Payoneer has become a favorite, especially among freelancers in Pakistan.
If you have a Payoneer account, you can use its debit card to make payments in Pakistan. Another advantage of using Payoneer is its integration with JazzCash, another Pakistani mobile bank. This feature allows Payoneer users to send money to any JazzCash account in the country.
You can also use the Payoneer card to withdraw funds from the thousands of ATMs across Pakistan. Payoneer allows its users to keep money in several currencies, which is a great feature to have when you are visiting different countries.
3. Wise
Wise is one of the best digital banking wallets I have ever used. It allows users to keep money in various currencies, which is great for tourists. Unfortunately, Wise does not provide debit cards to Pakistanis, but if you belong to any other country where the company does provide debit cards, you are in luck.
You can use the Wise debit card at various POS terminals in Pakistan or withdraw funds via ATMs.
Wise transfers usually do not take more than one day. I have received funds from wise into my Pakistani bank accounts multiple times within a few seconds, making it a reliable mobile wallet if you are traveling outside your home country.
4. Cash via ATMs
Cash is the most obvious method to pay for your services or goods in Pakistan as a foreign national. You can withdraw money from the multitude of ATMs in Pakistan. Unfortunately, ATMs in Pakistan only support Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, and Paypak cards.
If you have an American Express, Maestro, or any other ATM card, it will not be accepted in Pakistan. The ATM limit for every card varies, but you can only withdraw a maximum of PKR 25,000 in one go. If you want more money, you have to insert your card again.
5. Currency Conversion
Foreigners traveling to Pakistan or any other country often keep Cash in local currency to avoid any hassles and troubles. The best way to convert your money into the local Pakistani Rupee is to visit a currency transfer company in your home country before boarding a flight to Pakistan.
If you want to convert your money once you are in Pakistan, you need to visit the available money transfer companies in the country. Some of these companies are:
- Western Union
- MoneyGram
- Xpress Money
Conclusion
Easypaisa is an amazing platform for users to carry out their daily banking transactions. Unfortunately, this service is not available to non-Pakistanis due to the State Bank of Pakistan’s regulations prohibiting branchless banks from opening accounts without CNIC.
Foreigners can use other options to carry out their monetary transactions in the country. They can be through Cash, ATMs, Visa or Mastercard-supported debit cards, or via other international mobile wallets.
