Full comparison of Wise, Al Rajhi Bank, STC Pay, Remitly and Western Union for SAR to PKR. How to save the most Pakistani Rupees on every transfer.
Over 2.6 million Pakistanis live and work in Saudi Arabia, making it the single largest source country of remittances to Pakistan. The Saudi Arabia to Pakistan corridor handles billions of SAR annually — choosing the right service can save you thousands of rupees every year.
The SAR is pegged to the USD at 3.75, so the SAR is very stable. The PKR however fluctuates significantly against the dollar, meaning exchange rates change frequently and the gap between services matters enormously.
| Service | Fee on SAR 1,000 | Rate Quality | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Wise | ~SAR 8–12 | ✅ Mid-market (best) | 1–2 days | Best exchange rate |
| STC Pay | SAR 10–15 | ✅ Near mid-market | ⚡ Minutes | Fastest transfer |
| Remitly | SAR 0 (promo) | ✅ Competitive | Minutes–1 day | First-time users |
| Al Rajhi Bank | SAR 5 + margin | ⚠️ 2–3% below mid | 1–3 days | Trust, large amounts |
| Western Union | SAR 18–25 | ⚠️ 3–5% below mid | ⚡ Minutes (cash) | Remote cash pickup |
| Moneygram | SAR 15–22 | ⚠️ 2–4% below mid | Minutes–1 day | Cash pickup |
Wise (formerly TransferWise) consistently delivers the most PKR per riyal. They use the mid-market exchange rate — the rate you see on Google or XE.com — and charge a small, transparent percentage fee. There are no hidden margins built into the exchange rate.
Wise accepts payments from Saudi bank transfers and Mada/Visa debit cards. Supported Pakistani banks include HBL, MCB, Meezan, UBL, Bank Alfalah, Habib Bank, and all major Pakistani banks with IBAN numbers.
Al Rajhi Bank has operated in Saudi Arabia since 1957 and is the most recognisable name for Pakistani expats sending money home. While the exchange rate is typically 2–3% below mid-market, the reliability, Arabic-language support, and widespread branch network make it the default choice for many. Best for large transfers where trust matters more than the rate margin.
STC Pay is available to STC mobile subscribers and delivers SAR to PKR in minutes through the STC Pay app. Rates are competitive — often better than Al Rajhi but slightly below Wise. No branch visit required. Particularly popular among younger Pakistani expats already using STC mobile.
Sources: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) licensing list, provider-published exchange rates and fee schedules. Figures and rules are set by the issuing authority and may change — verify current details on the official portal before relying on them. Last reviewed: June 2026.
⚠️ Disclaimer: All results are estimates based on publicly available Saudi government regulations and rates. Always verify important financial or legal decisions with your employer, bank, or the relevant Saudi authority (Ministry of Human Resources, GOSI, ZATCA, Jawazat, or SAMA).