The Pakistani rupee came into circulation in Pakistan after the end of British colonial rule in 1947. To start with, Pakistan used British Indian coins and notes simply stamped with "Pakistan". New coins and banknotes were issued in 1948.

ATM machines are common in Pakistan, but reports say that they are frequently out of order or out of money. If possible you should try to find an ATM inside a bank or atrium where you need to swipe your card to enter as these machines are usually in better condition and are well-stocked.

The PKR was originally divided into 16 annas, each of 4 pice or 12 pie. The currency was decimalised on 1 January 1961, when the rupee was subdivided into 100 pice, renamed paise/paisa later the same year. However, no coins denominated in paise have been issued since 1994.

Technically you should not take Rupees out of Pakistan, but there is very little enforcement of this in practice. There are plenty of opportunities to exchange rupees for Euros or Pounds before leaving Pakistan, but it might be difficult to sell any left-over Rupees when you arrive back here in the UK. Check out our list of currency buy back services for more information.

The GOV.UK website contains more useful information on visiting Pakistan and entry requirements.

In addition you should make sure any medication you take into the country with you is prescribed for you and in its original packaging. You may be asked to present the prescription as proof so you should take this with you too.