Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Panama: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
In Pakistan, the best plan is to withdraw from ATMs of trusted banks like HBL or Standard Chartered. Budget PKR 4,000-6,000 daily depending on travel style. Exchange only PKR 1,000-2,000 at the airport to cover taxis or snacks, then use ATMs in town. Avoid dynamic currency conversion prompts and always select rupees. Airport counters are convenient but overpriced compared to ATMs.
The exchange rate at Islamabad Airport was disappointing. I swapped $100 and realized later I’d lost PKR 1,000-1,500 compared to what I would have received at an ATM. That’s basically two full days of meals wasted. For a trip where I was budgeting PKR 5,000 per day, it was frustrating to burn cash on arrival. ATMs from UBL and HBL gave me stronger value overall.
I exchanged $30 at Lahore Airport for my cab ride and then withdrew more from an HBL ATM in the city. The difference was noticeable - I got more rupees from the ATM. Meals were around PKR 800-1,200, and rickshaw rides PKR 300-500, so my PKR 5,000 daily budget stretched further. The airport counter worked for emergencies, but for the rest, ATMs were much better value.
In Pakistan, ATMs usually give you better rates than airport exchange counters. Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports have kiosks, but they often charge poor rates. Machines from HBL, UBL, or Standard Chartered offer fair rupee withdrawals. If you’re budgeting PKR 4,000-6,000 daily for meals, taxis, and sightseeing like Lahore Fort or Karachi’s Clifton Beach, ATMs are the smarter choice. Airport counters are best only for small initial sums.