Saudi Riyal (SAR) to Pakistani Rupee (PKR): Where to Check the Rate

• SAR

Saudi riyal rate: where to check it

The card above shows the official SAR to PKR rate from State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This is SBP's exchange rate for mark-to-market revaluation, the "ready" rate in rupees per riyal, with the SBP date and a link to the SBP page. SBP issues these rates every working day for authorised dealers to revalue their books. The card also shows SBP's weighted average customer exchange rate for the US dollar (bid and offer), a 30-day trend for SAR/PKR and other main pairs, and a converter that includes the rupee. It refreshes by itself when SBP publishes. On weekends and public holidays no new official rate is published, so the last official date stays until the next fixing.

A reference rate is a benchmark. Banks and exchange companies use it as a guide, but you will not usually get it at the counter.

This converter works on European Central Bank (ECB) euro reference rates, as cross rates between the currencies the ECB covers. It does not include the riyal or the rupee, so it cannot give you a SAR to PKR result. For riyal amounts in rupees, use the converter in the rates card above, which works on SBP rates and includes PKR. Check the actual rate with your bank or exchange company before you send or change money.

Why bank and exchange-office rates differ

The official figure is a mid-market reference. The rate you get differs for these reasons:

• Buy and sell prices. A bank or exchange company quotes two prices. It buys riyals from you at one price and sells riyals to you at a higher one. The difference between the two is the spread, and it is part of the provider's income.
• Cash versus transfer. Cash notes often have a wider spread than bank transfers, because the provider has to hold and move physical currency.
• Card conversion. When you pay by card in Saudi Arabia, your bank or card network converts the amount at its own rate and may add a fee.
• Remittance services. Transfer companies set their own riyal-to-rupee rate and may charge a separate fee. Compare the final rupee amount received, not only the advertised rate.
• Timing. The reference rate is fixed once a day. Market rates change during the day.

For the rules on how official rupee rates are published, see SBP exchange rates.

What moves the Saudi riyal

The peg to the US dollar

The Saudi riyal is pegged to the US dollar, meaning the Saudi Central Bank keeps it at a fixed rate against the dollar. In practice, the SAR/PKR rate moves almost in step with the USD to PKR rate. When the rupee weakens against the dollar, it weakens against the riyal by a similar amount.

Saudi Central Bank policy

To defend the peg, the Saudi Central Bank usually follows US interest rate decisions. It also holds large foreign currency reserves, built mostly from oil revenue, which it can use to support the riyal. A change to the peg itself would be a major policy decision. It is not part of normal day-to-day movement.

Trade and capital flows of Saudi Arabia

Oil exports bring in most of Saudi Arabia's foreign currency. High oil revenue strengthens confidence in the peg. Long periods of low prices put pressure on reserves. Government spending and foreign investment also affect money flows in and out of the country.

The rupee side

Because the riyal is stable against the dollar, most movement in SAR/PKR comes from the rupee. Pakistan's import bill, foreign debt payments, reserves and State Bank of Pakistan policy all matter. The latest policy decision on record: SBP policy rate raised by 50 bps to 12% with effect from 27.10.2026 (MPC). For more, see SBP rates and economy and fundamental analysis.

Links between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

• Remittances. Saudi Arabia is one of the main sources of money sent home by Pakistani workers. For many families, the riyal rate decides how many rupees arrive each month.
• Travel. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims need riyals, and demand for riyal cash rises before the pilgrimage seasons.
• Trade. Pakistan imports oil and petroleum products from Saudi Arabia, which creates steady demand for foreign currency.
• Work and study. Workers, their families and students pay fees, rent and living costs in riyals.

For payment channels and tax points on money received from abroad, see payments, tax and Islamic banking.

Other Gulf currencies

Most Gulf currencies are also linked to the US dollar, so their rupee rates tend to move together. Compare the UAE dirham, Qatari riyal, Omani rial, Bahraini dinar and Kuwaiti dinar. All currencies are listed on exchange rates.

Frequent questions

Why is the rate on this page different from the one at my bank?

The card on this page shows the official State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rate, a reference that authorised dealers use to revalue their books. Banks and exchange companies add a spread between their buy and sell prices, and some charge fees. Their rate also changes during the day.

Why has the date not changed since Friday?

No official rate is published on weekends and public holidays. The last official date stays until a new rate is published.

Does the Saudi riyal rate change every day?

Against the US dollar, the riyal barely moves because of the peg. Against the rupee, it changes almost as much as the dollar does, because the rupee floats.

Can I use the converter for exact remittance amounts?

No. The ECB converter has no rupee or riyal, and the converter in the rates card uses SBP reference rates, not a provider's rate. The amount received depends on the transfer company's own rate and fees, so confirm the final rupee figure with the provider before you send.

Is it possible to trade SAR as a currency pair?

Some providers quote USD/SAR or other riyal pairs, but the peg keeps their movement small. Leveraged forex trading can lose money fast. Read regulation and safety before you consider any trading platform.