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How to Buy Bitcoin in Pakistan
The crypto market in Pakistan has been plagued with regulatory struggles, accumulating in The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) attempting to ban crypto investment and trading in 2017. However, cryptocurrency enthusiasts have since found alternatives and the volume of trade has grown tremendously.
In 2022, the SBP again sought to question the legality of crypto and it seems that another ban is on the horizon. Consequently, Urdubit, the only native crypto exchange in Pakistan, is folding.
We’ll look at different ways to buy Bitcoin in Pakistan. The platforms you can use, payment methods, tips for storing your coins, and much more.
Best Brokers to Buy Bitcoin in Pakistan in 2023
Finding the right crypto provider is critical to making a profitable investment. Bitcoin is available on most platforms, and we understand how difficult finding a good platform is. Here is a list of top Bitcoin brokers to buy Bitcoin in Pakistan.
Your capital is at risk when using the above platforms
Key Takeaways
SBP intends to impose a crypto ban in Pakistan emulating the likes of China. The law will make it difficult to buy Bitcoin in the country.
The top crypto platforms in Pakistan are Binance, Paybis, and CEX.io.
The SBP doesn’t recognize Bitcoin as legal tender; therefore, no taxation laws exist.
We advise new Bitcoin investors to conduct fundamental analysis before venturing into the crypto market. Some of the important things to consider are price volatility, fees, and security.
Transfer your Bitcoin away from the crypto exchange into a safe crypto wallet. We recommend hot wallets for short-term investors and cold wallets for long-term investors.
What Options Do I Have When Buying Bitcoin in Pakistan?
With crypto trading and investment somehow in limbo at the moment, let’s look at the platforms currently available and what the future may hold.
Brokers: Online brokerage platforms allow users to buy cryptocurrencies. They are renowned for their lower fees and multiple asset classes like Stocks. Pakistanis can use CEX.io broker to buy Bitcoin.
Global Exchanges: These are online platforms that have a presence in most counties globally. They are managed centrally and charge different fees for their services. Users can buy, sell and store crypto, including Ethereum and Polkadot. Global exchanges mostly concentrate on crypto alone offering different payment methods, including e-wallets and bank transfers. Binance and Paybis are examples of global exchanges available in Pakistan. These are most likely to suffer in the case of a ban.
Local Exchanges: These allow investors to buy, sell and store crypto on an online platform. Unlike their global counterpart, local exchanges are tailored to offer services in a particular country. They also offer country-specific payment methods. Urdubit is a local exchange. However, the exchange is currently shutting down due to the SBP prohibition on dealing with virtual currencies.
P2P Marketplaces: These decentralized platforms offer a medium where crypto buyers and vendors interact. Sellers and buyers can set up adverts detailing preferences such as the coin they are selling, location, and price.
Most of these platforms offer Bitcoin and Ethereum as the main crypto due to their wide adoption. Pakistan residents can buy and sell Bitcoin on P2P marketplaces such as Paxful and LocalBitcoins. Local payment methods are available.
Is Using a Broker the Best Way to Buy Bitcoin in Pakistan?
- Fees tend to be lower when using a broker
- Bitcoin buying process is much quicker and easier
- You will have to pass an identity check (KYC)
- You might have limited number of Bitcoin brokers available in Pakistan
How to Buy Bitcoin in Pakistan?
We’ve seen that Pakistanis have various options to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This section details steps you can easily use to buy Bitcoin in Pakistan. We’ll focus on Binance and the steps involved.
Step 1: Visit the Binance website and open an account
The signup process will need you to enter your email and password credentials. Know Your Customer(KYC) verification is next. This means you’ll have to submit personal details such as proof of identity(passport), proof of address, and a selfie.
After submitting your details, expect account verification to take 1-10 days. Please note that Binance cannot verify your national ID card in Urdu.
Step 2: Select the trading platform
In this case, we’ll be using the Binance P2P platform, which connects local buyers and sellers. On the main screen, click P2P transaction and select BTC.
Step 3: Select a seller
Browse the list of available sellers and select the one with the best offer. Most people will use the filter option(funnel button) to check if sellers meet their preferences. Things to look out for include price, payment method, and seller’s trust level.
Step 4: Deposit money or fiat into the account
On Binance P2P trading, you can deposit fiat(Pakistani Rupee PKR) or crypto. So select “Buy with Crypto” or “Buy with fiat.” Enter the payment details following the terms you’ve agreed to. Next, you’ll need to select your preferred payment method, e.g., bank transfer, EasyPaisa, the amount, and the currency(PKR).
Go to the “Payment” page by clicking on the transfer button. Complete the transaction by clicking “Transfer Funds.”
Step 5: Confirm payment and complete the purchase
After the payment has been completed, provide the seller with the payment details and click “Paid.”. The transaction status will change to “pending release.” Once the seller confirms the payment, they’ll release the Bitcoin. Store safely.
Where to Buy Bitcoin in Pakistan?
We’ve seen several avenues to buy Bitcoin in Pakistan, ranging from crypto exchanges to P2P marketplaces. In this section, we do a comprehensive analysis of specific crypto platforms best suited for purchasing Bitcoin.
Binance
Binance is a world leader in crypto trade volume. The company boasts a global presence and significant daily traffic. While the platform has run into regulatory headwinds regarding $100 million fraud allegations in Pakistan, it continues to experience considerable traffic on its P2P section in the country.
Key Features
Binance P2P marketplace
Mobile trading applications
Different payment methods for Pakistanis
Charting and other trading tools
Binance coin (BNB) powers the ecosystem
Various trading options and education material
Supports for crypto wallets
- Low fees and reputable
- Escrow service on P2P
- High Liquidity
- Supports for over 500 cryptocurrencies, including XRP and Polkadot
- Regulatory issues
- Lengthy verification process
LocalBitcoins
LocalBitcoins Is an on-ramp P2P marketplace available in Pakistan.
The platform is decentralized, meaning no central authority controls the buyer and seller interaction. The service sits as a third party to facilitate purchases and settle disputes.
Key Features
Local payment methods
Chat feature
Escrow service
Android and IOS mobile app
Reporting tools
Free wallet
- A wide array of sellers
- Bank transfer and EasyPaisa are available
- Reputable
- Beginner-friendly
- Quick sell and buy feature and filter widget
- Reporting and analysis tools are available
- 1% fee for every completed trade that has an advert
- Transactions to other Bitcoin wallets are subject to a fee
Binance P2P vs. LocalBitcoins
Both are industry behemoths that support the buying and selling of cryptos. These two platforms have many similarities, including escrow service, minimal fees, and a great reputation.
Differences arise in the number of cryptos, fiat currencies, and fees. Binance has a wider variety of coins. Apart from Bitcoin, you can purchase DAI and BUSD. On the other hand, LocalBitcoins provides over 200 fiat currency options. The fees have marginal differences, although LocalBitcoins doesn’t have deposit or withdrawal fees.
CEX.io
The CEX.io brokerage unit operates in Pakistan. Users can buy Bitcoin using this beginner-friendly platform. It provides an easy avenue to purchase crypto using debit and credit cards. Apart from trading, advanced users can trade in Contract for differences (CFDs)
Key Features
Wire, debit, and credit cards are available
CFDs available
Integrated wallet
Leveraged trading
- Easy to use
- Reputable
- A variety of trading instruments
- Supports advanced traders
- Local payment methods not integrated
- The brokerage may be complicated for beginners
Paybis
Paybis is another crypto provider with a worldwide presence. It supports multiple cryptos. The platform is beginner-friendly, and users can easily purchase Bitcoin.
Key Features
Low commissions
Fast security checks
Instant payouts
Multiple products
Purchase Bitcoin with fiat
- Transparent fee structure
- Simple registration and verification process
- Regulatory compliance in jurisdictions like the USA and the UK
- Simple and intuitive user interface
- Great customer support
- High credit card fees
- Lack of advanced features
CEX.io vs. Paybis
CEX.io caters to both beginners and advanced traders. It is characterized by great customer support and an integrated wallet. Both platforms have great customer support and demand KYC verification.
Paybis is beginner-friendly with a transparent fee structure. It provides better fees with low commissions. CEX.io trumps Paybis when it comes to crypto variety.
What Are the Regulations and Taxes When Buying Bitcoin in Pakistan?
The SBP doesn’t recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. In 2017, the top intelligence bureau in the country started going after crypto traders. This followed claims of tax evasion and money laundering using cryptos.
Currently, no laws regulate the trade in Bitcoin. However, the SBP has announced intentions to ban trade and investment in crypto. Bitcoin investors, therefore, don’t pay taxes in Pakistan.
Other Countries to Buy Bitcoin apart from Pakistan
We listed below some other guides we created where you can learn how to buy Bitcoin in different countries:
Other Considerations When Buying Bitcoin in Pakistan
Privacy: Crypto providers require proof of ID in line with AML and KYC regulations in Pakistan. All mainstream avenues to purchasing Bitcoin will need you to give away your personal information.
Regulation: There is uncertainty about the laws on cryptos in Pakistan. The apex bank seeks to ban cryptos citing their use for illegal activities like terror financing. As such, adoption may be limited, and crypto providers may close down, as is the case with Urdubit.
Transactions Can’t Be Reversed: Bitcoin transactions are not reversible. Always ensure to double-check your transaction details, especially the wallet addresses. A wrong address and your Bitcoin is lost.
Security: The security of your funds, personal data, and Bitcoin is the responsibility of the exchange and yourself. Ensure you register on crypto providers with strong security fundamentals.
On exchanges, look out for SSL encryption, insurance for crypto assets, and cold offline storage for assets. On your end, you’ll need to activate 2FA, have strong passwords, hide your private keys and transfer your Bitcoin to cold wallets.
Volatility: Anyone who ventures into crypto trading should understand the volatility of cryptos. Bitcoin is no exception, with prices fluctuating periodically. We urge beginners to carry out fundamental analysis by watching out the market sentiments and news on Bitcoin.
The volatility of Bitcoin has made investors lose much of their investments. For instance, the price of Bitcoin has changed by as much as 39% from November 2021.
Fees: Crypto exchanges will most likely charge you deposit and withdrawal fees. On the other hand, P2P marketplaces will charge minimal fees. Escrow and payment processing fees are some of the fees you can expect.
You should also note that prices on P2P marketplaces are controlled by the seller and therefore don’t let the minimal fees make you pay higher prices. Credit and debit card users pay higher fees compared to those who utilize bank transfers.
Delivery Times: How fast you get your Bitcoin will depend on your payment method. National bank transfers may take longer than options like credit cards.
Geo-restrictions: There are exchanges that Pakistan residents can’t use due to geo-restrictions. Due to the uncertainty of Bitcoin trading regulations in the country, many businesses and exchanges fear venturing into the market.
What Payment Methods Can I Use to Buy Bitcoin in Pakistan?
There are various payment methods you could successfully use to buy Bitcoin. Here are a few examples:
Bank Transfer: This is a convenient method available on crypto exchanges and P2P platforms. Transfers are normally cheaper but may take time before completion.
Bank transfers are good for investors who would like to purchase large amounts of Bitcoin. It also accommodates investors who yearn for greater transaction limits and those mindful of fees. Binance and LocalBitcoins support national bank transfers.
Credit /Debit Cards: Cardholders can pay through credit from their financial institutions. Debit cardholders must have some cash in their banks. These two methods are convenient for those who would like instant purchases. On the downside, expect higher fees. CEX.io and Paybis support credit and debit cards.
PayPal: Although rare, it is possible to find vendors accepting Paypal on P2P platforms. The drawback is that they are likely to ask for higher prices. You’ll also have to contend with higher fees.
EasyPaisa: This is a mobile wallet that facilitates payment. It also provides a branchless banking system providing its users with a two-pronged approach to payments. Most P2P accommodate Easypaisa, including Binance P2P and LocalBitcoins. It is fast, easy to use, and widely adopted in Pakistan.
JazzCash: It is another mobile payment and branchless bank service. Users can transfer cash to each other from their wallets. The option is also common on P2P marketplaces such as Binance P2P and Paxful. It is fast, easy to use, and widely adopted in Pakistan.
Wire Transfers: It is possible to find vendors who accept wire transfers. Crypto exchanges also accept wire transfers, for example, Binance P2P.
Perfect Money: Like Paypal, this option is not widely adopted. However, you may find vendors on P2P marketplaces that accept this method. You can check on LocalBitcoins or Binance P2P.
How to Store Coins?
Finding a suitable way to store your Bitcoin is as critical as finding the right crypto platform. There are two ways to take care of your Bitcoin, depending on your trading strategy.
See below the two main methods of storage:
Hot Wallets
These are downloadable online. Most of them are free and require you to register an account before use. You’ll have to be online to operate them. They are easy to access, use and transfer your Bitcoin.
We recommend them for short-term Bitcoin investors who periodically conduct trades. Hot wallets come in three versions: web, desktop, and mobile. Examples include Exodus and Mycelium wallets.
Cold Storage
These are small USB-like devices that operate offline. They are recommended for long-term Bitcoin investors or those with a large amount of Bitcoin. Please note that you will require to pay for them, unlike hot wallets. On the upside, cold wallets are tamper-proof as long as you don’t share your private keys. Examples include Ledger and Trezor.
Final Thoughts
Despite regulatory uncertainty, Pakistanis continue to buy Bitcoin in droves. This is because Bitcoin provides an alternative investment with a promise of great gain. It is also available to the masses without control from central authorities.
We believe that Binance P2P is the best provider to buy Bitcoin in Pakistan. The signup and verification processes are not too complicated, and there are various local payment options like Easypaisa.
FAQs
Do I need to pay tax on profits in Pakistan?
The government of Pakistan doesn’t recognize crypto as legal tender. There are no laws that define the tax regime on cryptos.
Can I buy Bitcoin without an ID in Pakistan?
It is difficult to purchase Bitcoin without ID verification on P2P marketplaces or exchanges. However, you could try Bitcoin purchases in cash, although this method is highly susceptible to scams.
Is there any Bitcoin ATM in Pakistan?
Currently there are no Bitcoin ATMs in Pakistan.
Here are some more ways to buy Bitcoin abroad
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