With Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 expected around March 20, Pakistanis are eager to get new currency notes for gifting.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued official instructions to ensure citizens access fresh notes safely and avoid illegal sellers charging premium rates.

Step 1: Use 8877 SMS service

The SBP activates the 8877 short code service in the second week of Ramadan for requesting fresh notes.

Open your mobile SMS app.
Type your CNIC number, followed by a space, and the code of your preferred bank branch.
Send the SMS to 8877.
You will receive a unique transaction code and branch address in the reply SMS.

Step 2: Visit designated bank branch

After receiving your code:

Visit the relevant branch with your original CNIC and a copy.
Bank staff will verify your transaction code.
You will typically receive packets containing Rs 10, Rs 20, and Rs 50 notes.

Step 3: Contact your bank manager

If the 8877 service is busy, reach out directly to your bank branch.

Most commercial banks maintain a limited stock of new notes for existing account holders, often given on a priority basis.
Visiting a branch in early March increases your chances of obtaining fresh notes.

Step 4: Visit SBP bank services corporation offices

Major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have SBP BSC offices with large stocks of fresh notes.

Notes are exchanged on a first-come, first-served basis, so early visits are recommended.

Step 5: Check ATMs during last ten days of Ramazan

Banks often load relatively clean Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes into ATMs during the final ten days of Ramadan.

These high-denomination notes are suitable for gifting to elderly family members.

Every year, some individuals sell fresh notes at inflated prices, which is illegal. Citizens are advised to:

Obtain notes only from official sources.
Report illegal sellers to the relevant authorities.