Money & Currency in Saudi Arabia
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), sometimes written as SR. The Riyal is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of approximately 1 USD = 3.75 SAR. This peg has been stable for decades.
Currency Denominations
Notes come in 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Riyal denominations. Coins exist in 1 and 2 Riyal as well as halalas (100 halalas = 1 Riyal), though coins are rarely used. Most small transactions are rounded to the nearest Riyal.
Where to Exchange Money
- Airport exchange counters: Convenient but rates are slightly worse. Exchange only a small amount on arrival for immediate needs (taxi, SIM card).
- Money changers in the city: Found throughout Makkah and Madinah, especially near the Haram. They generally offer better rates than airports. The area around Ajyad Street and Ibrahim Al Khalil Road in Makkah has many exchange shops.
- Banks: Offer competitive rates but may require more paperwork and have shorter hours.
- ATMs: Widely available everywhere - in hotels, shopping centres, near the Haram, and at airports. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard. Check with your bank about foreign withdrawal fees before you travel.
Tip: Inform your bank before travelling to Saudi Arabia so they do not block your card for suspicious foreign transactions. Also check if your bank charges a foreign transaction fee - some travel-friendly banks offer fee-free withdrawals abroad.
Credit and Debit Cards
Saudi Arabia has become increasingly cashless. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and larger shops. Contactless and Apple Pay/Google Pay work at most terminals. However, carry some cash for:
- Small shops and street vendors near the Haram
- Tipping
- Barbers and small service providers
- Emergency situations
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not mandatory in Saudi Arabia but is appreciated:
- Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge is not included (many restaurants add it automatically)
- Hotel porters: 5-10 SAR per bag
- Taxi drivers: Round up the fare or add 5-10 SAR
- Tour guides/group leaders: At your discretion, but 50-100 SAR per day is generous
Budgeting Tips
| Expense | Budget Range (SAR/day) |
|---|---|
| Meals (eating out) | 40-120 |
| Transport (local) | 20-80 |
| SIM card & data | 3-5 (amortised over stay) |
| Miscellaneous & shopping | 30-100 |
Accommodation is usually the largest expense but is typically included in Hajj/Umrah packages. A reasonable daily spending budget for food, transport, and incidentals is 100-250 SAR (roughly 25-65 USD) depending on your lifestyle.