Saudi Arabia - Money Manual 💰

Travel with Niyo Others
, , ,
1

1280×1280 256 KB

Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR) :dollar:

🇸🇦 SAR 1 ≈ 🇮🇳 INR 22

At the Airport :flight_departure:

Item Price Payment Method
Sim card (STC, Mobily, Zain) From SAR 30 :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash
eVisa fees SAR 535 (online) :credit_card: Card
Taxi from airport to city From SAR 50 :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash
Bus from airport From SAR 10 :dollar: Cash

:bulb: Pro Tip:

Download the Careem or Uber app for convenient and often cheaper rides. :red_car::iphone:

Money Forms in Saudi Arabia :currency_exchange:

  1. SAR cash :dollar:
  2. Credit/Debit cards (widely accepted) :credit_card:
  3. USD cash (for emergencies) :dollar:
  4. Backup: Additional cards :credit_card:

Payment Acceptance :credit_card::dollar:

Location Cash Card
Small shops :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark: (mostly)
Supermarkets :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark:
Hotels :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark:
Restaurants :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark:
Taxis :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark: (app-based)

Activities & Transport :man_walking::taxi::bus:

Service Payment Method
Public buses :dollar: Cash
Metro (in Riyadh) :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash
Taxis :dollar: Cash / :credit_card: Card (app-based)
Car rental :credit_card: Card
Tourist attractions :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash
Shopping malls :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash

Important Tips :bangbang:

:white_check_mark: Always choose to pay in SAR when using a card :x: Never choose the INR value on the screen (includes high conversion fees) :white_check_mark: Tipping is not customary but becoming more common in tourist areas (5-10%)

Using ATMs in Saudi Arabia :atm:

  • ATMs are widely available in cities and towns
  • Most banks don’t charge fees for foreign card withdrawals
  • Major banks: Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank, Riyad Bank
  • :atm: Look for ATMs inside banks or shopping malls for added security
  • :bulb: Inform your bank about your travel to avoid card blocks

Daily Budget Guide :moneybag:

Type of Spend Starting From
Stay Budget hotels: SAR 100
Mid-range hotels: SAR 250
Food Local restaurant: SAR 20-30
Mid-range restaurant: SAR 50-80
Transport Metro ride: SAR 3-7
Short taxi ride: SAR 20-30
Sightseeing Many attractions are free or low-cost

:bulb: This is a moderate budget. Adjust based on your travel style!

Money Exchange :currency_exchange:

  • Banks and authorized money exchangers offer the best rates
  • Many shopping malls have currency exchange offices
  • :bank: Exchange some money at the airport for immediate needs
  • :bulb: Credit cards often offer better exchange rates than cash exchanges

Cultural Considerations :mosque:

  • :mantelpiece_clock: Business hours may change during prayer times
  • :date: Be aware of different operating hours during Ramadan
  • :womans_clothes: Dress modestly when visiting banks or official institutions

:star2: For more tips from fellow travelers who have been to Saudi Arabia, check out the latest discussions here: Niyo Travel Community


Cheers!

3 Likes