Saudi Arabia, a land of ancient history, vast deserts, and modern skyscrapers, offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re exploring the historic sites of Riyadh, experiencing the stunning landscapes of AlUla, or visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, knowing how to access cash is essential. While Saudi Arabia is moving towards a cashless economy with widespread card acceptance, cash is still used in traditional markets and smaller businesses. This guide covers key details on cash and ATMs in Saudi Arabia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and convenient trip.
Where to find ATMs in Saudi Arabia?
Urban Areas: In major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, ATMs are widely available, especially in commercial districts, shopping centers, and near bank branches. Major banks such as Al Rajhi Bank, National Commercial Bank (NCB), and Riyad Bank operate extensive ATM networks throughout the country.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like the Masmak Fortress in Riyadh, the Corniche in Jeddah, and the Al-Ula archaeological sites have ATMs in their vicinity, often within or near tourist facilities.
Rural Areas: In smaller towns and remote regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling outside major cities.
Best ATMs to use in Saudi Arabia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Saudi Arabia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- SNB Al-Ahli
- Al Rajhi Bank
- NCB
- Samba Bank
- Riyad Bank
- SABB
- Bank Albilad
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Some international banks also have their ATMs in Saudi Arabia namely HSBC (now SABB).
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Saudi Arabia.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Saudi Arabia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in SAR).
— If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra fee for this conversion.
— If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in SAR’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs here.
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept Rupay cards. Others like American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, and Discover cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs operate 24/7.
What are ATMs called?
ATMs in Saudi Arabia are usually found by a signage of word ATM’ or ATMs have only the name of bank.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs primarily present Arabic and English as language options.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Saudi Arabia?
ATMs in Saudi Arabia dispense cash in Saudi Riyal (SAR) only.
ATM withdrawal limits in Saudi Arabia
ATMs in Saudi Arabia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of SAR 5,000 (Saudi Rial).
ATM Fees in Saudi Arabia
Bank ATMs in Saudi Arabia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. so there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Saudi Arabia as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Saudi Arabia. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion).
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Saudi Arabia
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Saudi Arabia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100+ countries including Saudi Arabia.
Safety at ATMs
Saudi Arabia is known for its low crime rate, making it a relatively safe destination for travelers. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, especially in urban areas. While incidents of ATM-related crimes are rare, it’s still advisable to use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash after withdrawals. Regularly monitoring your bank statements can help detect any unauthorized transactions promptly.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, its possible. Bank ATMs in Saudi Arabia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.
Bitcoin ATMs
Currently, there are no Bitcoin ATMs here.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Saudi Arabia
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: Yes but they don’t have ATMs just yet.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: Yes, but it operates as SABB.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs here.
