Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and stunning desert landscapes make it a unique travel destination, where understanding how to handle money is essential for a smooth experience. Whether you’re exploring Riyadh’s futuristic skyline, performing Umrah in Mecca, or shopping in Jeddah’s souks, this guide covers everything you need to know – what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Saudi Arabia (Saudi Riyal (SAR)), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and navigate Saudi Arabia’s payment systems with ease.
How to pay in Saudi Arabia – cash or card?
In Saudi Arabia, both cash and card payments are widely accepted, with a significant shift towards digital transactions in recent years. Card transactions are favored at many establishments.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses and taxis often require cash payments, though some modern taxi services may accept cards or digital payments.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at traditional souks and street stalls are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Major hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets widely accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Riyal (SAR) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Saudi Arabia. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While some businesses may accept US Dollars, this is not common practice, and the exchange rate may be poor. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay in SAR to avoid losing money.
Euros or Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Saudi Arabia
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Saudi Arabia. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe
Established with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercard for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs
If you’re withdrawing money in Saudi Arabia from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept Rupay cards. ATMs usually dont accept others like American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, and Discover cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Saudi Arabia
Bringing a small amount of Saudi Riyal (SAR) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Saudi Arabia are often poor, and some foreign banks may not stock SAR.
Withdrawing SAR from ATMs in Saudi Arabia is a convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and shopping malls. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange money in Saudi Arabia at banks or authorized exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount to cover initial expenses.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. If bringing USD, EUR, or GBP, they can be exchanged at banks or exchange bureaus for competitive rates. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Saudi Arabia, but cash is useful in smaller shops and markets.
Where to withdraw money in Saudi Arabia
You can withdraw money in Saudi Arabia at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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, and
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.
Where to exchange currency in Saudi Arabia
You can exchange currency in Saudi Arabia at licensed exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: In Saudi Arabia, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as Money Exchange Companies. These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. Notable providers include Omlah Exchange Company: With branches across major cities, Omlah, Alamoudi Exchange Co and Sharhan Exchange.
Banks: Major banks such as Riyad Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, and National Commercial Bank (NCB) offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Saudi Arabia safe?
Carrying cash in Saudi Arabia is generally safe due to the country’s low crime rate. However, it’s advisable to carry only the necessary amount for daily expenses, as most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards. Keep in mind that taxi drivers typically prefer cash payments. To ensure safety, avoid displaying large sums of money in public and use ATMs located in well-monitored areas, such as banks or shopping centers.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Saudi Arabia
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
