The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). It is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate, providing stability for travelers.
Exchange Rate Shortcuts (Approximate)
| Currency | Rate to SAR (Approx) |
|---|---|
| 1 USD | 3.75 SAR (Fixed) |
| 1 EUR | ~4.00 - 4.10 SAR |
| 1 GBP | ~4.70 - 4.80 SAR |
| 1 INR | ~0.045 SAR (1 SAR ≈ 22 INR) |
| 1 PKR | ~0.013 SAR (1 SAR ≈ 75 PKR) |
Cash vs. Card
Saudi Arabia is highly digital.
- Card Acceptance: 95% of shops, taxis, and restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard (Mada).
- Cash Needs: You only need cash for small purchases like:
- Barbers
- Street food vendors
- Small charity/tips
- Some laundry shops
Where to Exchange Money?
- Banks (Best Rate): Al Rajhi Bank, SNB, Alinma. Found throughout Makkah and Madinah.
- Money Changers (Enjaz, Tahweel): Good rates, faster service than main bank branches.
- Airports: Rates are slightly lower (more expensive) than city centers.
- Hotels: Generally offer the worst exchange rates. Avoid if possible.
ATM Usage
- Withdrawals: You can withdraw SAR directly from ATMs using your foreign debit card.
- Fees: Check your home bank's foreign transaction fee. Saudi ATMs usually charge a small access fee for foreign cards.
Key Takeaways
- Don't carry excessive cash. Cards are widely accepted.
- Exchange 100-200 SAR at the airport for immediate needs (SIM card, taxi), then exchange the rest in the city.
- Notify your bank before traveling to prevent card blocking.
