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Money & currency

Money in Saudi Arabia

Updated 2026-08-15

Money & Currency
﷼

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Currency code: SAR

Practical Money Tips

Cards and Contactless Work Excellently in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has modern, well-developed payment infrastructure. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, supermarkets, petrol stations and most shops in cities. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) work widely — adoption is high, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah and the eastern province. The local mada debit card system is ubiquitous but for international cards, Visa and Mastercard contactless work seamlessly at most NFC terminals. Cash is mainly needed for souks, small local restaurants and rural areas.

The Riyal Is Pegged to the Dollar — Stable and Predictable

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 3.75 SAR per 1 USD. This makes exchange rates stable and predictable for dollar-based travellers. For visitors with Euros, GBP or other currencies, the SAR/EUR rate fluctuates with the EUR/USD rate. Exchange money at banks (Al Rajhi, NCB, Riyad Bank) or licensed exchange offices — rates at airports are acceptable but city-centre exchanges are slightly better. The fixed USD peg means there is no currency risk for dollar holders.

ATMs Are Everywhere — Check Current Withdrawal Limits

ATMs from Saudi banks (Al Rajhi, NCB, Riyad Bank, SABB, Banque Saudi Fransi) are found in every shopping mall, hotel lobby, supermarket and petrol station. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Per-transaction withdrawal limits are generous but worth checking with your home bank alongside any international-card ATM fee, since both vary and change over time. Always decline dynamic currency conversion and withdraw in SAR.

No Alcohol Economy — Budget Accordingly

Alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia. This means no bar tabs, no wine with dinner, no minibar charges. For travellers accustomed to budgeting for drinks, this significantly reduces daily spending. Instead, Saudi Arabia has a thriving café culture: Arabic coffee (qahwa) with dates, specialty coffee shops in Riyadh and Jeddah rivalling any in London or Melbourne, fresh juice stands, and traditional tea houses. Restaurants do not serve alcohol — pricing reflects this.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What currency does Saudi Arabia use?

Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR, symbol ﷼ or SR). Notes come in 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 SAR. Coins are 1 and 2 SAR plus halalas (100 halalas = 1 SAR). The Riyal is pegged to the US Dollar at 3.75 SAR per 1 USD — the rate is fixed and does not fluctuate.

Is Saudi Arabia expensive for tourists?

Moderate to expensive overall, and it varies considerably by where and how you travel — check current price ranges before budgeting rather than relying on a fixed figure. International hotel chains charge international rates, AlUla and the Red Sea resort areas run at a genuine premium, and local food and petrol both remain noticeably affordable by comparison. Overall, broadly comparable to the UAE outside the luxury segment.

Can I use Apple Pay, Google Pay or contactless?

Yes — Saudi Arabia has high contactless adoption. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay work at modern NFC terminals in malls, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and many shops. The local mada card system also supports contactless. Coverage in cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) is excellent. In souks, small local restaurants and rural areas, cash is still needed.

Should I bring USD, Euros or other currency?

USD is the most practical because of the fixed 3.75 peg — your exchange rate is known before you travel. EUR and GBP are exchangeable at banks and exchange offices. You can also simply use ATMs on arrival. There is no need to purchase Riyals before departure. Bring clean notes if exchanging cash.

Is tipping expected?

Tipping is appreciated but not a strong tradition. A rounded-up bill or around 10% suits restaurants without a service charge (many already add one closer to 15%). A few riyals for hotel porters, rounding up for taxi drivers, and a somewhat larger amount for a tour guide after a full day are all customary. Tip in cash and in riyals.

How do I pay for taxis and transport?

Uber and Careem (the regional ride-hailing app, owned by Uber) both operate in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and other cities — in-app card payment, transparent pricing, and the recommended option. Regular taxis: negotiate fare or insist on the meter. Riyadh Metro (opened 2024) accepts contactless and the Darb card. SAR is the only accepted currency for local transport.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Saudi Arabia overview.

Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.