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- Capital: Riyadh
- System: Absolute monarchy.
- Area: 2.15 million square kilometers, making it the largest country in the Middle East and the 12th largest in the world.
- Population: Over 36 million (2023 estimate), with a mix of Saudi nationals and a significant expatriate population.
- Languages:Arabic
- Religion: Predominantly Sunni Islam, with Sharia law influencing daily life and governance.
Country Overview
Saudi Arabia, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is a vast country of deserts, mountains, and coastline stretching along both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. It is widely known as the birthplace of Islam and the location of its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, making it a central destination for millions of Muslim pilgrims each year. The kingdom’s modern development has been rapid, with glittering new cities rising alongside centuries-old traditions. Riyadh, the capital, is a sprawling city blending ultra-modern skyscrapers with deeply rooted Islamic culture.
The country is also the world’s largest oil exporter, and its wealth has transformed the landscape with vast highways, ambitious urban developments, and futuristic projects such as NEOM. Yet, despite its modernisation, the kingdom retains conservative cultural and religious values, with Islamic law (Sharia) shaping daily life. Visitors will notice a distinct cultural identity that is strongly influenced by religion, family values, and a heritage of desert living.
For tourists, Saudi Arabia offers a unique mix of experiences: archaeological sites, bustling souks, modern malls, Red Sea diving, desert adventures, and spiritual journeys. Tourism is expanding under the Vision 2030 plan, which encourages international visitors while also seeking to diversify the economy. The kingdom has relaxed entry requirements in recent years, making it more accessible than ever before for travellers seeking both history and modernity.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
💰 Currency Overview
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), which is subdivided into 100 halalas. The riyal is a stable currency that has been pegged to the US dollar for many years, making it predictable and straightforward for tourists to understand exchange rates. Banknotes are widely used in everyday transactions, though digital payments are increasingly common across the country.
💵 Banknotes and Coins
Saudi banknotes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 riyals, each with distinct colours and designs that often feature national landmarks or portraits of Saudi kings. Coins, known as halalas, are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 halalas and a 1 riyal coin. The larger banknotes are mainly used for bigger purchases, while coins are still common for small transactions such as snacks, coffee, and local transport fares.
💱 Currency Exchange
Currency exchange facilities are plentiful in major cities, airports, and shopping malls. Exchange bureaus generally offer competitive rates, while hotels may provide the service at a slightly higher margin. The Saudi riyal’s peg to the US dollar makes it particularly convenient for travellers carrying dollars, though pounds and euros are also easy to exchange. It is advisable to bring some cash for small shops or in more remote regions, though urban areas increasingly rely on card and digital payments.
💳 Credit Cards and ATMs
International credit and debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres. ATMs are abundant across the country, including in airports, shopping areas, and even smaller towns. Most ATMs offer English language options and dispense riyals at competitive exchange rates. Tourists should check with their home bank about international fees and inform them of travel plans to avoid security blocks on their cards.
Tipping
💡 Tipping in Saudi Arabia
🍽 Restaurants
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory in Saudi Arabia. In restaurants, a service charge may already be included in the bill, but it is customary to leave an additional 10% if service has been good. In smaller, local eateries, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is usually sufficient.
🏨 Hotels
Hotel staff such as porters and housekeeping often expect a tip for their services. A few riyals per bag for porters and 10–20 riyals for housekeeping staff is considered polite. At higher-end hotels, tips may be higher, reflecting the level of service.
🚕 Taxis
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem do not have a strong tipping culture. However, rounding up the fare or adding a few riyals is a courteous gesture, particularly for longer rides or if the driver has been especially helpful.
🚐 Guides and Drivers
Tour guides and drivers who spend considerable time assisting tourists often rely on tips as part of their income. For guides, 50–100 riyals per day is reasonable, while drivers might be given 20–50 riyals depending on the length of the service.
Communications
📡 Communication Advice
📶 Public WiFi
Public WiFi is increasingly available in airports, cafes, shopping malls, and public spaces in major cities. However, connections can vary in speed and reliability. Visitors should exercise caution when using open networks and avoid accessing sensitive personal information on public WiFi.
🏨 Hotel WiFi
Hotels usually provide complimentary WiFi, with premium or faster connections available for an extra fee. Most international hotels in Saudi Arabia offer strong and reliable connections, making them suitable for video calls and streaming. Smaller hotels may have weaker connections, so it is always worth checking before booking if internet access is important.
📱 Mobile Networks and SIM Cards
Saudi Arabia has excellent mobile coverage across cities and highways. Local SIM cards from providers such as STC, Mobily, and Zain are easy to purchase at airports, malls, and mobile shops. A tourist SIM card with data is a cost-effective option for staying connected, and identification such as a passport is required for purchase.
Getting around
🚖 Getting Around Saudi Arabia
✈ Domestic Flights
Saudi Arabia is vast, and domestic flights are a convenient way to cover long distances between cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. National carriers and low-cost airlines operate frequent services, and tickets are generally affordable if booked in advance.
🚄 Trains
The Saudi Railways Organisation operates modern rail lines, including the Haramain high-speed railway connecting Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City. Trains are clean, efficient, and provide an excellent alternative to flying for intercity travel.
🚌 Buses
Long-distance and local buses are operated by companies such as SAPTCO. They are affordable, though services can be slow compared to other options. In cities, public buses are expanding but still not as widely used as private transport.
🚕 Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are common in major cities, but negotiating the fare in advance is advisable if the meter is not used. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are extremely popular and provide a safer, more reliable, and often cheaper alternative.
🚗 Car Hire
Car hire is popular among tourists wishing to explore at their own pace. Roads are generally modern and well-maintained, though driving standards can be aggressive. An international driving permit is recommended, and car rental agencies are available in all major cities and airports.
Health advice
🩺 Health Advice for Tourists
💉 Suggested Vaccines
| Vaccine | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for longer stays or medical procedures |
| Typhoid | Recommended for travellers visiting smaller cities or rural areas |
| Rabies | Recommended for adventure travellers or long stays |
| Meningitis | Mandatory during Hajj pilgrimage |
🦠 Diseases
Saudi Arabia has a generally low incidence of infectious disease, though there are occasional concerns about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Basic precautions such as good hygiene, bottled water, and avoiding undercooked food help prevent illness.
🌡 Potential Health Issues
Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common risks due to extreme temperatures. Tourists should drink plenty of water, use sun protection, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.
🏥 Healthcare Standards
Saudi Arabia has a well-developed healthcare system, with modern hospitals and clinics in urban centres. Facilities are of a high standard, but treatment can be expensive for those without insurance. Rural areas may have more limited healthcare.
🛡 Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical expenses is essential for all tourists. Policies should include cover for hospitalisation, emergency evacuation, and treatment of pre-existing conditions. Proof of insurance is sometimes required for visa applications.
Safety
🛡 Safety Advice for Tourists
🚨 Crime
Saudi Arabia has low rates of crime compared with many countries. Petty theft is uncommon, though tourists should still take usual precautions with valuables in busy places.
⚠ General Safety Issues
The biggest risks often come from traffic accidents, as driving standards can be unpredictable. Desert excursions also carry risks, so travellers should book with reputable operators.
📜 Local Laws
Saudi Arabia enforces strict laws based on Islamic principles. Alcohol is banned, public displays of affection are discouraged, and modest dress is required in public places. Photography of government or military buildings is prohibited, and insulting religion is a serious offence.
📞 Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 997 |
| Fire | 998 |
| Traffic Police | 993 |
Climate
Visa information
🛂 Visa Information for Tourists
📄 Visa Types
Saudi Arabia offers an electronic tourist visa (eVisa), which is available online for citizens of many countries. The eVisa is typically valid for multiple entries over a year, with stays of up to 90 days. Other visa types include business visas, pilgrimage visas (for Hajj and Umrah), and work visas.
🌍 Useful Links
Official Saudi eVisa portal: https://visa.visitsaudi.com
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.gov.sa
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Electrical
Which power plugs and sockets are used in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia uses power outlets and plugs of type G. All power sockets in Saudi Arabia provide a standard voltage of 220V with a standard frequency of 60Hz.
Type G – From British origin, mainly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore, but also in quite a few other countries. No other plug types fit into an outlet of type G.
