Time Zone

Saudi Arabia standard time is GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) + 3 hours.

Language

The national language in Saudi Arabia is Arabic, however, English is widely spoken.

Currency

Saudi Arabia’s national currency is the Saudi riyal (ر.س SAR), which is subdivided into 100 halala. You’ll receive notes in denominations of five riyals, ten riyals, 50 riyals, 100 riyals and 500 riyals; and coins in one riyal, two riyals, 50 halala, 25 halala, 10 halala, 5 halala and 1 halala.

Religion

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, with 93% of its inhabitants being Muslim. The country is officially a Muslim nation and most of its population are adherents to the Sunni branch. 

Saudi Arabia is also home to two of Islam’s holiest cities – Mecca where the Prophet Muhammad was born and Medina, where he is buried.

Weather

Spring

Mid-March to Mid-June

Spring in Saudi Arabia can be brisk, particularly in the north, where the temperature at night can drop below 15°C. The central and southern regions are warmer, averaging around 20°C after nightfall. Rainfall is at its highest during spring, particularly in the central region and in the southwest over the Aseer Mountains.

Summer

Mid-June to Mid-September

With the exception of the comparatively mild highlands in the southwest, summer signals the start of rising temperatures across most of the country, with the average hovering around 45°C. The early mornings and long evenings are more temperate, so take advantage of the warm seas to explore Saudi’s world-class scuba diving sites, or try sailing and snorkeling.

Autumn

Mid-September to Mid-December

Autumn brings gentler weather and cool breezes in both Saudi Arabia’s northern regions and the southwestern highlands. While daytime temperatures remain warm and can reach the 30s in early fall, evenings are milder and fit for outdoor strolling, especially along Jeddah’s waterfront, indulging in al-fresco dining or visiting Al Ahsa’s cool desert springs.

Winter

Mid-December to Mid-March

Take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s beautiful winter weather to explore the kingdom. The balmy days and cool nights are ideal for camping, rock climbing or exploring Saudi Arabia’s verdant highlands and bustling cities, from Riyadh to Jeddah. Average winter temperatures are in the teens, but visitors might be lucky enough to see snowfall in the mountains of the northern regions blanketing the slopes and desert sands.

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Money Matters

Currency exchange

All banks in the kingdom offer currency exchange services. Exchange bureaus are located at airports, some shopping centres and various other locations throughout the country. Credit card, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted throughout the kingdom. ATMs are also widely available.

Send and receive money

You can send or receive money in Saudi Arabia by transferring funds online or through a bank that offers fast money transfer services, all of which are subject to the rules and regulations of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA).

Taxes

Saudi Arabia imposes an indirect tax of 15% (VAT) on all goods and services purchased and sold by enterprises. There are some exceptions.

Tipping

Tipping is common in Saudi Arabia, but it is not routine.

The tipping guidelines below are recommendations only. Please use your own discretion in tipping, based on quality of service.

Hotels

In hotels, it is increasingly common to tip individua services, despite the service charge on the bill. It is common to tip between $1 and $2 for the porter and to leave the equivaled of $2 per day for the housekeeper. You can leave the tip on the bedside table or the bed.

Restaurants

In Saudi Arabia tipping is expected to be between 10% and 15% for good service, unless there is a service charge added to the bill. If there is a service charge there is no need to tip unless the service was exceptional.

Spa

Tipping is not always expected, more so in high end establishments. You can tip 10% or 2 to 3 SAR

Tour Guides

Tour guides will expect tips. Try to tip in an envelope. In a small group, expect to tip $10 oer person per day, or $5-$7 in a larger group. You should also tip the driver about $5 per day, and $2-$3 for any other person who helps out (washing the bus, errands, etc..)

Taxis

When using a public taxi, it is customary to tip your taxi driver 10% of your fare.

Clothing

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country. While most Saudis are accustomed to seeing Western clothing, it is advisable to ensure your legs, arms and shoulders are covered. Women are recommended to wear a hair/head scarf covering if visiting Saudi Arabia and avoid wearing tight clothes that accentuate the shape of your body or legs.

Health

Be responsible for your health. Make sure you feel well before setting off, and do not travel if you don’t. If you begin to experience symptoms of Covid-19, such as a mild cough, fever, or shortness of breath, isolate at home and seek medical advice. Ahead of traveling, ensure your health insurance is current and be prepared for any healthcare emergencies by carrying essential contact numbers, along with details of your policy.

The simplest way to stay safe and protect those around you is through good hygiene. When traveling, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, and avoid touching your nose and mouth. Carry hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes when out and about, particularly in more remote or rural locations, and apply regularly. Remember to pack facemasks and gloves to wear, as required, and dispose of them carefully after use. Keep a safe distance from others in public places – a two meter or six-foot gap is recommended – and use contactless payment options, such as cards, where you can.