Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to Saudi Arabia

 

CAPITAL Riyadh

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Arabic (Gulf dialect predominant). English is widely spoken in tourism, business, hotels, malls, restaurants, and by most Saudis under 40, as well as the large expatriate community.

RELIGION Islam is the official religion and predominant faith (approximately 85-90% of the population are Muslim, mostly Sunni with small Shia minorities in the Eastern Province). Non-Muslims (expatriates) include Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and others (~10-15%). Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam (Mecca and Medina are holy cities), and Islamic law (Sharia) influences daily life. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca or Medina. Respect Islamic customs strictly: modest dress (cover shoulders and knees; women must cover hair in public and wear abaya in some areas), no public displays of affection, no alcohol anywhere, no pork, and be aware of prayer times (businesses/malls may pause briefly 5 times daily). Ramadan brings fasting, reduced hours, and cultural events—respect fasting in public.

PASSPORTS A valid passport is required (valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival).

Most nationalities (over 60 countries, including USA, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, India, China, etc.) qualify for eVisa or visa on arrival for tourism stays of up to 90 days (multiple entry, valid 1 year from issuance).

• Citizens of USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc.: eVisa or visa on arrival (fee ~SAR 300-535 / USD$80-140, includes mandatory travel insurance).
• Many other nationalities: eVisa required in advance (apply online via visitsaudi.com or enjazit.com.sa, processed in 1-3 days).

Always check the official Visit Saudi website (visitsaudi.com) or Enjaz portal for your nationality and the latest rules, as policies can change. Proof of onward/return ticket, hotel booking, and sufficient funds may be requested. No exit visa required for tourists. Women travelers: no male guardian requirement since 2019.

ELECTRICITY Standard voltage is 220-240V at 60Hz. Power sockets are types G (three rectangular pins, British style) and sometimes C/F.

Travelers from the US/Canada (Type A/B) will need a power adapter (and possibly voltage converter for non-dual-voltage appliances). Most modern devices (phones, laptops) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and only need an adapter.

CURRENCY INFORMATION Saudi Arabia's national currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Notes: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 SAR; coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 halalas.

Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in malls, hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas; American Express accepted in many places. Carry some cash for souqs, taxis, small shops, and rural areas.

ATM: ATMs are widespread (banks, malls, airports) and dispense SAR. International cards work; fees may apply (SAR 10-25 ~USD$2.70-6.70 per withdrawal + your bank fee).

Currency Exchange: Available at banks, airports, hotels, and exchange offices (banks usually best rates). USD widely accepted (change in SAR).

CLOTHING Modest dress is mandatory in public for all genders (cover shoulders and knees; women must cover hair with a headscarf/abaya in most public places, though enforcement relaxed in tourist zones since 2019). Loose, breathable, long clothing is ideal in summer (extremely hot, 35-50°C/95-122°F). In winter (mild, 15-30°C/59-86°F), light layers. Swimwear only at hotel pools/private beaches; cover up when leaving resorts. Western casual is common in malls/hotels in Riyadh/Jeddah/Dammam, but modest is safer everywhere. Sturdy shoes for desert, hiking, and archaeological sites.

COMMUNICATION & EMAIL Telephone Emergency: 911 (unified). International country code: +966.

Mobile Phones Excellent coverage in cities, highways, and populated areas; limited in remote deserts. Saudi Arabia uses GSM bands (900/1800MHz) and 5G; most unlocked phones work. Roaming expensive. Buy local prepaid SIM (STC, Mobily, Zain) at airport (King Khalid International Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) or malls—affordable data plans (tourist SIMs with generous data). eSIMs supported.

Internet Wi-Fi widespread and free in hotels, malls, cafés, airports, and public spaces. Mobile data fast and cheap. Social media (including WhatsApp, X, YouTube) fully accessible.

WEATHER & CLIMATE Desert/arid climate: extremely hot summers, mild winters.

Best time to visit: November to March (pleasant 20-30°C/68-86°F, low humidity, ideal for sightseeing, Riyadh Season, Jeddah beaches, AlUla). April-October very hot (up to 50°C/122°F)—best for indoor malls, museums, and air-conditioned attractions.

Seasons:

• November-March: Winter (pleasant, peak season)
• April-October: Summer (very hot, low crowds)

MEAL COSTS (approximate, in SAR) Basic lunchtime menu (with drink) in business district: SAR 40-80 (~$11-21) Combo meal in fast food: SAR 20-35 (~$5-9) Boneless chicken breast (500g): ~SAR 15-25 (~$4-7) 1 liter milk: ~SAR 5-7 (~$1.30-1.90)

Saudi Arabia is moderately expensive—meals often SAR 50-150 outside fast food.

FOOD & DRINKS Specialties:

• Kabsa / machboos (spiced rice with meat/chicken/lamb)
• Mandi (slow-cooked meat with rice)
• Mutabbaq (stuffed flatbread)
• Shawarma / shawerma
• Falafel and hummus
• Kunafa and baklava desserts
• Fresh dates (world-famous)

National drinks: Arabic coffee (qahwa with cardamom), karak tea (spiced milk tea), fresh juices, laban (buttermilk). Alcohol is completely prohibited (no sales, possession, or consumption allowed).

SUGGESTED TIPPING SCALE Tipping not obligatory (service charge often included), but appreciated in tourist areas.

• Restaurant Server: Round up to nearest SAR 5-10 or add 10% for good service (cash preferred).
• Café Server: Leave small change or round up.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Round up or add SAR 5-10.
• Hotel Staff (bellhop, housekeeping): SAR 10-20 per service/bag.
• Guides/Drivers: SAR 50-100 per day if excellent (per person).

Tip for exceptional service; no strict rules.

HEALTH & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers; recommend hepatitis A/B, tetanus, measles. Meningitis vaccine required for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims. Tap water desalinated and safe but bottled preferred. Travel insurance highly recommended—healthcare excellent in Riyadh/Jeddah/Dammam (world-class hospitals). Pharmacies widespread.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Highly recommended—your home health plan may offer limited coverage abroad. Review policies for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and activities (desert safaris, AlUla tours, diving in Red Sea). Some credit cards provide basic coverage, but verify adequacy.