The Saudi Riyal: Your Essential Currency Overview

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Abbreviated as SAR and historically denoted by the Latin letters SR, the riyal gained an official currency symbol in February 2025 when King Salman approved a design rooted in Arabic calligraphy — making Saudi Arabia the first Arab nation to adopt a dedicated currency symbol. Encoded in Unicode 17.0 as U+20C1, the symbol is gradually being adopted across financial and commercial platforms.

The riyal is subdivided into 100 halalas, though you will rarely encounter halala coins in everyday transactions. Since 1986, the Saudi Riyal has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 3.75 SAR to 1 USD — a peg maintained by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). This makes the riyal one of the most stable currencies in the Middle East, and it means exchange rate fluctuations against the dollar are virtually nonexistent.

For travellers, this dollar peg is genuinely useful. It simplifies budgeting and removes the guesswork that comes with volatile currencies. Whether you are visiting Riyadh for business, heading to Jeddah for Umrah, or exploring AlUla’s ancient landscapes, you can plan your spending with confidence.

If you are planning a trip to the Kingdom, our Saudi Arabia travel hub covers everything from visas to SIM cards.

Banknotes and Coins in Circulation

Banknotes

Saudi Arabia’s current banknote series — the sixth issue — circulates in eight denominations:

• 1 SAR — the smallest note, useful for tips and small purchases
• 5 SAR — issued as a polymer (plastic) note since 2020, making it more durable
• 10 SAR
• 20 SAR
• 50 SAR — a common denomination for everyday spending
• 100 SAR
• 200 SAR
• 500 SAR — the largest denomination, featuring King Abdulaziz (the Kingdom’s founder) and the Kaaba

Notes from 5 to 100 SAR feature King Salman bin Abdulaziz on the front. All banknotes include text in both Arabic and English, along with sophisticated security features including watermarks, holographic strips, and colour-shifting ink.

Practical tip: ATMs typically dispense 50 and 100 SAR notes. If you need smaller denominations for taxis or market purchases, break larger notes at supermarkets or hotel reception desks early in your trip.

Coins

Coins circulate in the following denominations:

• 1 halala, 5 halalas, 10 halalas, 25 halalas, 50 halalas
• 1 SAR and 2 SAR — bimetallic coins introduced in 2016

In practice, halala coins are rarely used. Most prices are rounded to the nearest riyal, and you are unlikely to receive halala coins as change. The 1 and 2 SAR coins do circulate but are less common than banknotes of equivalent value.

Exchange Rates: SAR Against Major Currencies

Thanks to the dollar peg, converting between SAR and USD is straightforward: divide by 3.75. For other currencies, rates fluctuate with the foreign exchange market. Here are approximate rates as of March 2026:

Currency	1 SAR Buys	1 Unit Costs (SAR)
US Dollar (USD)	$0.267	3.75 SAR
British Pound (GBP)	£0.199	5.03 SAR
Euro (EUR)	€0.231	4.33 SAR
Australian Dollar (AUD)	A$0.382	2.62 SAR
Canadian Dollar (CAD)	C$0.366	2.73 SAR
Indian Rupee (INR)	₹24.90	0.15 SAR

Note: These rates are indicative mid-market rates. The rate you receive at an exchange bureau or ATM will include a margin. Always check live rates before exchanging large amounts.

For a detailed breakdown of what things cost in the Kingdom, see our Saudi Arabia cost guide.

Where to Exchange Money in Saudi Arabia

Airport Exchange Counters

Every major Saudi airport — King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), King Fahd (Dammam) — has currency exchange counters in the arrivals hall. Al Rajhi Bank operates counters at several airports alongside independent exchange houses.

Pros: Convenient, open for arriving flights, no need to search for an exchange office on arrival.

Cons: Rates are typically 3-10% worse than city-centre exchange offices. Suitable for exchanging a small amount to cover your taxi and first meal, but not for large sums.

For more on navigating Saudi airports, see our airport guide.

Banks

Saudi Arabia’s major banks — Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), Riyad Bank, and Bank AlJazira — all offer currency exchange services at their branches. Bank rates are generally fair, though the process can be slower than dedicated exchange houses and may require presenting your passport.

Banking hours are typically Sunday to Thursday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays (the Saudi weekend).

Licensed Money Changers (Sarrafa)

Independent licensed exchange houses — known locally as sarrafa — are found throughout commercial districts, souqs, and shopping centres. These typically offer the best exchange rates and lowest margins.

In Riyadh, the Al Bathaa district is well known for its concentration of money changers. In Jeddah, look around Al Balad (the old town) and major shopping streets. In Makkah and Madinah, exchange offices cluster near the Haram areas to serve pilgrims.

Tip: Always compare rates between two or three offices. Rates can vary by 1-2% even between neighbouring shops. Avoid anyone offering to exchange money informally on the street — it is illegal and you risk counterfeit notes.

Hotels

Most four- and five-star hotels offer currency exchange at their reception desk. Rates will be the least favourable of all options — typically 5-10% below the mid-market rate — but the convenience may be worth it for small amounts.

ATMs: Withdrawing Saudi Riyals

ATMs are abundant across Saudi Arabia. You will find them in airports, shopping malls, supermarkets, petrol stations, hotel lobbies, and on most commercial streets. The major ATM networks include mada (the national payment network), VISA, Mastercard, and SAMAN.

Fees to Expect

Saudi banks generally do not charge a local access fee for foreign debit cards — which is a pleasant surprise compared to many travel destinations. The fees you do encounter will typically come from your home bank:

• Foreign ATM withdrawal fee: Your home bank may charge £1.50-£3.00 (or equivalent) per withdrawal
• Currency conversion fee: Typically 1.5-3% of the withdrawn amount
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): If the ATM offers to convert to your home currency, always decline and choose SAR. DCC markups can add 5-10% to your costs

Best Practice for ATM Withdrawals

1. Always select SAR as your withdrawal currency — never accept conversion to your home currency
2. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise per-transaction fees
3. Use a travel-friendly debit card with low or zero foreign transaction fees (Wise, Revolut, and Monzo are popular choices among travellers)
4. Check daily withdrawal limits — most Saudi ATMs cap withdrawals at 5,000 SAR per transaction
5. Notify your bank before travelling to prevent your card being blocked for suspicious activity

Credit card cash advances: While technically possible at Saudi ATMs, credit card withdrawals are not recommended. They attract immediate interest charges, cash advance fees (typically 3-5%), and higher exchange rate margins.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Contactless Payments

Card Acceptance

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across Saudi Arabia, particularly in:

• Hotels and resorts
• Shopping malls and chain retailers
• Supermarkets (Tamimi, Panda, Danube, Carrefour)
• Chain restaurants and international cafes
• Ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem)
• Major tourist attractions and museums

American Express has more limited acceptance — it is taken at international hotel chains and some upmarket retailers, but not universally.

Where you still need cash:

• Small independent restaurants and street food vendors
• Traditional souqs and market stalls
• Some local taxis (though Uber and Careem are cashless)
• Smaller shops outside major cities
• Tipping (always in cash)

Foreign Transaction Fees

When paying by card in Saudi Arabia, expect your bank to charge a foreign transaction fee of 1.75-4% on each purchase. Travel-optimised cards from providers like Wise, Revolut, or Monzo can reduce or eliminate these fees entirely.

Apple Pay and Contactless Payments

Saudi Arabia has embraced contactless payments enthusiastically. Apple Pay is fully supported and widely accepted — it works with Saudi bank cards (via the mada network) and with international cards from participating banks.

Google Pay and Samsung Pay also function in the Kingdom. Contactless terminals are standard in malls, supermarkets, chain restaurants, coffee shops, and most retail environments. The mada payment network — Saudi Arabia’s domestic debit network — now integrates with all major digital wallet platforms.

In practical terms, you can tap your phone or watch to pay in most urban commercial settings. However, it is still essential to carry cash as a backup for smaller vendors and traditional markets.

How Much Cash Should You Carry?

Saudi Arabia is increasingly cashless, but carrying some riyals remains essential. Here is a practical framework:

• Airport arrival: Have 100-200 SAR ready for a taxi or initial expenses (exchange a small amount at the airport or withdraw from an ATM on arrival)
• Daily spending money: 100-300 SAR in cash per day covers taxis, tips, souq purchases, and street food
• Souq shopping: Bring extra cash — traditional markets rarely accept cards, and cash gives you bargaining leverage
• Umrah/Hajj pilgrims: Carry 200-500 SAR per day in cash, as the area around the Haram has many small vendors who are cash-only

Safety note: Saudi Arabia has a very low crime rate and is generally safe for carrying cash. That said, use common-sense precautions — split your cash between different pockets or bags, and leave larger amounts in your hotel safe.

Customs declaration: If you are entering Saudi Arabia with cash exceeding SAR 60,000 (approximately $16,000 / £12,700) or its foreign currency equivalent, you must declare it at customs.

What Things Cost: A Quick Price Guide

To help you budget, here are typical prices you will encounter in Saudi Arabia (as of 2026):

Item	Typical Cost (SAR)	Approx. USD
Bottle of water (500ml)	1-2 SAR	$0.27-0.53
Arabic coffee (qahwa) from a cafe	10-15 SAR	$2.70-4.00
Cappuccino (specialty coffee shop)	15-22 SAR	$4.00-5.90
Street food / shawarma	8-15 SAR	$2.10-4.00
Meal at a local restaurant	20-35 SAR	$5.30-9.30
Three-course dinner (mid-range)	80-120 SAR	$21-32
Fine dining meal	200-400 SAR	$53-107
Taxi (starting fare)	10 SAR	$2.70
Taxi (per kilometre)	4-6 SAR	$1.00-1.60
Uber/Careem (typical city ride)	15-40 SAR	$4.00-10.70
SIM card with data	50-100 SAR	$13-27

For a comprehensive breakdown including accommodation, transport, and activities, visit our Saudi Arabia cost guide. If you need a local SIM for mobile payments and maps, our SIM card guide walks you through the options.

Tipping Culture in Saudi Arabia

Tipping is not obligatory in Saudi Arabia, but it is appreciated and increasingly expected in tourist-facing businesses. Here is a practical guide:

Restaurants

Many restaurants add a 10-15% service charge to the bill. Check your receipt — if a service charge is included, no additional tip is required, though you can add 5% for exceptional service. If there is no service charge, leave 10-15% of the total bill.

Hotels

• Porters/bellhops: 5-10 SAR per bag
• Housekeeping: 5-10 SAR per room per night, left on the pillow or bedside table
• Concierge: 10-30 SAR for special assistance (booking restaurants, arranging transport)

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Rounding up the fare is common — if your ride costs 37 SAR, handing over 40 SAR is a polite gesture. For ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem, you can tip through the app or hand a few riyals directly to the driver.

Other Services

• Tour guides: 20-50 SAR per person for a half-day tour
• Hairdressers/barbers: 10-20 SAR
• Petrol station attendants: 2-5 SAR (attendants pump your fuel in Saudi Arabia)
• Valet parking: 5-10 SAR

Always tip in cash. Even in establishments that accept cards, tips handed directly to staff in riyals are preferred and ensure the money reaches the individual.

VAT and the Tourist Refund Scheme

Understanding VAT

Saudi Arabia levies a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods and services. This was increased from 5% in July 2020. VAT is included in displayed prices at shops and restaurants, so the price you see on the shelf or menu is what you pay — no surprises at the till.

Tourist VAT Refund

In a significant development for visitors, Saudi Arabia launched a VAT refund programme for tourists in April 2025. Eligible travellers can reclaim the 15% VAT on qualifying purchases. Key details:

• Eligibility: Non-resident tourists and GCC nationals aged 18 or over
• Minimum spend: SAR 500 across qualifying purchases
• Qualifying retailers: Over 1,400 authorised retail outlets across the Kingdom
• Condition: Goods must be for personal use, unused, and exported within 90 days
• How to claim: Present receipts at the VAT refund counter at the airport before departure
• Refund method: Cash refund (up to SAR 5,000 per day) or credit/debit card refund

Look for the “Tax Free Shopping” logo at participating stores and ask for a tax-free receipt at the point of sale. This scheme can deliver meaningful savings on larger purchases such as electronics, perfumes, gold, and designer goods.

For details on what to buy and where, see our Saudi Arabia shopping guide.

Duty-Free Allowances and Customs Rules

When entering Saudi Arabia, be aware of these customs regulations:

• Alcohol: Strictly prohibited. No alcohol of any kind may be imported into Saudi Arabia — there is zero tolerance and no duty-free allowance for alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco: You may bring up to 200 cigarettes or 500 grams of other tobacco products without duty. Quantities above this must be declared
• Personal effects and gifts: Up to SAR 3,000 in value without incurring customs duty
• Currency: Cash exceeding SAR 60,000 (or foreign equivalent) must be declared
• Prohibited items: Pork products, narcotics, pornographic material, and items deemed contrary to Islamic values

Money-Saving Tips for Travellers

Stretching your riyals further requires a few smart strategies:

1. Use a Travel-Friendly Card

Cards from Wise, Revolut, or Monzo offer near-interbank exchange rates with minimal or no foreign transaction fees. Setting one up before your trip can save you 3-5% on every purchase compared to a standard high-street bank card.

2. Always Choose SAR at ATMs and Card Terminals

When an ATM or card machine asks whether you want to pay in SAR or your home currency, always select SAR. Choosing your home currency triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which adds a 5-10% markup that goes straight to the terminal operator.

3. Exchange in the City, Not the Airport

Airport exchange counters are convenient but expensive. Exchange only enough at the airport for your taxi fare (50-100 SAR), then find a city-centre exchange office or ATM for the rest.

4. Claim Your VAT Refund

The 15% VAT refund on qualifying purchases over SAR 500 is free money — do not leave it on the table. Ask for tax-free receipts when shopping and allow an extra 30 minutes at the airport for the refund process.

5. Eat Where Locals Eat

A filling shawarma or kabsa (spiced rice with meat) at a local restaurant costs 20-35 SAR. The same meal at a tourist-oriented restaurant may cost three times as much. Follow the crowds and look for busy neighbourhood restaurants.

6. Use Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber and Careem are typically cheaper than metered taxis and eliminate the need for cash or fare negotiation. They also provide a digital receipt — useful for expense tracking.

7. Bargain in Souqs

In traditional markets, prices for non-food items are often negotiable. Start at around 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Always be polite and good-humoured — haggling is a social interaction, not a confrontation.

8. Download Pricing Apps

Apps like Mubawab (for accommodation comparisons) and Wssel or HungerStation (for food delivery deals) can help you find competitive prices and special offers.

Visa Costs and Payment

Your first Saudi currency expense may be the visa itself. Tourist e-visas cost approximately SAR 535 (around $142 / £113) including insurance and are paid online by credit or debit card during the application process. For full details on visa types, costs, and the application process, see our Saudi Arabia visa guide.

Key Takeaways

• The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US dollar at 3.75 — making it stable and predictable
• Banknotes range from 1 to 500 SAR; the 5 SAR note is polymer (plastic)
• ATMs are everywhere and Saudi banks generally do not charge local access fees for foreign cards
• Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; Apple Pay and contactless payments work in most urban settings
• Always choose SAR when withdrawing or paying — never accept Dynamic Currency Conversion
• Carry 100-300 SAR in cash daily for taxis, tips, and small vendors
• Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — 10-15% in restaurants if no service charge is included
• Claim your 15% VAT refund on purchases over SAR 500 at the airport
• No alcohol may be imported — zero tolerance at customs
• Use a travel-friendly card (Wise, Revolut, Monzo) to save 3-5% on foreign transaction fees

Planning your trip to Saudi Arabia? Start with our comprehensive travel hub
. Families should also check our travelling with kids guide for tips on budgeting for a family trip.
Our food guide includes typical restaurant prices, and the nightlife guide covers entertainment costs across the Kingdom. for guides on everything from visas and airports to shopping and SIM cards.