Saudi Arabia
Money in Saudi Arabia: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Saudi riyal (SAR) for cash; keep SAR 200 in small notes for markets and tips, but cards and mobile payments work in most shops, hotels and restaurants. Tip about 10 % when a service charge is not already added.
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GuideSaudi Arabia
Key facts
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR)
- Pegged to USD
- ≈ 3.75 SAR per $1
- Cash needed
- SAR 200 in small notes for souqs and tips
- Card acceptance
- Widely accepted; Apple Pay and mada common
- Typical tip
- ≈ 10 % if not included
Quick answer
The Saudi riyal (SAR) is the only legal tender. Keep a small amount of cash for markets and tips, but most places accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments.
Currency, ATMs and cards
ATMs are plentiful in cities and major towns; they dispense SAR notes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 denominations. International Visa, Mastercard and local mada cards work in hotels, malls, restaurants and many taxis. Apple Pay and other NFC payments are accepted in larger retailers.
- Withdrawals: SAR 20–200 per transaction, fees may apply on foreign cards.
- Keep SAR 200–300 in small notes for souqs, street food and tipping.
- Exchange bureaus in airports and city centres offer competitive rates; avoid street exchangers.
Tipping in Saudi Arabia
Service charge is often included on restaurant bills; if not, leave roughly 10 % of the total. In hotels, tip SAR 5–10 per bag for bell staff and SAR 10–20 per night for housekeeping. For taxis, round up to the nearest SAR 5.
| Situation | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | ≈ 10 % of bill |
| Hotel bell staff (per bag) | SAR 5–10 |
| Housekeeping (per night) | SAR 10–20 |
| Taxi | Round up to nearest SAR 5 |
Additional notes
The riyal is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.75 SAR per $1, making conversion straightforward.
Small shops and traditional markets may only accept cash, so keep enough SAR for daily purchases.
Credit‑card fraud protection applies; notify your bank of travel plans.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi riyal (SAR) is the sole legal tender.
Should I use cash or a card in Saudi Arabia?
Use cards for most purchases, but keep SAR 200 in small notes for souqs, tips and places that accept cash only.
How much should I tip in Saudi Arabia?
If a service charge isn’t added, leave about 10 % of the bill; otherwise tip SAR 5–10 for bell staff, SAR 10–20 for housekeeping, and round taxi fares up to the nearest SAR 5.
Are ATMs widely available?
Yes, ATMs are common in cities and towns, dispensing SAR notes. International cards work at most machines, but check your bank’s foreign withdrawal fees.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes, mobile payments are accepted at most hotels, malls, restaurants and larger retailers. Smaller shops and souqs may prefer cash.
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Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialSaudi Ministry of Tourism
Ask about Saudi Arabia
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