Currency in Saudi Arabia: what to use and how to exchange

The riyal is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.75, which makes budgeting simple: divide riyal prices by 3.75 for dollars, or multiply dollars by 3.75. Because of the peg, the riyal moves with the dollar against the euro, pound and other currencies, so your rate depends more on the dollar than on anything happening in Riyadh.

Notes come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 riyals, with 1 and 2 riyal coins and small halala coins that are rarely used. The 500-riyal note is hard to break at small shops, so ask for 50s and 100s when you withdraw or exchange. Prices are usually quoted in whole riyals; fuel, groceries and restaurant bills are often rounded.

Cards are the default in cities. Visa and Mastercard work in malls, hotels, chain restaurants, supermarkets and most fuel stations, and contactless is common. Smaller shops, taxi drivers, market stalls and roadside stops may be cash-only or prefer cash. Carry a few hundred riyals and you will rarely be stuck.

For exchange, a bank branch or an ATM is normally the cheapest route. Airport kiosks and hotel desks are convenient but usually give a worse rate. Moneychangers exist in the big cities and can be competitive for cash, but compare before handing over notes. If you arrive with dollars or euros, you can exchange at the airport for a small amount and do the rest in town.

ATMs are widespread in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and along main roads, and most accept foreign cards. Two fees apply: the Saudi ATM operator's fee and your own bank's foreign transaction fee. Take out larger amounts less often to reduce the fixed charges, and use a bank-branded machine rather than a standalone kiosk in a shop.

Keep the receipt from any exchange and count your money before leaving the counter. If a machine swallows your card, contact your bank rather than the shop it sits outside. For day-to-day spending, see the tipping and cards pages linked below.