Nobody wants to spend their Umrah or visit calculating exchange rates or hunting for an ATM at midnight. The good news is that handling money in Saudi Arabia is fairly straightforward once you know a few rules. We have set them out as the situations you will actually face, from landing to departure day.
Riyal basics in a few lines
- Currency: the Saudi riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halalas.
- Exchange rate: the riyal is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed 3.75 riyals per dollar, so converting prices in your head is easy and stable.
- Denominations: the most commonly used notes are 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 riyals, alongside coins for small amounts.
- VAT: charged at 15% and usually included in shelf prices, but check larger invoices.
Situation one: landing at the airport
Both Jeddah and Madinah airports have exchange counters and ATMs. Our advice: do not change a large sum at the airport, where rates are often less competitive than in the city. Withdraw or exchange enough for your first day only.
If you have pre-booked your airport ride, you will not need cash for transport straight away — with Mishwar Al Haramain you pay the agreed fare on arrival at your destination. Jeddah Airport to Makkah starts from 200 SAR in a sedan, and you can confirm the payment method that suits you when booking on WhatsApp. More on the Jeddah Airport taxi page.
Situation two: shops and restaurants
Contactless payment is widespread in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. International cards are accepted in hotels, malls and restaurants, and paying by phone is very common. Before you travel:
- Enable international use on your card and ask your bank about foreign transaction fees.
- When a card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency or in riyals, choose riyals. The merchant's own conversion is usually at a worse rate.
- If possible, carry two cards from different banks in case one is blocked.
Situation three: when a card is not enough
Despite the shift to digital, cash is still handy for:
- Stalls and small shops in traditional markets.
- Small acts of charity.
- Tips for porters or hotel staff — not mandatory, but appreciated.
A modest amount of cash in your wallet usually covers these; put everything else on the card.
Situation four: ATMs and money changers
ATMs are everywhere near both Harams and in practically every district, and most accept international cards. The local bank may charge a fee for foreign-card withdrawals on top of your own bank's fee, so take out medium amounts rather than many small ones. If you prefer exchanging cash, licensed money changers in the central areas usually beat hotel rates. Bring your passport, as it may be requested for identification.
Situation five: budgeting for transport
Intercity transport is one of the biggest costs on an Umrah trip. Fixed fares make the budget clear from the start, because they are per car rather than per passenger:
| Route | Sedan (from) | Family (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport → Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR |
| Makkah → Jeddah Airport | 190 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Makkah → Madinah | 400 SAR | 600 SAR |
| Madinah → Jeddah | 450 SAR | 700 SAR |
Other routes are in the taxi fares guide. For families, dividing the car fare by the number of passengers shows the real cost per head.
For business travellers
If you need receipts for expense claims, ask for them up front — most established providers issue digital receipts, and hotels and larger restaurants itemise VAT. For transfers, a written booking confirmation on WhatsApp gives you a clear record of route, date and agreed fare. For rides around the commercial districts, see Jeddah taxi.
A simple daily spending plan
Many visitors find it easiest to think in daily blocks. Decide on a rough daily amount for meals, small purchases and charity, keep roughly that much in cash or on one card, and leave the rest of your funds untouched. Big-ticket items — hotel, flights and intercity transfers — are best settled or agreed in advance, so the daily budget only covers the small, variable things.
A few habits help this work:
- Check your banking app each evening so an unexpected charge is spotted early.
- Keep receipts for larger purchases such as gifts, in case you need to return or exchange anything.
- Set aside the money for your last day — the ride to the airport, a final meal, any excess baggage — before you start shopping for souvenirs.
Shopping for dates, prayer mats and gifts is part of the trip for many families, and it tends to happen in the final days. Planning for it early avoids a last-minute dash to the ATM.
Keeping your money safe in crowds
- Use a small cross-body bag or money belt, especially at peak times in the Harams.
- Do not keep all your cash in one place; leave some in the hotel safe.
- Keep a photo of your card and your bank's emergency number somewhere separate.
- Use only licensed taxis or the driver booked in your name, and ignore random offers at the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay in foreign currency in Makkah and Madinah?
Generally not — transactions are in riyals. If a shop does accept foreign cash, the rate is usually poor, so exchange money or pay by card.
How much cash should I carry?
A moderate amount for small purchases and emergencies is enough, as long as your hotels and main transport are booked and paid in a clear way.
Is tipping expected?
It is not mandatory in Saudi Arabia, but it is a welcome gesture for someone who goes out of their way to help.
How do I pay Mishwar Al Haramain?
On arrival at your destination; standard bookings need no prepayment. Questions: WhatsApp +966582918075 or the booking page.