Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | SAR 100–200 | SAR 300–600 |
| Food | SAR 40–70 | SAR 100–180 |
| Transport | SAR 20–40 | SAR 60–120 |
| Activities | SAR 0–50 | SAR 100–200 |
| Drinks | SAR 10–20 | SAR 30–50 |
| Daily Total | SAR 170–380 | SAR 590–1,150 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Tourist e-visa (SAR 480 / ~$128) available for 49+ nationalities at visa.visitsaudi.com. Valid for 1 year, multiple entry, 90 days per visit
- Umrah visa holders can visit Medina. Hajj visa holders have specific itinerary restrictions
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) is 15km from the city. Taxis SAR 40–60 to city centre
Health & Safety
- No mandatory vaccinations for tourist visa. Meningitis ACWY vaccine required for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims
- Medina is extremely safe — one of the safest cities in the world. Petty crime is virtually nonexistent
- Summer heat (Jun–Sep) exceeds 45°C. Carry water constantly, wear sunscreen, and limit outdoor time. Mosques are air-conditioned
Getting Around
- Uber and Careem operate throughout the city — SAR 10–25 for most rides. The most convenient transport option
- SAPTCO buses connect Medina to Mecca (SAR 70, 4 hours), Jeddah (SAR 70, 4 hours), and Riyadh (SAR 150, 9 hours)
- The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Medina to Mecca via Jeddah (SAR 150–250, 2.5 hours). Book at sar.hhr.sa
Connectivity
- STC, Mobily, and Zain sell tourist SIMs at the airport — SAR 50–100 for 10–30GB data. STC has the best coverage
- Free WiFi in the Prophet's Mosque, most hotels, and shopping malls. Reliable and generally fast
- VPN services may be needed for some VoIP apps. WhatsApp calling works but FaceTime may be restricted
Money
- Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to USD at 3.75. ATMs everywhere. Credit cards widely accepted in shops and restaurants
- Cash useful for souks, date markets, and small eateries. Most vendors near the mosque accept card payment
- No tipping culture in Saudi Arabia, though rounding up is appreciated. Service charges are sometimes included
Packing Tips
- Conservative dress is mandatory — for men: trousers and shirts with sleeves. For women: loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs, headscarf in public
- Comfortable shoes for mosque visits (you'll remove them frequently). Carry a bag for your shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella for sun protection. A reusable water bottle — the mosques have Zamzam water coolers
Cultural tips
Mosque Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering any mosque. Dress conservatively. Women must wear a headscarf. Maintain silence and respect during prayers. Photography inside mosques varies — ask first.
Dress Code
Saudi Arabia requires conservative dress for all. Men: trousers and sleeved shirts. Women: loose-fitting clothes covering arms and legs, headscarf in public. Abayas are available for purchase everywhere.
Alcohol & Substances
Alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia — zero tolerance. No bars, no restaurants serving alcohol, no importing. The penalty for drug possession is severe, up to death.
Prayer Times
Shops and restaurants close briefly five times daily for prayer (15–30 minutes). Plan around prayer times — they shift daily. The Athan app shows exact times for your location.
Photography
Never photograph people (especially women) without permission. No photography inside the Prophet's Mosque Haram area. Government and military buildings are off-limits for photos.
Non-Muslim Visitors
Non-Muslims cannot enter the central Haram area of the Prophet's Mosque but can explore the rest of Medina freely. All other historical sites, museums, and markets are open to everyone.
