Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Riyadh, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Tourist e-visa (SAR 480 / ~$128) for 49+ nationalities at visa.visitsaudi.com. 1 year validity, 90 days per visit, multiple entry
- GCC nationals enter freely. US, UK, EU, and Schengen visa holders may be eligible for visa on arrival
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is 35km north. Uber/Careem to city SAR 60–80 (45 min)
Health & Safety
- No mandatory vaccinations. Healthcare is excellent but expensive without insurance — travel insurance is essential
- Riyadh is very safe — crime rates are among the lowest in the world for a major capital
- Summer heat is extreme (Jun–Sep, 40–50°C). Even short outdoor exposure can cause heat exhaustion. Carry water constantly
Getting Around
- Riyadh Metro is opening in phases — 6 lines covering 176km. Check current status at riyadhmetro.sa
- Until metro is fully operational, Uber and Careem are essential. Riyadh is vast — distances are large between areas
- SAPTCO buses connect to Jeddah (SAR 150, 10 hours), Medina (SAR 150, 9 hours), and Dammam (SAR 100, 4.5 hours)
Connectivity
- STC, Mobily, and Zain sell tourist SIMs at the airport — SAR 50–100 for 10–30GB data. STC has the best nationwide coverage
- Free WiFi in malls, most cafes, and hotels. Generally fast and reliable in the city
- WhatsApp works fine. Some VoIP services may be restricted — download a VPN before arriving if needed
Money
- Saudi Riyal (SAR) pegged to USD at 3.75. ATMs are everywhere. International cards work at most ATMs
- Cards widely accepted at restaurants, malls, and shops. Cash useful for traditional souks and smaller eateries
- No tipping culture in Saudi Arabia, though rounding up or 5–10% at restaurants is increasingly common
Packing Tips
- Conservative dress required — men: trousers and sleeved shirts. Women: loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs; headscarf recommended but not always required in Riyadh
- Layers for winter evenings (Nov–Feb) when temperatures drop to 8–12°C. Summer is strictly indoor weather
- Comfortable shoes for souks and heritage sites. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat year-round
Cultural tips
Dress Code
Conservative dress for both genders. Women no longer legally require an abaya in Riyadh, but loose-fitting clothes covering arms and legs are expected. A light headscarf is respectful in traditional areas.
Prayer Times
Shops and restaurants close for 15–30 minutes five times daily during prayer. Don't be frustrated — use the Athan app to plan around prayer times. It's a fundamental part of life here.
Alcohol
Alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia — zero tolerance. No bars, no restaurants serving alcohol, no importing. The penalty is severe. Non-alcoholic beer and mocktails are widely available.
Photography
Never photograph people (especially women) without explicit permission. No photos of government or military buildings. In souks, ask vendors before photographing their stalls.
Social Customs
Greet with "As-salamu alaykum." Physical contact between unrelated men and women is avoided. Saudi hospitality is legendary — accept Arabic coffee and dates when offered.
Weekend & Timing
The Saudi weekend is Friday–Saturday. Thursday evening is the big "going out" night. Riyadh comes alive after 9pm — dining at 10–11pm is normal. Mornings are for business and rest.
