Money in Saudi Arabia: Riyal, Cards, Exchange, Cash Limit, VAT

Money in Saudi Arabia is simple for most visitors: the currency is the Saudi riyal, cards and ATMs are common in cities, and a few rules at the border are worth knowing before you fly. This guide collects what the Saudi authorities publish and what major government travel advisories say, and it marks details that come from press reports.

ZiyaraGo is an independent information service. We checked the sources on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and refund terms can change, so confirm the current details with the official body, your bank or the service provider before you rely on them.

The Saudi riyal and the US dollar

The currency is the Saudi riyal, written SAR or SR. According to a statement of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the riyal is fixed at 3.75 per US dollar. We quote only this rate: rates for other currencies move every day, so check a live rate from your bank or card provider on the day you exchange.

Prices in shops, hotels and restaurants are quoted in riyals. If a seller quotes in dollars or euros, ask for the riyal price and compare.

Cards, ATMs and cash

Government travel advisories from the United States and Australia describe ATMs as widespread and cards as widely accepted in the cities. Outside the big cities and in small shops, markets and taxis, carry some cash.

How a foreign card works with the local mada payment network, and whether Apple Pay and Google Pay work with it, depends on your bank. Before you travel, ask your bank whether your card works abroad, set a travel notice if your bank asks for one, and bring a second card as a back-up.

Where to exchange money

Only banks and money-changers licensed by the central bank may change currency, according to the central bank’s rules. Use banks or visibly licensed exchange offices, and avoid anyone who offers a rate in the street.

Compare the rate and any commission before you hand over cash, and count the money before you leave the counter. Many travellers exchange or withdraw only a small amount at the airport and handle the rest in the city. Commissions and opening hours differ between offices.

Cash declaration at the border

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) says that travellers entering or leaving the Kingdom must declare cash, financial instruments, gold or jewellery with a total value of SAR 60,000 or more. The same announcement describes a fine of 25 percent of the seized amount for a first offence and 50 percent for a repeat, and the full amount can be seized if a link to a crime is suspected.

A US government advisory quotes a lower figure, so re-check the current limit on the official customs site before you travel and declare if you are close to the limit.

Tourist VAT refund

Saudi Arabia charges a VAT of 15 percent. Secondary reports from 2025 describe a refund scheme for visitors who live abroad and are 18 or older, with a minimum purchase of SAR 500 at one store, a 90-day window, a refund desk or kiosk at the airport and a provider fee deducted from the refund. The reports also say that services, food, fuel, tobacco and vehicles are excluded and that cash refunds are capped per person per day.

Treat these terms as an indication only and confirm them with the customs authority. Ask the shop whether it takes part in the scheme, keep the receipts and passport with you, and leave time at the airport.

Scams and common mistakes

Government advisories warn about callers who pretend to be the Ministry of Interior and ask for one-time passwords from the Absher app, about pickpockets in crowds and about fake visa or tour offers. Never share a one-time password or card PIN with anyone who contacts you.

The UK advisory also notes that unpaid bills and bounced cheques can lead to fines or a travel ban, so settle hotel and rental bills before you leave.

Tipping and bargaining

Tipping is appreciated for good service in restaurants and hotels, and there is no fixed rule. Check whether a service charge is already on the bill. In traditional markets prices are often negotiable, in fixed-price shops they are not, and a polite, calm approach works best.

A simple money checklist

Before the trip, tell your bank, check your card limits and take a back-up card. On arrival, withdraw a small amount from a bank ATM or exchange a small sum at a licensed counter. In the city, pay by card where you can and keep some cash for small purchases. At the border, declare any cash or valuables at or above the limit, and keep receipts if you plan to claim tax back.

How we chose

We built this guide from the central bank’s statement on the exchange rate, the customs authority’s announcement on cash declarations, government travel advisories and press reports on the tourist VAT refund, checked on 16 October 2026, and rewrote it in our own words. Rates other than the dollar peg change daily, so check a live source. We are not a bank or an exchange service, so confirm with the official body or your bank.

Tips

• Use banks or licensed exchange offices only, and count the money before you leave the counter.
• Declare cash or valuables of SAR 60,000 or more when you enter or leave, and re-check the limit on the customs site.
• Carry a back-up card and some cash for small shops and taxis.
• Never share one-time passwords or PINs with anyone who calls you.
• Treat the VAT refund terms as an indication and ask the shop and the airport desk.

Questions and answers