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First-Time Visitor's Guide to Saudi Arabia — Practical Things to Know Before You Arrive
Saudi Arabia has changed dramatically in recent years and is now genuinely welcoming to international visitors. But it is still different from most countries — in culture, rules, infrastructure, and daily life. This guide covers the practical things every first-time visitor should know before they land.
Highlights
- ★Saudi Arabia is safe, modern, and increasingly visitor-friendly — but it has its own rules and culture that are important to understand.
- ★Alcohol is completely prohibited. There are no exceptions — not in hotels, restaurants, or private settings.
- ★The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the USD at approximately 3.75 SAR = 1 USD. Card payments are widely accepted.
- ★Getting a local SIM card at the airport is easy and cheap — essential for maps, Uber, and communication.
- ★Uber and Careem work well in all major cities. Taxis exist but are less reliable. Riyadh has a new metro system.
- ★Dress code: women no longer need to wear an abaya in public, but modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) is expected and respectful. Men should also dress modestly.
- ★The weekend in Saudi Arabia is Friday–Saturday, not Saturday–Sunday. Most government offices are closed on these days.
Who Is This For?
First-time visitors to Saudi Arabia who want a practical, honest overview of what to expect — currency, transport, SIM cards, customs, dress code, and more.
Practical Tips
- 💡Download Uber or Careem before you land — they are the most reliable way to get around in all major cities.
- 💡Get a local SIM card at the airport arrivals hall (STC, Mobily, or Zain all have desks). Tourist SIM packages are inexpensive and give you data, calls, and maps from the moment you land.
- 💡Carry some cash (SAR) for smaller purchases and local markets — most places accept cards but cash is always useful.
- 💡Prayer times affect business hours — some smaller shops and restaurants close briefly during the five daily prayers. Large malls and supermarkets typically stay open.
- 💡Friday is the holy day — expect reduced activity in the morning. Friday afternoons and evenings are lively social times.
- 💡Ramadan changes everything: restaurants close during the day, hours shift dramatically, and public behaviour expectations tighten. If you visit during Ramadan, plan around it.
- 💡Public displays of affection are not appropriate and can attract unwanted attention — couples should be respectful in public.
- 💡Photography: avoid photographing people without permission, government buildings, military facilities, or anything that looks sensitive.
- 💡Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated — 10% in restaurants is common in nicer establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saudi Arabia safe for tourists?
Yes. Saudi Arabia has a very low crime rate and visitors are generally treated with hospitality and respect. The main rules to follow are cultural and legal (no alcohol, modest dress, respect for religious sites) rather than safety-related.
What currency is used and can I use my foreign card?
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the currency. Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere. Apple Pay and contactless payments are very widely used. ATMs are plentiful in cities.
Can women travel solo to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi Arabia removed the requirement for women to have a male guardian (mahram) for travel. Women can travel independently, stay in hotels alone, rent cars, and move around freely. The country is generally safe for solo female travellers.
Do I need to dress in traditional Saudi clothing?
No. Women are no longer required to wear an abaya in public, though many choose to. Modest clothing is expected — covered shoulders and knees. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless tops in public.
What language is spoken and is English widely understood?
Arabic is the official language. English is widely understood in major cities, hotels, malls, and tourist areas. Signage in most cities is bilingual. Outside major urban areas, English may be more limited.
What should I not bring into Saudi Arabia?
Do not bring alcohol, pork products, drugs, pornographic material, or anything with content that conflicts with Islamic values. Some prescription medications require prior approval — check with the Saudi embassy or SFDA before travelling with medication.