Saudi Arabia Travel Tips

There are few risks to visitors in terms of violence from locals, however all holiday makers need to appreciate that Saudi Arabia is a highly conservative country governed strictly by the laws of Islam and any behaviour that in any way contravenes those laws brings serious consequences for the individual. Women may not drive and are not permitted entry to a variety of places and social situations; additionally foreign women must wear modest clothing at all times. Private beaches are the only places where swimwear is permitted. All visitors should be wary of where they point their cameras or risk having the film or memory stick forcibly extracted; photographs of Muslim women, government buildings and airports are not tolerated. Alcohol is strictly forbidden and unavailable for purchase throughout the country. Anti-Islamic documentation or books promoting other religions are expressly forbidden and may result in arrest if they are found on your person.

Saudi Arabian currency is the Riyal (SAR) which is comprised of 100 halala which can be further broken down into 400 qurush (5 halala is equal to 20 qurush). Notes come in denominations of SAR500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 while coins are available in 50, 25, 10, and 5 halala, and 10, 5, 2 and 1 qurush.

All commercial banks in the country offer currency exchange services while bureau de change counters at the airports and other strategic locations offer similar services with extended hours of service. Exchange rates may well vary from location to location in spite of what the international exchange rate is as service charges are invariably applied to all transactions.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency although it is prohibited to bring Israeli currency into the country.

Saudi Arabian customs laws state that visitors may bring 600 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco into the country plus an amount of perfume and cultured pearls considered suitable for personal use. Alcohol may not be brought into the country under any circumstances as it falls into the list of prohibited items which also includes: all edible goods, narcotics and drugs (excepting personal medicines accompanied by prescription), religious books (except the Qu'ran), pork, firearms, natural pearls and all livestock.

Electricity: 240v / 50Hz

It is normal to shake hands with locals both on meeting them and on departing from a gathering; kisses however are not permitted under any circumstances. Members of the same sex tend to keep a shorter distance between themselves than we would consider normal in the west and visitors should not feel threatened by or uncomfortable with this and should try their best not to display feelings of such if they are.

Islamic prayer is conducted 5 times a day for 30 minutes and visitors should be aware that the vast majority of public services will grind to a halt during these periods. This is just one of the major religious observances that are part of both the country’s culture and its governing laws. Other major Islamic observances such as Ramadan also have a dramatic impact on the country’s workings and visitors and expatriates alike will need to show the necessary respect and reverence for the local customs at these times. Homosexuality is forbidden under Islamic law so gay visitors will need to book separate rooms and avoid physical contact of any description in public places.

Showing the soles of your feet to anyone is Saudi Arabia is considered a major insult so visitors should be especially mindful of where they point their feet in public places.

Saudi Arabia has the potential to present visitors with some risks to health. Precautions can be taken however to minimise risks and sensible behaviour as well as vigilance can also go a long way to reducing the likelihood of illness during your trip. Ahead of travel, it is wise to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Typhoid; furthermore if you are planning a pilgrimage to Mecca then you are strongly advised to be inoculated with Meningococcal vaccine as this disease in known to flourish in the crowded conditions that the city presents.

Visitors should avoid drinking, cooking or brushing their teeth with tap water and opt to use reverse osmosis purified bottled water for any internal uses. Milk is also risky as it is un-pasteurised and hence should be boiled prior to consumption. Other dairy products may carry some risks and should be treated with due caution.

Swimming in fresh water is not recommended as Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) may be present and has the potential to cause serious illness. Hotel pools that are heavily chlorinated are generally safe.

The country’s hospitals offer a high standard of medical care, however healthcare is notoriously expensive so all visitors are strongly advised to arrange holiday insurance coverage with provision for medical treatment, prior to travelling. 

Emergency: 112

The official language in Saudi Arabia is Arabic, but English is widely spoken.

Bills from hotels invariably include a service charge while in other places tipping is discretionary; however, 10 per cent is usually considered a fair figure for taxi drivers and waiters.

The country code for Saudi Arabia is +966. Mobile telephone service providers have agreements with a large number of foreign providers so visitors with roaming features on their telephones should have no problem getting a signal.

Time: GMT +3

Visas are required by all visitors except those from Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates or those in transit to other countries with a connection within 18 hours. Visas can be obtained from the Saudi Arabian Embassy of your home country. Individuals not wearing suitable attire may be denied entry to the country irrespective of their visa.