Jeddah Travel Tips

The weekend consists of Thursday and Friday, unlike the traditional western weekend, with is on Saturday and Sunday.

Banks: 08:00 to 12:00
Post Offices: 07:30 to 14:30
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00
Museums: 08:00 to 14:30
Business Offices: 07:30 to 14:30

Saudi Arabia imposes incredibly strict penalties for breaches in the law, considered by some human rights activists to be in violation of international human rights norms.

Partly due to the severe punishments imposed by the government for breaches of the law, the crime rate here is very low, with petty theft being the only thing you are likely to encounter. It is advisable to keep a close eye on your belongings when you are out in the street, on public transport or in a busy shopping centre as well and being careful to lock your hotel room door.

The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal (SAR).

Money can be exchanged at Jeddah International Airport, while banks across the city also have exchange services. ATMs are widely available, with shopping centres and business and commercial districts as well as banks being good places to look for one. Some of the larger hotels have cash machines, although these can not always be relied upon to be in service.

Expect to undergo rigorous customs inspections upon arrival, with all bags being either searched or x-rayed. Visitors cannot imports alcoholic beverages or pork, while computers, VCR tapes and DVDs are also often subjected to inspection by the authorities.

While Jeddah is considered to be the most liberal of Saudi cities, visitors to Jeddah should take care to observe Saudi etiquette or risk causing offence or being punished. A strict Islamic code of conduct is in effect, making it necessary to familiarise yourself with the rules before your arrival.

While foreign women are not required to wear an abaya (a long black robe) or a headscarf, the wearing of these items will minimise the amount of harassment you get from the Muttawah (religious police) and Saudi men while also increasing your chances of being welcomed among Saudi’s.

Foreign men do not have to conform to special attire, but those visitors with long hair should expect to attract unwanted attention.

Visitors of both sexes should not discuss the royal family, as insulting the king can result in the death penalty. Severe restrictions apply to women including being prohibited from driving, and foreign females are expected to abide by the same rules.

Visitors of both sexes should not discuss the royal family, as insulting the king can result in the death penalty. Severe restrictions apply to women including being prohibited from driving, and foreign females are expected to abide by the same rules.

While foreign visitors to Jeddah will not encounter any major differences in dining etiquette in such a cosmopolitan city, they should note that eating pork is forbidden, in accordance with Islamic law. The other noticeable difference in dining in Jeddah is the absence of alcohol at meals; drinking alcohol is forbidden throughout the country.

Almost every meal is accompanied by khobz, a type of Arabic unleavened bread and meals typically end with a cup of Arabic coffee. Black, herbal tea is also popularly served upon arrival.

There are some health concerns for visitors to Saudi Arabia, which should be given consideration prior to your arrival. Although the Kingdom has a comprehensive national health-care system, services are still very basic in some areas and at some institutions, with hospital facilities varying depending on which one you are treated at.

Should you have a serious medical complaint while you are in Jeddah, it is worth seeking out a private hospital which is run in cooperation with the participation of foreign partners. Services can be very expensive, so it is essential you have comprehensive medical insurance

Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, although you will find English is widely spoken

With a reputation for being one of the most restrictive countries in the world, this is also true with regards to entry requirements. Both entry and exit visas are required for visitors to Saudi Arabia, with the exception of residents of Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

Passports should have at least six months validity, while those with Israeli stamps in their passport will be denied entry. Visitors are asked to disclose their religion on the visa card, and Jews are not allowed into the country.

Tourist visas must be obtained in advance through a travel agent or Saudi embassy. Visitors no longer require a Saudi sponsor, as was the case previously; however, they must be booked on a guided tour in order to obtain a visa.

Special Hajj (pilgrimage) visas are issued each year in cooperation with local mosques; however, these visas prohibit free travel within the kingdom.

For more information on tourism in Jeddah, you can contact the MAS Centre in Riyadh at: MAS Centre, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, P.O. Box 66680, Riyadh, 11586, tel: +966 1 4808855 ext. 4444, fax: +966 1 4808649.