City in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia
Mecca
Islam's holiest city, open to Muslim pilgrims only. Millions come for Umrah and Hajj; crowds, heat and permits drive the trip. Non-Muslims cannot enter.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,130–4,000Comfortable, one person · SR8,000–15,000Details
- Value for money6/100Better value than 5% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Jun, 44°CDetails
- Air quality38.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet168 MbpsFixed broadband, Saudi Arabia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water is treated but tanks vary; drink bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$40–107Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work in hotels, malls and shops.Details
Where to stay in Mecca
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ajyad / around the Haram | Walk to Masjid al-Haram; hotels are expensive, especially at peak |
| Aziziyah | Cheaper hotels and apartments; shuttle or bus to the Haram |
| Kudai / Al Zahir | Mid-range hotels with a longer transfer |
Apps that work in Mecca
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| HungerStation | Delivers to hotels near the Haram |
| Jahez | Local app, wide restaurant choice |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Nusuk: Muslims: Umrah and Rawdah visit permits
- Taxis: Use apps or hotel transfers; unofficial taxis overcharge pilgrims. Roads near the Haram close at peak times.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Saudi Arabia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work in hotels, malls and shops. Carry cash for small stalls, tips and charity.
- Currency: Rial (SAR). US$1 ≈ SR3.75 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs are plentiful; foreign-card fees vary by bank. Decline conversion to your home currency.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated: around 10% in restaurants, round up taxis, small tips for delivery riders and porters.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at almost all contactless (mada) terminals.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Apply online at ksavisa.sa: tourist eVisa, ETA or visa waiver depending on passport; some nationalities get visas on arrival.
- The tourist eVisa fee includes mandatory medical insurance.
- Passport must be valid six months; previous travel to Israel may lead to refusal.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type G · 230 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
stc, Mobily and Zain counters at airports and malls; passport and fingerprint registration required for a physical SIM. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Saudi Arabia
Going to Mecca solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.