City in Medina Province, Saudi Arabia
Medina
Holy city of the Prophet's Mosque, calmer and greener than Mecca. Visited by Muslims on Umrah and Hajj; the central Haram is closed to non-Muslims. Hot summers.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,000–3,470Comfortable, one person · SR7,500–13,000Details
- Value for money16/100Better value than 15% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Aug, 45°CDetails
- Air quality44.5 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet168 MbpsFixed broadband, Saudi Arabia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water is treated, but building tanks vary; almost everyone drinks bottled or filtered water.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 chains.Details
Where to stay in Medina
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Markaziyah (around the Prophet's Mosque) | Walk to the mosque; expensive at peak |
| Al Aqeeq / Quba side | Cheaper hotels, quieter streets, short taxi to the mosque |
| Al Haram–Qiblatain area | Mid-range hotels with easy taxi access |
Apps that work in Medina
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| HungerStation | Delivers to most hotels |
| Jahez | Local app, wide choice |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Nusuk: Muslims: Umrah and Rawdah visit permits
- Taxis: Use apps; agree a price before boarding street taxis. Roads near the mosque close to cars at prayer 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 chains. Carry cash for dates markets, small stalls and tips.
- 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 Medina 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.