Capital city in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's fast-changing capital: new venues, events, Diriyah and a growing expat scene. Car-dependent, very hot in summer, alcohol-free, and exposed to 2026 missile and drone attacks.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,400–4,270Comfortable, one person · SR9,000–16,000Details
- Value for money5/100Better value than 4% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Jul, 44°CDetails
- Air quality41.6 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: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$53–133Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereContactless works nearly everywhere, including taxis.Details
Where to stay in Riyadh
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Al Olaya | First stay: malls, towers, restaurants, metro and taxis nearby |
| Diplomatic Quarter | Quiet, green, walkable; expat residents and embassies |
| Al Malqa / Hittin | Long stays: villas, compounds, cafés, newer restaurants |
| King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) | Modern towers, metro hub, walkable business district |
| Diriyah | Heritage district with restaurants; day trips or short stays |
Apps that work in Riyadh
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| HungerStation | Largest choice, English app |
| Jahez | Popular local app with many restaurants |
| Keeta | Newer, often discounted |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Nusuk: Muslims: Umrah and Rawdah visit permits
- Taxis: Use apps; street taxis are less common and may not use meters. Cars are cheap, and women can ride alone.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Saudi Arabia.
- Cards almost everywhere Contactless works nearly everywhere, including taxis. Keep a little cash for traditional souqs 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
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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.