Middle East

Money, cards and tipping in Saudi Arabia

Capital: RiyadhArabicUpdated October 2026

SARRial

Money in Saudi Arabia

Cards almost everywhere Among the region's most cashless countries: contactless works in most shops, cafés and taxis. Cash still helps in traditional souks and small towns. US$1 ≈ SR3.75 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Not expected but appreciated: around 10% in restaurants, round up taxis, small tips for delivery riders and porters.
ATMs: ATMs are plentiful; foreign-card fees vary by bank. Decline conversion to your home currency.
Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at almost all contactless (mada) terminals.
Price level: about 47% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Mecca	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work in hotels, malls and shops. Carry cash for small stalls, tips and charity.
Riyadh	Cards almost everywhere	Contactless works nearly everywhere, including taxis. Keep a little cash for traditional souqs and tips.
Jeddah	Cards almost everywhere	Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere. Carry some cash for Al-Balad stalls and small cafeterias.
Medina	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work in hotels, malls and chains. Carry cash for dates markets, small stalls and tips.
AlUla	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work in hotels, restaurants and tours. Carry cash for small shops and tips.
Dammam	Cards almost everywhere	Contactless works in almost every shop, café and taxi app; carry some cash for small shops, parking and tips.
Abha	Cards almost everywhere	Contactless works in most shops and cafés; keep some cash for villages, small markets and mountain stalls.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Saudi Arabia?

Not expected but appreciated: around 10% in restaurants, round up taxis, small tips for delivery riders and porters.

Is Saudi Arabia cashless?

Cards almost everywhere. Among the region's most cashless countries: contactless works in most shops, cafés and taxis. Cash still helps in traditional souks and small towns.

What currency does Saudi Arabia use?

The Rial (SAR). US$1 ≈ SR3.75 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.