Can I use US dollars in Saudi Arabia?

Prices in Saudi Arabia are in riyals, so I would not count on paying in dollars. Change some money at a bank or exchange office, or pay by card. If you do pay in dollars somewhere, ask the rate first, and compare it with 3.75 riyals to the dollar.

Is Saudi Arabia a cashless country?

Not fully, but it is close. The Saudi Central Bank says electronic payments made up 85 per cent of retail payments in 2025, up from 79 per cent in 2024. Cards and phones are the main way to pay. Still, small vendors may prefer cash, so carry a small amount.

How much cash should I carry in Saudi Arabia?

There is no official amount, and the official Makkah visitor guide says you do not need to carry large amounts of cash. I suggest a small stock of riyals in small notes for small purchases and tips. Keep the amount well under the SAR 40,000 declaration limit, and use your card for hotels and larger payments.

Do I need to tell my US bank before I travel to Saudi Arabia?

No official rule requires it, but I recommend it. Set a travel notice in your bank app, or call, so your card is not blocked on your first purchase. Ask your bank about its foreign transaction fee, and whether it charges extra for ATM withdrawals in riyals, before you fly.

Money in Saudi Arabia · for US travellers · 2027

Saudi Arabia Currency Guide for US Citizens in 2027, From Dollars to Riyals

Saudi riyal notes and US dollars — The 3.75 peg, where to exchange, how to pay by card and phone, and the cash rule at the airport.

The Saudi riyal is fixed at 3.75 to the US dollar, so the exchange rate never surprises you. The fees can.

I am Rohail Arshad, founder of Hujjaj Umrah Taxi, and I run our rides in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. Our fares are in riyals, so I see how money questions catch a first-time traveller. This Saudi Arabia currency guide for US citizens covers the rate, where to exchange, how to pay and the cash rule at the airport.

Jump to:

The Saudi riyal Where to exchange Cards and phone payments Cash rule at the airport Pay for your ride FAQ

What US Citizens Should Know About the Saudi Riyal

The riyal (SAR) is Saudi Arabia's currency, split into 100 halalas, and the Saudi Central Bank has kept it at 3.75 riyals to the dollar. Divide any price in riyals by 3.75 to see it in dollars.

US dollars	Saudi riyals
10	37.5 SAR
50	187.5 SAR
100	375 SAR
500	1,875 SAR

Where to Exchange Dollars and What It Costs

You do not need to exchange everything before you fly. You can change money at Saudi banks and at exchange offices in airports and major shopping centres. Banks usually open Sunday to Thursday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Exchange offices stay open later, but their commission can be higher. Compare the final amount you receive, and not only the rate on the board, because commission changes it. If you want to turn trip costs into riyals before you go, the Umrah ground transport cost breakdown shows typical ride prices.

Cards and Phone Payments Work Almost Everywhere

Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted, and many businesses take Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Hotels, most transport services and many meals can be paid by card. Your phone becomes your wallet, so keep it charged and connected.

A data plan from an eSIM for Umrah pilgrims keeps your banking app working. Keep your home SIM active too, in case your bank texts a code. When a terminal offers to charge you in dollars, I recommend choosing riyals.

The Cash Rule at the Airport

Declare cash worth SAR 40,000 or more. Recent rules lowered the limit from SAR 60,000, and they cover cash, gold, jewellery and similar valuables, whether you enter or leave the Kingdom. A first offence can bring a fine of 25% for the first violation of the value.

Customs checks this at the same airport where immigration checks your papers, and the Saudi visa for American citizens covers the visa side. Confirm the current limit with Saudi customs before you fly.

Pay for Your Ride in Riyals With Hujjaj Umrah Taxi

Our fares are in riyals, fixed per vehicle, with fuel, tolls and waiting included and no meter. At Hujjaj Umrah Taxi, nothing is charged online. You pay the driver in cash or by card at the end of the ride. You do not need riyals in your hand when you land.

You book on WhatsApp, and the driver's name, photo and phone number reach you the day before. Cancellation is free up to 12 hours before pickup. We are registered with Nusuk.

PAY THE DRIVER · CASH OR CARD · NOTHING CHARGED ONLINE · FIXED FARE · PER CAR

Book your ride now, pay in riyals when you arrive

Hujjaj Umrah Taxi meets you inside the arrivals hall with a name board and drives door to door to your hotel, with Jeddah airport to Makkah from SAR 250 per car, about 67 dollars. Fixed fare agreed on WhatsApp before pickup, driver details sent the day before, card or cash to the driver at the end, free cancellation up to 12 hours before.

Send your flight number, hotel and group size on WhatsApp and we reply with one fixed price in riyals.

Get a quote on WhatsApp

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use US dollars in Saudi Arabia?: Prices in Saudi Arabia are in riyals, so I would not count on paying in dollars. Change some money at a bank or exchange office, or pay by card. If you do pay in dollars somewhere, ask the rate first, and compare it with 3.75 riyals to the dollar.
Is Saudi Arabia a cashless country?: Not fully, but it is close. The Saudi Central Bank says electronic payments made up 85 per cent of retail payments in 2025, up from 79 per cent in 2024. Cards and phones are the main way to pay. Still, small vendors may prefer cash, so carry a small amount.
How much cash should I carry in Saudi Arabia?: There is no official amount, and the official Makkah visitor guide says you do not need to carry large amounts of cash. I suggest a small stock of riyals in small notes for small purchases and tips. Keep the amount well under the SAR 40,000 declaration limit, and use your card for hotels and larger payments.
Do I need to tell my US bank before I travel to Saudi Arabia?: No official rule requires it, but I recommend it. Set a travel notice in your bank app, or call, so your card is not blocked on your first purchase. Ask your bank about its foreign transaction fee, and whether it charges extra for ATM withdrawals in riyals, before you fly.