Dress code
Modest, smart-casual clothing works for both men and women. There's no mandatory dress code for visitors, but covering shoulders and knees is a good default outside hotels and resorts, and a scarf is handy if you plan to visit a mosque.
Practical guide
Know before you go
Visiting a new country always comes with a few unknowns, what's actually safe, how to pay, who to call if something goes wrong. We've gathered the real, practical answers here so you can spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to the trip.
Safety
Is Saudi Arabia safe?
Yes. Saudi Arabia ranked 19th out of 163 countries on the 2025 Global Peace Index, and 14th in the world on the Numbeo Safety Index, the highest of any G20 country. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and the Kingdom has invested heavily in tourist-facing security and infrastructure. As with any destination, use common sense: keep track of your belongings, respect local laws and customs, especially during Ramadan, and check your government's travel advisory before you go.
Emergency numbers
Save these, just in case.
What should I know?
A few small details that make your trip easier.
Workweek & hours
The week runs Sunday through Thursday, with most businesses open from around 9am to 10pm. Shops pause briefly around each of the five daily prayers, usually 15 to 20 minutes, then reopen.
Visiting during Ramadan
Eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours isn't done out of respect for those fasting. Evenings come alive after Iftar, with restaurants, markets and family gatherings often running late into the night.
Alcohol
Saudi Arabia doesn't sell or serve alcohol anywhere in the Kingdom. It's a straightforward fact worth knowing before you land, not a barrier to a great trip.
Currency & payment
How to pay in Saudi Arabia.
Currency
The Saudi riyal (SAR, ﷼), with 100 halalas to the riyal. Notes and coins come in familiar denominations.
Paying for things
Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet are widely accepted in cities. It's still worth carrying some cash for smaller towns, local markets and taxis.
ATMs
Widely available in cities, malls and airports. A quick check on the map before you head somewhere remote is always a good habit.
Phone & internet
Among the best-connected countries in the world.
Saudi Arabia placed among the global top 10 for mobile internet speed on the 2025 Ookla Speedtest Global Index, with a median download speed of 216 Mbps, and up to 320 Mbps on 5G. SIM cards are available from any telecom provider's stores, and most hotels, restaurants and cafés offer free Wi-Fi.
stc
The largest network, roughly 58% of subscribers
Mobily
Roughly 28% of subscribers, strong 5G coverage
Zain KSA
Roughly 20% of subscribers
More questions
A few more things travellers ask.
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