🇸🇦Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia Digital Travel Overview

Digital Government First

Saudi Arabia runs on government apps. Absher and Tawakkalna are essential for visa status, health records, and event access. Without them, you may be denied entry to venues.

Mada Payment System

Mada is the local debit network. International Visa/Mastercard work at most places, but Mada-only terminals exist at smaller shops.

Vision 2030 Tourism

Saudi is rapidly modernizing. Tourist visas are easy. Alcohol is prohibited. Modest dress expected but no longer strict dress code for visitors.

Essential Apps for Saudi Arabia

Tawakkalna

Critical

Government super-app for health status, event access, digital ID. Required for many venues and Hajj/Umrah.

Absher

Critical

Government services — visa status, permits, traffic services. Register before arrival.

Nusuk

High Priority

Official Hajj/Umrah app. Required for mosque permits in Makkah and Madinah.

Careem

High Priority

Dominant ride-hailing. Better coverage than Uber in most Saudi cities.

HungerStation

Medium

Largest food delivery app. Also Jahez and ToYou as alternatives.

STC Pay

Medium

Saudi digital wallet. Requires Saudi phone number.

Payment Guide for Saudi Arabia

International Cards

Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in cities. Contactless/Apple Pay works at most terminals. Amex limited.

Mada Network

Local debit system. Some smaller shops only accept Mada. International cards may fail on Mada-only terminals.

Cash

Useful for souks, tips, small vendors. Al Rajhi Bank and SNB ATMs accept international cards.

Currency

SAR pegged to USD at ~3.75. Rates stable. Airport exchange reasonable.

Transport in Saudi Arabia

Ride-Hailing

Careem and Uber are primary transport. Both accept international cards. Essential in cities with limited public transit.

Haramain Rail

High-speed rail connecting Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, KAEC. Book via app or stations.

Riyadh Metro

New metro system opening in phases. 6 lines covering major areas. English signage.

Driving

International permit accepted. Roads modern. Fuel very cheap. Be cautious of aggressive driving.

SIM & Connectivity in Saudi Arabia

SIM Registration

Buy tourist SIM at airport or STC/Mobily/Zain stores. Passport and biometric required. STC has best coverage.

eSIM

STC and Mobily offer eSIM. Airalo and Holafly also work well in Saudi.

WiFi

Free WiFi at malls, hotels, cafes. Quality varies. Mobile data recommended.

VoIP

WhatsApp and FaceTime calls now work in Saudi Arabia. Previously restricted but now allowed.

Tickets & Bookings in Saudi Arabia

Umrah/Hajj

Book through Nusuk app for mosque access. Required during Hajj season. Register well in advance.

Entertainment

Saudi Seasons events, concerts via Webook.com. MDLBeast festival sells out fast.

Attractions

AlUla, Diriyah, NEOM require advance booking via official websites.

Flights

Saudia and flynas for domestic. Book early for Jeddah-Riyadh route.

Common Mistakes in Saudi Arabia

Avoid these common pitfalls to save time and frustration.

Not Registering on Tawakkalna

Critical

Many venues require Tawakkalna. Set up before or upon arrival.

Ignoring Prayer Times

High Risk

Shops close during prayers (5x daily, ~30 min). Plan meals and shopping.

No Cash for Souks

Medium

Traditional markets often only accept cash or Mada. Keep SAR 200-500.

Inappropriate Dress

Medium

Modest dress expected. Cover shoulders and knees.

Photography Restrictions

High Risk

Do not photograph government/military sites or people without permission.

Pre-Departure Checklist for Saudi Arabia

Complete these before your trip.

Digital Setup

Download Nusuk if visiting holy sites

Download Careem

Book eSIM or plan airport SIM

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months)

Saudi eVisa confirmation

Travel insurance

Money

Notify bank of Saudi travel

Carry SAR 500-1000 cash

Cultural

Pack modest clothing

Learn prayer time schedule

Download Arabic translator

FAQ — Saudi Arabia

Answers to the most common questions.

Many nationalities get eVisa online or on arrival. Check visa.visitsaudi.com.

Very safe with low crime and heavy security. Tourists welcomed under Vision 2030.

Yes. Women can travel, drive, stay in hotels independently. Dress modestly.

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