Money and budget

Currency converter

Cash and cards

• The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR), pegged to the US dollar at 3.75
• Cards, including contactless and Apple/Google Pay, work almost everywhere
• Keep 500–1,000 SAR in cash for small shops, barbers, porters and taxis
• ATMs are everywhere around both mosques
• Tell your bank you're travelling, and keep a backup card separate from your wallet

A rough 10-day budget

Excluding flights and visa, for one person in a mid-range hotel. These are the old site's figures, kept as a guide until the live cost calculator is ready.

Item	SAR
Hotel (mid-range, 10 nights)	4,500
Food (three meals a day)	1,000
Local transport	500
Shopping and gifts	1,000
Other	500
Total	7,500

Ramadan and school holidays can double hotel prices. Compare hotels by walking time.