Insider Travel Tips

Is Saudi Arabia good for tourists?

Saudi Arabia only started issuing tourist visas in late 2019. Prior to this, one could only visit the kingdom for business or the Hajj. For that reason, a visit to Saudi Arabia can feel like a journey into the unknown, without so many of the tourist experiences typical of more established destinations. That said, its mystique may not hold for much longer, as more and more tourists each year discover its exciting cities, gorgeous desert landscapes, and unique historic sights. 

Is Saudi Arabia expensive to visit?

Saudi Arabia is a very wealthy country where tourism is still in its infancy, so a Saudi Arabia vacation is, for now, still quite expensive. Budget around US $1,000+ per person, per day for a tour through the kingdom’s highlights, which includes first-class accommodation and many meals.

What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia uses the riyal, which trades at around 3.75 to $1 USD.

Do I have to tip in Saudi Arabia?

A tip of about 10 to 15 percent is standard in restaurants, while a dollar or two should be given to the person minding your shoes while you visit a mosque. Other than that, tipping culture isn’t particularly strong in Saudi Arabia.

When is the summer vacation in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi schools break for eight weeks from late June to late August each year. More likely to affect you as a traveller is Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this time, restaurants and other businesses may be closed or offer limited services during the day, as Muslims fast. It can be a challenging, though fascinating time to visit the Islamic world. 

What should I wear to Saudi Arabia?

Light, breathable clothing that covers your arms, legs, and shoulders is your go-to in Saudi Arabia. Dress standards, particularly for women, are likely to be more conservative than you’re used to at home. Wear long trousers and sleeves and avoid options that show cleavage to minimize hassles. Jeans are a good choice too, though wear a longer shirt over skinny jeans. At the beach, Saudi women usually swim in their clothes or in a burkini. Tourists should do the same.

Is there a dress code in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, there are modesty laws in Saudi Arabia, so men need to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered, while women need to cover their legs and wear long-sleeved shirts. In the holy city of Madinah and at religious sites such as mosques, it’s necessary for women to cover their heads with a hijab or abaya as well. In the coastal city of Jeddah, dress codes may be more relaxed.

Can you wear a bathing suit in pools or at the beach in Saudi Arabia?

While Saudi Arabia has plans of emerging as a beach destination with the Red Sea Project, currently swimming is not common within Saudi culture. As such, rules around swimwear depend on the specific venue. For instance, you’ll never find Saudi citizens at the beach in western swimwear such as trunks or bikinis. If they’re in the water, they’ll be fully covered in swim clothes. However, some hotels and beach clubs catering to international visitors might have different rules, so it’s best to ask management about swimwear expectations at any given venue.

Is it safe for a woman to travel to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate and is generally safe for women taking the usual precautions. You can also go out, stay, and travel alone without an escort or guardian. Saudi women have been allowed to drive in the kingdom since 2018. Avoid isolated spots at night and trust your instincts, particularly in crowds or with strangers. 

Is Saudi Arabia LGBTQ+ friendly?

Officially, “everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia and visitors are not asked to disclose such personal details.” However, homosexual acts incur severe punishments in Saudi Arabia including a possible death penalty, enforced as recently as 2019. LGBTQ+ travellers are advised to be extremely discreet if visiting Saudi Arabia. Some LGBTQ+ travellers have made the journey, including one Muslim filmmaker who covertly filmed his Hajj for the documentary, A Sinner in Mecca. The film offers a fascinating glimpse of the intersection between faith, oppression, and queer identity in Islam’s holiest city.

Can I drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia?

Tap water in Saudi Arabia is for the most part clean and safe to drink. Much of it is desalinated, however, so many visitors prefer to drink bottled water.

What is the work week in Saudi Arabia?

The work week in Saudi Arabia is from Sunday to Thursday instead of Monday to Friday like most Western countries.

Do people speak English in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, many people speak English in Saudi Arabia, especially in the cities. Most Saudi citizens learn English in school and it’s common for businesspeople to also speak English. It's less common in the countryside. However, signage through the country is in both Arabic and English.

Can non-Muslims go to Makkah (Mecca)?

No, only Muslim travellers are permitted in the holy city of Makkah.

Can non-Muslims go to Madinah?

Yes, non-Muslims can visit everywhere in Madinah, except the Prophet’s Mosque, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried.

Can you visit Saudi Arabia during Ramadan?

Yes, but it’s much busier, prices will be higher, and the entire pattern of the month changes to focus on prayer and fasting. It’s typically wise for non-Muslim travellers to avoid visiting Saudi Arabia during Ramadan.

Can you visit during the hajj?

The hajj has its own visa and travel process for pilgrims, which are unavailable to non-Muslims. So if you are a Muslim visitor, you can arrange to travel during the hajj, but for non-Muslims, it’s best to avoid the pilgrimage season each year.