
Don’t forget to buy your Saudi Riyals (SAR) before you leave for Saudi Arabia.
When planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, find out the most you can about the country, especially the use of the local currency. In Saudi Arabia, the currency used is the Saudi riyal (SAR). You will surely be able to pay with your credit card in most shops and for most of your purchases. However, it is always good to carry cash in the local currency as for some situations this can be very useful, for instance if you plan to buy from small shops. We advise you to exchange euros to riyals before you leave to ensure a better exchange rate and that you are fully prepared for your trip.
Practical tips for planning your budget
A daily budget of 280 saudi riyals is sufficient for one night's accommodation, food and public transport tickets.
A meal in a restaurant will cost you SAR 60 if you want to sample the country's culinary specialities, and a fast food restaurant may cost you SAR 25 for lunch.
170 SAR
Average cost of a one night stay in Saudia Arabia
90 SAR
Average food budget per person per day

Good to know
Some price indications in Saudi Arabia
4.80 SAR
A public transport ticket
10 SAR
The price of a cup of coffee
80 SAR
Entrance fee to Al Tayebat Museum
20 SAR
A kebab
10 SAR
A taxi ride
FREE
A visit to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia

Some suggestions for your trip to Saudi Arabia
- If you are planning to rent a car, make a diversion to the Edge of the World, which is located towards the Tuwaiq Mountains. The road is bumpy so you will need to hire a suitable vehicle. On the way you can visit the underground Bin Rashid cave before being blown away by the view when you reach your final destination.
- The city of haqra is a reconstruction of the ancient city, estimated to be over 1,500 years old and rebuilt exactly as it was before. Visitors can walk through the salt fields of Qasab, salt extracted from the ground from the water as it was done hundreds of years ago.
- Visit the city of Shaqra and walk through the streets of the old city. You will see ancient architecture. Visitors can visit mosques, old markets, museums and the Hlewa market.
- For hiking enthusiasts, the 'Moon valley' offers a majestic sight if you go there to watch the sunset.
- Saudi Arabia offers a variety of landscapes to explore. A diversion to the Red Sea is a must, you've heard so much about it that a dip in that direction is a must.
Some facts about the Saudi Riyal

Denominations of the Saudi Riyal
Notes: 1 SAR, 5 SAR, 10 SAR, 50 SAR, 100 SAR, 500 SAR
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 halalas, 1 SAR l, 2 SAR
The Saudi riyal was issued in 1928 after eliminating the Gulf rupee.


The rial comes from the Spanish word "real" which means "royal", which fits the country quite well. On the back of the notes are monuments celebrating Islam.

Why buy Saudi Riyals from ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup has been in the business of currency exchange and other monetary services since 1992. The company has many foreign exchange bureaus in Finland, strategically located for an easy access for travellers. ChangeGroup offers more than 60 foreign currencies, even the rarest ones. We offer favourable rates at our exchange bureaus and even more attractive ones if you exchange Euros to riyals on our website. By doing so, you will also benefit from a 0% commission exchange. Another advantage of Change Group is that if you have any travel money left over after your trip, you can bring them back and we will buy them from you at the original price when you first exchange your pounds to riyals. You think that this might save you money and help you travel light minded? You’re right ! Get our Buy-Back guarantee for only €6.95.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:

1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.

2. Reserve online
Create an account and
finalise your travel money order online
to enjoy our best price deal.

3. Pick up & pay
Collect your order from the selected
branch and pay securely in cash or
by credit/debit card.