Saudi Arabia operates a riyal-denominated economy where one United States dollar equals approximately 3.75 Saudi riyals under a currency peg maintained since 1986. This fixed exchange rate eliminates currency fluctuation risk for budget planning. Automated teller machines dispense riyals and accept international cards with standard foreign transaction fees applied by issuing banks. Credit cards function widely in cities but cash remains necessary in smaller towns and traditional markets.
Tourist visas introduced in September 2019 cost 300 riyals for single-entry validity or 500 riyals for multiple-entry validity up to one year. The fee includes mandatory health insurance covering emergency medical treatment during the authorized stay. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims use separate visa categories with different fee structures administered through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Employment-sponsored residents and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries follow different entry protocols not relevant to standard tourism.
Hotels in Riyadh range from 150 riyals per night in budget properties near King Khalid International Airport to 1,200 riyals in five-star towers along King Fahd Road. Serviced apartments in Al Olaya district cost 300 to 600 riyals nightly with kitchen facilities reducing meal expenses. Jeddah accommodation near the historic Al-Balad district starts at 180 riyals in renovated heritage buildings, while beachfront resorts in North Obhur price from 800 riyals. A basic hotel room in Dammam or Khobar costs 200 to 350 riyals. Properties within two kilometers of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca command 600 to 3,000 riyals depending on view lines and walking distance. Medina hotels near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi range from 400 to 2,500 riyals. Advance booking reduces costs by fifteen to thirty percent outside peak religious periods.
Domestic flights between Riyadh and Jeddah cost 180 to 450 riyals one-way depending on advance purchase and time of day. Saudia and Flynas compete on routes between major cities with prices typically below 300 riyals when booked two weeks ahead. Riyadh to Abha flight time reaches ninety minutes at fares from 220 riyals. The Haramain High Speed Railway connecting Mecca, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and Medina charges 60 riyals in economy class and 150 riyals in business class for the full 450-kilometer route. Journey time between Mecca and Medina measures two hours thirty minutes. Rental cars cost 90 to 180 riyals daily for economy sedans through major international agencies at airports. Fuel prices fixed by government decree average 2.33 riyals per liter for 95-octane gasoline as of 2024.
Riyadh Metro began phased operation in December 2021 with eventual six-line network charging distance-based fares from 4 to 6 riyals. Single-journey tickets and rechargeable cards sell at station kiosks. Careem and Uber operate throughout major cities with typical Riyadh airport to city center fare reaching 60 to 90 riyals. Ten-kilometer taxi ride in Jeddah costs approximately 35 to 50 riyals. Traditional white taxis use meters with 5-riyal base fare plus 1.60 riyals per kilometer. Intercity buses connect Riyadh with Dammam for 70 riyals and Jeddah for 130 riyals through Saudi Public Transport Company. These air-conditioned coaches include reclining seats and rest stops.
Restaurant meals vary from 15 riyals for shawarma wraps at street vendors to 180 riyals for grilled seafood platters at midrange establishments. A kabsa plate at local restaurants costs 25 to 40 riyals. Chain coffee shops charge 12 to 18 riyals for drinks. Supermarket purchases including bread, dates, chicken, rice, and vegetables for self-catering average 150 to 250 riyals weekly per person. Bottled water costs 1 to 2 riyals per liter. Traditional souks in Jeddah's Al-Balad or Riyadh's Souq Al Zal sell produce below supermarket prices. International restaurant chains price combo meals at 28 to 35 riyals. Mandi restaurants serving slow-cooked rice and lamb charge 50 to 80 riyals for portions feeding two. Juice stands blend fresh fruit drinks for 8 to 12 riyals.
Entry to Diriyah's At-Turaif District costs 60 riyals for adults. Edge of the World geological formation near Riyadh requires no admission fee but organized day tours including transport cost 250 to 400 riyals per person. Al-Ula archaeological site implementing Hegra's Nabataean tombs charges 95 riyals general admission with guided tours adding 50 to 200 riyals depending on itinerary length. Jeddah Historic District remains free to explore on foot. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran offers free admission to exhibitions and public spaces. Masmak Fortress museum in Riyadh costs 10 riyals entry. Asir National Park near Abha charges 10 riyals vehicle entry plus 5 riyals per person. Farasan Islands boat transfers from Jizan cost 15 to 30 riyals on government ferry service.
Desert excursions from Riyadh including transportation, Bedouin-style dinner, and overnight camping range from 400 to 800 riyals per person in small groups. Red Sea diving day trips from Jeddah or Yanbu cost 350 to 600 riyals including two dives and equipment rental. Certified dive courses price from 1,500 to 2,200 riyals. Camel riding experiences near Riyadh charge 100 to 150 riyals for one-hour guided sessions. Dune bashing four-wheel-drive excursions in Rub' al Khali cost 300 to 500 riyals for half-day trips with multiple vehicles sharing guides.
Shopping budgets depend heavily on interest in gold jewelry sold by weight with minimal markup over global gold prices plus craftsmanship fees averaging 20 to 40 riyals per gram. Dates from Al-Ahsa oasis cost 30 to 120 riyals per kilogram for premium Khalas or Sukkari varieties sold in decorative boxes. Oud perfume prices begin at 80 riyals for small bottles and exceed 2,000 riyals for rare wild agarwood distillations. Traditional coffee pots cost 50 to 300 riyals depending on size and decoration. Sadu woven textiles from Bedouin craftspeople range from 200 riyals for small items to 2,000 riyals for floor cushions. Modern shopping malls in Riyadh and Jeddah stock international brands at prices comparable to other Gulf countries with value-added tax at fifteen percent included in marked prices.
Mobile phone SIM cards from stc, Mobily, or Zain cost 50 to 100 riyals including initial data allowance. Tourist SIM packages with thirty-day validity and 20 gigabytes data cost approximately 100 riyals. Activation requires passport registration. WiFi access appears standard in hotels and many restaurants without additional charges.
Value-added tax applies at fifteen percent to most goods and services since July 2020. Hotels add ten percent municipality fees plus service charges typically reaching fifteen percent. Restaurant bills include VAT in listed prices but some establishments add service charges separately. Rental cars include mandatory insurance in quoted daily rates but additional collision damage waiver costs 30 to 50 riyals daily.
Budget travelers spending on public transport, street food, budget hotels, and free attractions can operate on 250 to 400 riyals daily. Moderate comfort with midrange hotels, restaurant meals, domestic flights, and paid attractions requires 600 to 1,000 riyals daily. Higher-end travel using luxury hotels, private drivers, fine dining, and extensive tours demands 2,000 to 4,000 riyals daily. These ranges exclude international flights and visa fees but include accommodation, transport, food, and activities.