Everything you need to know

Saudi Arabia Currency

Travelling to or living in Saudi Arabia? Managing your money shouldn’t be stressful. With TransferGo, you can send, spend, and exchange money affordably — so more of your money goes where it matters.

Use the GoCard in Saudi Arabia

Open a UK bank account with us and get a GoCard for smarter spending in Saudi Arabia. Pay in local shops, use ATMs globally, and enjoy contactless payments—all with zero hidden fees. Everything is managed from the app. Available only to UK and EU residents.

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What is the currency in Saudi Arabia?

The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal

The riyal replaced the Saudi riyal of the Hejaz in 1925 and is issued by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority.

SAR, ر.س

Banknotes

ر.س1

ر.س5

ر.س10

ر.س20

ر.س50

ر.س100

ر.س500

ر.س1,000

Coins

50 halalas

ر.س1

Popular Riyal pairings

A

SAR

AED

SAR

ALL

SAR

AMD

SAR

ANG

SAR

AOA

SAR

AUD

SAR

AWG

SAR

AZN

B

SAR

BBD

SAR

BDT

SAR

BGN

SAR

BHD

SAR

BMD

SAR

BND

SAR

BOB

SAR

BRL

SAR

BSD

SAR

BTN

SAR

BWP

SAR

BZD

C

SAR

CAD

SAR

CHF

SAR

CLP

SAR

COP

SAR

CRC

SAR

CZK

D

SAR

DJF

SAR

DKK

SAR

DOP

SAR

DZD

E

SAR

EGP

SAR

ETB

SAR

EUR

F

SAR

FJD

G

SAR

GBP

SAR

GEL

SAR

GHS

SAR

GIP

SAR

GMD

SAR

GYD

H

SAR

HKD

SAR

HNL

SAR

HUF

I

SAR

IDR

SAR

ILS

SAR

INR

J

SAR

JMD

SAR

JPY

K

SAR

KES

SAR

KGS

SAR

KHR

SAR

KMF

SAR

KWD

SAR

KYD

SAR

KZT

L

SAR

LKR

SAR

LSL

M

SAR

MAD

SAR

MDL

SAR

MGA

SAR

MKD

SAR

MNT

SAR

MRU

SAR

MUR

SAR

MVR

SAR

MWK

SAR

MXN

SAR

MYR

SAR

MZN

N

SAR

NAD

SAR

NGN

SAR

NOK

SAR

NPR

SAR

NZD

O

SAR

OMR

P

SAR

PEN

SAR

PGK

SAR

PHP

SAR

PKR

SAR

PLN

SAR

PYG

Q

SAR

QAR

R

SAR

RON

SAR

RWF

S

SAR

SBD

SAR

SCR

SAR

SEK

SAR

SGD

SAR

SRD

SAR

SZL

T

SAR

THB

SAR

TJS

SAR

TMT

SAR

TOP

SAR

TRY

SAR

TTD

SAR

TZS

U

SAR

UAH

SAR

UGX

SAR

USD

SAR

UYU

SAR

UZS

V

SAR

VND

SAR

VUV

W

SAR

WST

X

SAR

XAF

SAR

XCD

SAR

XOF

Z

SAR

ZAR

SAR

ZMW

How to spend money in Saudi Arabia

Cash is used in markets, taxis, and small shops. Cards are widely accepted in Riyadh, Jeddah, and major urban areas, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and malls. Mobile payments are increasingly popular. ATMs are plentiful in cities.

Tip: Always pay in the local currency to get the best exchange rate and avoid extra conversion charges.

Tips for exchanging money in Saudi Arabia

Use banks or licensed bureaux for fair rates.

Avoid airport kiosks.

Always pay in riyals to avoid conversion fees.

Keep small notes for local markets and taxis.

Choose smart tools like TransferGo to send and exchange money at transparent rates with no surprises.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the official currency used in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi riyal (SAR).

What is the official currency used in Saudi Arabia?

Symbol: ر.س | Code: SAR

Can I use my home currency in Saudi Arabia?

Rarely; riyals are standard.

How can I use my GoCard in Saudi Arabia?

Just activate it in the app and start spending—online or in stores.

Is it better to use cash or card when spending in Saudi Arabia?

Cash is used in markets; cards work in cities.

Are credit or debit cards widely accepted in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, especially in urban areas.

Are there ATMs available in Saudi Arabia, and are there withdrawal limits?

Yes, in cities; limits vary by bank.

Can I use a GoCard in Saudi Arabia?

Yes! You can use your GoCard for spending, withdrawing, or managing your money—with fair rates and no hidden fees.