What Currency Does Saudi Arabia Use?
Facts last checked 31 August 2026.
Exchange rate (approximate):
1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR
1 GBP ≈ 5.0272 SAR
Rates are indicative (July 2026) and change daily. Always check live rates before travelling. Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Travel Money Card
Travelling to Saudi Arabia? Avoid poor airport exchange rates — a prepaid travel money card or multi-currency card usually gets you a far better deal on Saudi riyal spending.
What is money called in Saudi Arabia?
Money in Saudi Arabia is called the Saudi riyal — its ISO 4217 currency code is SAR, and its symbol is ر.س. The Saudi riyal is the official legal tender in Saudi Arabia and is used for all everyday transactions — from paying for goods and services to converting money at banks and exchange bureaus. When travelling, you may also see it referred to as the Saudi Arabia currency or simply money in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi riyal is subdivided into 100 halalas, though small-denomination coins may not always be in everyday circulation.
Is the Saudi riyal used anywhere else?
No — Saudi Arabia is the only country on this site using the Saudi riyal as its official currency.
Practical money tips for Saudi Arabia
Card payments are widely accepted in most cities, but it's still worth carrying some Saudi riyal in cash for smaller vendors, local transport and rural areas. Notify your bank before travelling to avoid transactions being blocked, and compare card fees — many cards charge a foreign transaction fee that a dedicated travel money card avoids.
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Money essentials for Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia currency — FAQ
What is the currency of Saudi Arabia?
The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal (currency code: SAR, symbol: ر.س).
What is the currency code for Saudi Arabia?
The ISO 4217 currency code for the Saudi riyal is SAR.
What is the Saudi riyal symbol?
The symbol for the Saudi riyal is ر.س. You will see this on price tags and receipts throughout Saudi Arabia.
What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?
The official currency used in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal (SAR).
Can I use US dollars in Saudi Arabia?
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal, not the US dollar. While USD may be accepted in some tourist hotels and major cities, you will generally get better rates paying in Saudi riyal and should exchange money before or on arrival.
What is the exchange rate for Saudi Arabia?
As of July 2026, approximately 1 USD = 3.75 SAR and 1 GBP = 5.0272 SAR. Rates change daily — always check a live source before travelling or sending money.
What is money called in Saudi Arabia?
Money in Saudi Arabia is called the Saudi riyal (SAR).
Do other countries use the Saudi riyal?
No — Saudi Arabia is the only country on this site using the Saudi riyal as its official currency.
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