Buy Saudi Riyals (SAR)
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Buy Saudi Riyals (SAR) Before Travelling to Saudi Arabia
When planning your trip to Saudi Arabia, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the country — particularly with the use of the local currency. In Saudi Arabia, the official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).
While you will certainly be able to pay by card in most shops, restaurants, and during your visits, it is always wise to carry some local cash with you. In certain situations, having Saudi Riyals on hand can be extremely useful.
We recommend converting your euros to SAR before your departure to benefit from a more favourable exchange rate. By taking the time to compare EUR/SAR rates and keeping an eye on market trends, you're more likely to find the best possible deal.
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 for one night stay
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
Un 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.
TThe 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.
When do you need cash in Saudi Arabia?
Card payments have been widely accepted in Saudi Arabia for several years, but it is still useful to have cash during your stay, especially outside urban areas.
Some small traditional businesses, such as tea houses or small grocery shops (baqala), still prefer cash.
When visiting traditional markets and souks, many vendors will ask you to pay in cash. Likewise, food trucks and street vendors, particularly in smaller towns, prefer cash payments.
Finally, tipping is moderate in Saudi Arabia, but it is appreciated to give tips to porters, doormen, taxi drivers or hotel and parking staff. In all cases, tips should always be given in cash.
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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 the UK, strategically located for an easy access for travellers. ChangeGroup offers more than 60 foreign currencies, even the rarest ones. We offer favourable rates in our exchange bureaus and even more attractive ones if you order your travel money on our website where you will benefit from 0% commission. You're in a hurry to get everything done before you leave and you don't have time to go to and exchange bureau? We've set up a home delivery service on purporse! Choose this option for € 19.90 and receive your riyals in 24h. 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 € 5.95.
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.Select delivery method
Choose between home delivery or branch pick-up. Create an account & finalise your order.
3.Receive your currency
Collect your currency from a branch near you or have it delivered right to your door. Enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging euros for SAR
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the EUR/SAR exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to best reflect market conditions and offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your euro-to-Saudi-rial exchange in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment and obtain your SAR at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your SAR from the bureau de change of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 48 to 72 hours for just €19.90.
By choosing to reserve your SAR online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees or commissions on your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many Saudi Rials you will receive after the exchange.
Thanks to our home delivery service, we can exchange your euros for SAR wherever you are in France.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQ.
- How to order travel money online?
- Do you have any limits on orders placed online?
- Can I specify my preferred currency denominations when ordering online?
- I placed an order online, but I didn't receive a confirmation email - What should I do?
- Is there any fee for currency exchange online?
- How far in advance can I place my order?