Saudi Travel Essentials

Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia can feel slightly different from planning a trip to more established tourist destinations.

The country is huge, cities can be hundreds of kilometers apart, public transportation varies from one region to another, and many travelers are still unsure about visas, SIM cards, driving, payments and everyday travel logistics.

The good news is that traveling around Saudi Arabia has become much easier.

This guide covers the practical things you should know before you arrive and while you are in the country.

Think of it as your starting point before exploring Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Al Qassim, the Red Sea, the southern mountains or anywhere else in Saudi Arabia.

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1. Do You Need a Visa to Visit Saudi Arabia?

For most international travelers, the first thing to check is your visa eligibility.

Saudi Arabia currently offers a tourist eVisa to passport holders from dozens of eligible countries.

The tourist eVisa is generally valid for one year, allows multiple entries and permits stays of up to 90 days.

It can be used for tourism, leisure, visiting family or relatives and Umrah, but not Hajj.

The application process is online:

1. Complete the application.
2. Pay the required fee.
3. Receive the visa electronically.

Your passport should normally have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry.

For the latest visa requirements, available visa types and official information, visit the Official Saudi Visa Platform (KSA Visa) →

If you are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, you can check your eligibility and apply online through the Official Saudi Tourist eVisa Portal →

What if your nationality is not eligible for the eVisa?

That does not necessarily mean you cannot visit Saudi Arabia.

Travelers from countries outside the eVisa program may need to apply through the official Saudi visa platform, a Saudi embassy or consulate, depending on their nationality and circumstances.

Some travelers may also qualify for visa-on-arrival options under specific conditions.

Eligibility rules can change, so always check your personal situation through the official Saudi visa platforms before booking non-refundable travel.

The Local Eye

Do not rely on old blog posts or screenshots about Saudi visa rules.

Saudi tourism regulations have changed quickly over the last several years.

Always make the official Saudi visa platforms your final reference before traveling.

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2. Arriving in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has several major international gateways.

The airports most international tourists are likely to use include:

• Riyadh
• Jeddah
• Dammam
• Madinah

Other Saudi cities also have regional and international connections.

After immigration and baggage collection, you will usually have several transportation options depending on the airport, including taxis, ride-hailing apps and rental cars.

In Riyadh, public transportation has improved significantly with the opening of the Riyadh Metro network, which operates across six lines.

If you plan to rent a car, booking before arrival is usually easier than trying to compare companies after a long flight.

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3. SIM Cards and Mobile Internet

Mobile internet is one of the easiest parts of traveling in Saudi Arabia.

The three major mobile operators are:

STC
Mobily
Zain

You can buy SIM cards from official telecom stores and authorized dealers.

Visitor packages are also available from major operators.

Physical SIM or eSIM?

Both are options.

If your phone supports eSIM, it can be particularly convenient because you do not need to remove your existing SIM card.

Before traveling, check:

• Whether your phone supports eSIM
• Whether your phone is unlocked
• How much data you actually need
• Whether you will travel into rural or desert areas

Coverage in cities is generally excellent, but if your trip includes remote highways, mountains or desert regions, signal strength can vary.

The Local Eye

Do not choose a SIM only by comparing the number of gigabytes.

If you are planning a road trip through remote Saudi Arabia, coverage can be more important than price.

For a city-only trip, any of the major operators should usually be easy to use.

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4. Wi-Fi in Saudi Arabia

Free Wi-Fi is common in:

• Hotels
• Cafés
• Restaurants
• Airports
• Shopping malls
• Many public spaces

However, I would still recommend having your own mobile data.

Saudi Arabia is a car-oriented country, and you will probably rely heavily on your phone for:

• Google Maps
• Ride-hailing
• Hotel directions
• Restaurant searches
• Translation
• Train and flight bookings

Having internet access the moment you leave the airport makes the trip much easier.

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5. Money and Payments

The currency is the Saudi Riyal, abbreviated SAR.

The Saudi Riyal has a fixed exchange rate of:

1 USD = 3.75 SAR

Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted across Saudi Arabia, including at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and many smaller businesses.

Apple Pay and other digital payment methods are also commonly used.

Do You Need Cash?

A little cash is still useful.

You may occasionally need it for:

• Small shops
• Traditional markets
• Remote areas
• Small roadside businesses

But you do not need to carry large amounts.

ATMs are widely available throughout the country.

The Local Eye

Saudi Arabia has become extremely card-friendly.

In most cities, you can go an entire day without using cash.

Still, I would keep around 100–300 SAR in cash as backup, especially during road trips.

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6. Getting Around Saudi Cities

Transportation depends heavily on the city.

Saudi Arabia is not one place with one transportation system.

Riyadh

Riyadh now has the country's most developed urban public transportation network.

The Riyadh Metro includes six lines, supported by buses and other public transportation services.

The metro is particularly useful for travelers staying near major stations.

However, Riyadh is enormous.

Depending on where your hotel and attractions are located, you may still use taxis or ride-hailing services regularly.

Jeddah

For most tourists in Jeddah, ride-hailing and rental cars remain among the easiest ways to move around.

The city is spread along the Red Sea coast, and attractions can be far apart.

Smaller Cities

In cities such as Buraidah, Hail, Abha or Al Hofuf, having a car can make traveling considerably easier.

Ride-hailing apps are available in many cities, but they become less useful when you want to visit farms, mountain roads, villages or desert areas.

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7. Uber, Careem and Taxis

Ride-hailing is widely used in Saudi cities.

Apps such as Uber and Careem are convenient because:

• The destination is entered in advance
• The price is easier to understand
• You do not need to explain directions
• Payment can often be handled through the app

Traditional taxis are also available.

For short stays in Riyadh or Jeddah, you may not need a rental car at all.

But once you begin traveling beyond major city centers, the calculation changes.

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8. Traveling Between Saudi Cities

This is where many first-time travelers underestimate Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is very large.

A destination that looks relatively close on a map may still require several hours of driving.

You generally have four main options:

Plane
Train
Car
Bus

The best choice depends on the route.

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9. Domestic Flights

For very long distances, flying is often the easiest solution.

Saudi Arabia has an extensive domestic aviation network.

For example, if you are traveling from Riyadh to Jeddah, Abha or another distant region, flying may save a full day of driving.

Major domestic airlines include:

• Saudia
• flynas
• flyadeal

When comparing flights, check baggage allowances carefully.

Low-cost tickets can look cheap until baggage is added.

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10. Traveling by Train

Saudi Arabia's railway network is surprisingly useful if your itinerary matches its routes.

There are three main passenger corridors travelers should understand.

North Train

Official SAR North Train Booking & Information →

The North Train starts in Riyadh and connects the capital with several destinations across northern Saudi Arabia:

Riyadh → Majmaah → Al Qassim → Hail → Al Jouf → Qurayyat

For example, if you are traveling from Riyadh to Al Qassim, the train can be a comfortable alternative to driving.

East Train

Official SAR East Train Booking & Information →

The eastern passenger route connects:

Riyadh → Al Hofuf → Abqaiq → Dammam

This is especially useful if your itinerary includes Al Ahsa or the Eastern Province.

Haramain High-Speed Railway

Official Haramain High-Speed Railway Booking →

In western Saudi Arabia, the Haramain High-Speed Railway connects:

Makkah → Jeddah → King Abdulaziz International Airport → King Abdullah Economic City → Madinah

The trains can reach speeds of around 300 km/h.

For travelers visiting Jeddah and Madinah, this is one of the easiest transportation options in the country.

The Local Eye

Do not assume there is a train between every major Saudi city.

There is currently no single railway network connecting every tourist destination.

Check the route first, then design your itinerary around it.

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11. Intercity Buses

Long-distance buses also connect Saudi cities.

They can be useful for travelers on tighter budgets, although travel times are naturally longer than flying.

Schedules and operators can change, so check current routes before building your trip around a bus connection.

For most international visitors who have limited vacation time, I would usually choose:

train when the route is convenient,
plane for very long distances,
and car when exploring a region in depth.

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12. Renting a Car in Saudi Arabia

For many travelers, renting a car is the best way to experience Saudi Arabia.

This is especially true if you want to explore:

• Al Qassim
• AlUla and surrounding areas
• Aseer
• Al Baha
• Al Ahsa
• Mountain villages
• Desert areas
• Rural attractions
• Smaller towns

Saudi Arabia has an extensive highway network connecting its regions.

Before Renting

Check the rental company's requirements for:

• Your driving licence
• International Driving Permit if required
• Minimum driver age
• Insurance
• Mileage limits
• Deposits
• One-way rental fees

Visitors may be able to drive using eligible foreign or international licences under specific conditions, but rental-company requirements can vary.

Confirm your documents directly with the rental company before arrival.

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13. Driving in Saudi Arabia

Driving is generally straightforward once you become familiar with local traffic.

Road quality between major cities is generally good, but distances can be extremely long.

Always pay attention to:

• Fuel level
• Speed limits
• Navigation
• Weather
• Rest stops
• Your remaining driving time

Do not treat a six-hour Saudi drive like a short city journey.

Take breaks.

Fuel Stations

Fuel stations are common on major highways, often combined with:

• Convenience stores
• Restaurants
• Coffee shops
• Prayer facilities
• Toilets

However, some remote routes have long distances between services.

If you are traveling into less populated areas, fill your tank earlier rather than later.

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14. Desert Driving Is Different

There is an important distinction between:

driving through the desert on a paved highway

and

driving into dunes and soft sand.

The first can be done in a normal car.

The second should not.

Do not enter deep sand simply because you see other cars there.

If you have no desert-driving experience, stay on paved roads or easily accessible firm ground, or travel with someone who understands the terrain.

This becomes particularly important if you are planning camping trips around places such as Al Qassim, Hail, Riyadh or the Empty Quarter.

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15. Google Maps and Navigation

Google Maps is widely useful in Saudi Arabia.

However, there is one local lesson worth remembering:

Do not blindly follow navigation into unpaved areas.

This is especially important around:

• Farms
• Desert camps
• Mountain roads
• Small villages
• Remote attractions

Sometimes the shortest digital route is not the best real-world route.

If a road suddenly looks unsuitable, stop and reassess.

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16. Useful Apps to Have

You do not need dozens of apps, but a few can make your trip much easier.

Google Maps
For general navigation.

Uber / Careem
For city transportation.

Your airline app
For domestic flights and boarding passes.

SAR North East
For North and East Train information, bookings and managing tickets.

Haramain High-Speed Railway
For Haramain train schedules and bookings.

Darb
For Riyadh public transportation and metro planning.

Your mobile operator's app
For checking data and recharging.

If you are traveling for Umrah, you may also need relevant official religious-travel platforms depending on current requirements.

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17. What Should You Wear in Saudi Arabia?

Tourists are not expected to dress like Saudis.

Women do not have to wear an abaya simply because they are tourists.

However, visitors in public places are expected to dress modestly and respect Saudi public-decency rules.

A simple rule is:

Wear normal, respectful clothing appropriate for the place you are visiting.

Religious sites may have stricter requirements.

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18. Saudi Arabia Is Not Always Hot

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the country.

Saudi Arabia has very different climates.

You may experience:

• Very hot summers in Riyadh and Al Qassim
• Humid weather on the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts
• Cold winter nights in central and northern Saudi Arabia
• Mild summer weather in the southern highlands
• Cold desert nights
• Rain and fog in mountain areas

So do not pack based only on the word “Saudi Arabia.”

Pack for the region and season you are actually visiting.

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19. Electricity and Charging

Saudi Arabia commonly uses the Type G plug, the British-style plug with three rectangular pins.

The standard electricity supply is generally around 230V / 60Hz.

If your country uses another plug type, bring an adapter.

Most modern phone and laptop chargers support a wide range of voltages, but always check the label on your device before plugging it in.

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20. Healthcare and Pharmacies

Pharmacies are extremely common in Saudi cities.

Many basic medicines such as common pain relievers, cough medicines and allergy treatments are available without a prescription, while stronger medications may require one.

Hospitals and private clinics are also widely available in cities.

Travel insurance is still a good idea.

Keep a digital copy of:

• Passport
• Visa
• Insurance policy
• Emergency contact information

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21. Emergency Numbers

Some useful emergency numbers include:

Ambulance: 997

Police: 911 in Riyadh, Makkah and the Eastern Province

Police in other provinces: 999

Saudi tourism support is also available through:

930

Save the important numbers before you need them.

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22. Language

Arabic is the official language.

However, English is widely understood in:

• Hotels
• Airports
• Major restaurants
• Tourist attractions
• Shopping malls
• Large businesses

In smaller towns or more traditional areas, English may be less common.

Learning a few Arabic words can make interactions easier — and often more enjoyable.

Salam Alaikum — Hello / Peace be upon you

Shukran — Thank you

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23. Eating and Daily Life

Saudi Arabia has everything from global restaurant chains to very traditional local kitchens.

Do not spend your whole trip eating only familiar international food.

Every region has its own specialties.

In Al Qassim, try local dishes such as Jareesh, Qursan, Matazeez, Kleija and dates.

In Jeddah, explore seafood and Hijazi cuisine.

In the south, look for regional mountain dishes.

Food is one of the easiest ways to understand how different Saudi regions really are.

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24. When Should You Visit?

There is no single best month for the entire country.

For much of central and northern Saudi Arabia, cooler months between approximately November and March are generally the easiest for outdoor travel.

But some destinations are better at completely different times.

The southern highlands can be especially appealing during summer.

Date season in Al Qassim occurs during warmer months.

This is why I recommend choosing your destination first, then choosing your season — not the other way around.

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25. How Much Time Do You Need in Saudi Arabia?

If this is your first trip, do not try to see the entire country in one week.

Saudi Arabia is too large.

5–7 days: one main city plus nearby destinations.

10–14 days: two or three regions.

2–3 weeks: a proper multi-region Saudi road trip.

Trying to visit Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Al Qassim and Aseer in a few days will turn your holiday into a transportation schedule.

Slow down.

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26. One Important Thing About Distances

This deserves its own section.

Saudi Arabia looks manageable on a map.

Then you start driving.

Cities can be several hundred kilometers apart, and attractions within the same region may also require long drives.

Always check the actual driving time before building your itinerary.

Do not ask only:

“How far is it?”

Ask:

“How many hours will I actually spend getting there?”

That question will improve your trip enormously.

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27. A Simple First-Time Visitor Checklist

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

• Passport with sufficient validity
• Correct Saudi visa
• Travel insurance
• Accommodation confirmation
• SIM/eSIM plan
• Bank cards
• Small amount of cash
• Plug adapter if required
• Suitable clothing for your region and season
• Rental-car documents if driving
• Offline copy of important reservations
• Emergency numbers saved

Once those basics are sorted, traveling around Saudi Arabia becomes much easier.

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The Local Eye

The biggest mistake you can make when planning Saudi Arabia is thinking of it as one destination.

It is not.

Riyadh is different from Jeddah.

Al Qassim is different from AlUla.

The Red Sea coast is different from the mountains of Aseer.

And the Empty Quarter feels like another world entirely.

The practical side of traveling here is becoming easier every year: visas are simpler, trains are expanding, mobile internet is excellent, card payments are everywhere and major cities are increasingly connected.

But the best Saudi trips still require one thing:

good planning.

Understand the distances.

Choose the right season.

Do not overload your itinerary.

Rent a car when it makes sense.

Use trains and flights when they save you hours.

And leave some room for the unexpected.

Because some of the best experiences in Saudi Arabia will not be the ones you planned before arriving.

They might be a roadside café.

A conversation with a local.

A farm at sunset.

A desert evening.

Or a small town you originally planned to drive straight through.

That is when Saudi Arabia begins to feel less like a destination on a map — and more like a journey.

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The Bedouin Eye
Saudi Arabia, through a local’s eyes.