What budget to travel Saudi Arabia? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Saudi Arabia?

Some sites are free, such as the archaeological site of Jubbah or the old city of Jeddah. Entrance to museums is charged at between SAR10 and SAR20 for public establishments and around SAR20 for private museums. The Tayebat Museum in Jeddah is an exception, with an entrance fee of SAR 80.

Entrance fees to the sites of AlUla range from SAR 70 to SAR 95, depending on the site. All tours are guided and depart from the Winter Park. Prices for activities in the AlUla area are higher and depend on the nature of the activity.

Student discounts : Some attractions offer discounts for students on presentation of a student card.

Riyadh has equipped itself with bicycle paths in some areas of the city, including the very chic Olaya. Due to the high temperatures that prevail in the city 9 months out of 12, they are mostly deserted. However, some hotels provide bicycles for their guests.

In the big international stores, the prices are the same for branded items, whether it is clothing or computer or cell phone equipment. The best deals are to be found in the souks where you can haggle (a little).

Tipping is not compulsory, but appreciated. In general, leave 10-15% of the bill in restaurants and cafés if service is not included.

What budget to eat Saudi Arabia?

Fast food restaurants offer a good value for money, but the menus are not very varied. You have to count between 8 SAR and 12 SAR for a falafel sandwich, a shawarma or a hamburger. In a traditional restaurant, the average ticket is between 25 SAR and 50 SAR, depending on whether you have a full meal or a dish. In trendy restaurants or those offering a different experience (such as a panoramic restaurant), the bill can go up to 250 SAR or more.

Coffee is an art in Saudi Arabia and the drink is served in every conceivable way. The price varies depending on the type of coffee you order. You should expect to pay between SAR 10 and SAR 25 for a traditional coffee and between SAR 5 and SAR 15 for a tea, depending on the type of establishment. Credit cards are accepted everywhere.

What is the budget for accommodation Saudi Arabia?

There are three main types of accommodation in Saudi Arabia: hotels, hotel residences and homestays.

Hotels: hotels always offer excellent services, often with very large rooms. They range from 3* to 5*. 3* hotels are often small establishments, with few rooms, and not necessarily any associated restaurant service. 4* hotels always have a restaurant and a gym. 5* hotels offer a wide range of services, including a swimming pool, often covered, with special opening hours for women. Rates range from SAR 320 to over SAR 800.

Hotel residences: aparthotels are a widespread concept in Saudi Arabia. Rates are lower than in hotels, as services are less extensive. You'll often rent an apartment with a kitchenette and sometimes a living room separate from the bedroom. Comforts range from small residences, sometimes with limited cleanliness, to fully equipped residences with hotel-style services. Some residences have a restaurant, but this is rare. Rates range from 160 SAR to 450 SAR, depending on comfort and city.

Homestay. In AlUla and elsewhere, due to a limited supply of traditional accommodation and high demand, homestay accommodation has developed a great deal through various apps, including Airbnb. Residents have had large houses built, with a section reserved for welcoming travelers. So, strictly speaking, you won't be staying with the family. Rooms are often large, when you won't have an entire apartment to yourself. They are concentrated in the new town of Al Aziziyah, 15 km south of AlUla. A car is essential. Breakfast is never included or served, but you do have access to a kitchen. Rates range from 400 SAR to 600 SAR, depending on the season.

Travel budget Saudi Arabia and cost of living

Budget. Living standards in Saudi Arabia are relatively comparable to those in France, with a few notable exceptions. Petrol is, of course, much cheaper. Unleaded costs €0.70 a liter. The price is fixed and the same throughout the country and at all service stations. Food is considerably cheaper than in France. You should expect to pay between €2 and €2.50 for a sandwich (shawarma, hamburger), €10 for a meal in a decent restaurant, and €25 for a good meal. Hotel prices vary according to destination. In Riyadh and Jeddah, the two major economic centers, you can expect to pay between €60 and €150 per night on average for a comfortable room. In medium-sized cities, you should expect to pay €40 for a good, inexpensive room, €60 to €80 for a comfortable hotel and €100 or more for a luxury hotel. AlUla, the luxury destination par excellence, is an exception. There are few offers for many requests. You can expect to pay €100 for a bed and breakfast, €200 for a mid-range hotel and €800 for a luxury hotel. Trains, planes and buses make it easy to get around at reasonable prices. Car rental prices are the same as in Europe. On the other hand, the services of a chauffeur-driven car or a guide by the day are extremely expensive. They can charge as much as €350 to €400 a day! Prices can rise sharply in winter, which is festival season in cities like Riyadh and AlUla.

Small budget. For €50 to €90 per person per day, you can travel by bus from city to city, use Uber services in the cities, stay in hotel residences that are less expensive than hotels or with local people, eat cheaply in fast-food restaurants, allowing yourself the occasional restaurant, and visit the main tourist sites. You can take one or two domestic flights to save time.

Average budget. At €100 to €150 per person per day, you'll rent a vehicle that will give you greater freedom to visit tourist sites away from the city centers. You'll have two meals a day in decent restaurants and stay in small hotels. You can take one or two domestic flights to save time.

Big budget. Between €200 and €500 per day, you can choose between car rental and chauffeur-driven vehicles. You can use the services of a local travel agent for certain desert excursions, such as the Yellow Lake in Al-Ahsa, the Wadi Disah in Tabouk, or a trip to the Rub' al-Khali desert. You'll stay in the best establishments and be able to treat yourself to exceptional dining in the major cities of Riyadh and Jeddah. You can also use domestic airlines to save time and see more of the country.

Tipping. Tipping is common practice, but not obligatory. You'll never get a second thought if you don't leave one, but it's greatly appreciated. Especially as waiters, drivers and baggage handlers are often immigrant workers who come to Saudi Arabia to send money home to their families in the hope of improving their lot. Don't hesitate to leave 10 riyals or more when you're satisfied with the service. And the service is often impeccable!

Haggling. Bargaining is the order of the day in the souks. It's a social game, so there's no need to lose your cool. Shopkeepers are no strangers to the exercise, and you'll only earn a few riyals - a dozen at most - unless the item you're haggling over is very expensive. The more expensive the item, the more you can earn. Don't start the bidding too low, or you'll insult the person you're bidding against.

Taxes. Everyday consumer goods are subject to 15% VAT. Taxes are always included in the advertised price.