Saudi Arabia Travel Notes
My Jeddah, Riyadh stops, real opinions and places to explore.
- Languages
- Arabic · Some English
- Currency
- Saudi Riyal · SAR
- Cash
- A Small Cash Backup Is Useful.
- Cards
- Yes. Widely Accepted.
- Tap To Pay
- Common.
- WiFi
- Available. Quality Varies.
- Mobile Data
- SIM Or eSIM · Check Coverage
- Small Shops
- Varies. Keep Cash Handy.
- Tipping
- Optional. Check Service Charges.
What To Wear
What To Pack
Choose loose, modest clothing for public places and check the requirements for religious sites. Bring layers for air conditioning and cooler evenings. A resort setting and a city street can have different expectations.
Money And Payments
Cash And Cards
Cards and contactless are widely used at hotels, supermarkets, malls, and established restaurants. Keep Saudi riyals for smaller purchases and tips. Confirm that any advance booking and refund method remain workable during travel disruption.
Travel Cards
Check Saudi riyal conversion and the payment method on any cancellable booking. A card payment does not guarantee that a disrupted service will operate.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is discretionary. Restaurant and hotel staff appreciate a small extra for good service. Example: if you choose to leave 10% on a SAR 100 restaurant bill, that is SAR 10. Check what is included; tipping is a discretionary thank you.
Getting Around
Getting Around Locally
Riyadh has a metro; Jeddah has different local connections. Check operating services and current security updates before relying on an airport or city route.
Traveling Between Stops
The Haramain railway serves the western corridor including Jeddah and Madinah; it is not a Riyadh to Jeddah train. Current airport disruption can change the best route, so confirm operations before paying. Entry to Makkah is restricted to Muslims.
Staying Connected
Using T Mobile In Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is listed for international roaming on eligible T Mobile plans. Data allowances, speeds, and call charges depend on your plan. Check before you travel.
Mobile Data For This Trip
Keep airline alerts, hotel details, and an alternative contact method available offline. A working city data connection is useful for disruption updates; do not rely only on a terminal’s WiFi.
Where To Stay
Choosing Your Area
Riyadh and Jeddah are separate bases. Choose around your actual meetings or sightseeing area and available transport. During disruption, confirm the property is open and understand its cancellation terms.
Before You Arrive
Before You Fly
Reviewed 22 October 2026: the UK advises against all but essential travel to most of Saudi Arabia and reports continuing threats to airports, including Riyadh. Check live official advice, your airline, and entry permission before making plans. Check the visa category as well; a tourist visa does not give access to every religious site.
Sources And My Visit
Practical information was researched and checked on 22 October 2026. My reviews describe my own visits. Area comparisons are planning advice, not hotels I claim to have inspected. Entry advice must match your passport, residency, route, and travel date.
Riyadh
Al Mamlaka Social Dining
This is one of the only places that stays open late for you to go eat. If I’m not mistaken, they close around 12 or 1am. All types of different food you can try, all of it looks tasty and fresh.
تكية TAKYA
Very nice blended Saudi food. Melts in your mouth. Very luxury. They cut for you. Unique flavors.
Dolce & Gabbana
Beautiful location
At Turaif World Heritage Site
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Boulevard World
UNREAL! Makes the one in Dubai look like kids play. You get to actually feel the experience vibe and culture of every country you
Boulevard City
Amazing! They really brought the major cities from America to life! Places you’d never expect to have made it from LA.. like Urth cafe?? Wow.
Jeddah
TeamLab Borderless Jeddah
Amazing experience! Take your time. Explore. And when you’re done, make sure to head upstairs for
