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, between SAR 10 and SAR 20 for public institutions and around SAR 20 for private museums. The Tayebat Museum in Jeddah is an exception, with an entrance fee of 80 SAR.

Entrance fees to the sites in AlUla range from SAR 70 to SAR 95 depending on the site. All tours are guided and depart from the Winter Park. Activities in the vicinity of AlUla are more expensive and depend on the nature of the activity.

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).

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: the hotel offer is always excellent, often with very large rooms. They are classified from 3* to 5*. The 3* hotels are often small establishments, with few rooms, and not necessarily a restaurant service. The 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 hours for women. Rates range from 320 SAR to over 800 SAR.

Hotel residences: the apartment hotel is a very common concept in Saudi Arabia. The rates are lower than in hotels because the services are less extensive. You will often rent an apartment with a kitchenette and sometimes a living room separate from the bedroom. The comfort varies from small residences, sometimes with limited cleanliness, to very comfortable residences with services worthy of a hotel. Some residences have a restaurant, but it is rare. The price ranges from 160 SAR to 450 SAR depending on the comfort and the city.

Homestay. In AlUla, due to the limited supply of conventional accommodation and high demand, homestay accommodation has become very popular. Residents have built large houses, with a part reserved for the reception of travelers. You will not be staying with the family. The rooms are often large, when you don'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 have access to a kitchen. Rates range from SAR 400 to SAR 600, depending on the season.

Travel budget Saudi Arabia and cost of living

Budget. The standard of living in Saudi Arabia is relatively comparable to that of France, with some notable exceptions. Gasoline is of course much cheaper. It costs 0.70 € per liter for unleaded. The price is fixed and the same throughout the country and at all gas stations. Food is significantly cheaper than in France. It is necessary to count 2 to 2,50 € SAR for a sandwich (shawarma, hamburger), 10 € for a meal in a correct restaurant, 25 € for a good meal. The price of hotels varies according to the destination. In Riyadh and Jeddah, the two major economic centers, you should 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 and cheap room, €60 to €80 for a comfortable hotel and €100 and more for a luxury hotel. AlUla, the luxury destination par excellence, is an exception. There are only a few offers for many requests. It is necessary to count 100 € for a room in the inhabitant's house, 200 € in a middle range resort and 800 € in a luxury resort. Trains, airplanes 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 car with driver or a guide for the day are extremely expensive. They do not hesitate to ask for 350 € to 400 € per day! Prices can rise sharply in winter, which is the festival season in cities like Riyadh or AlUla.

Small budget. With 50 to 90 € per person per day you will travel by bus from city to city, use Uber services in the cities, stay in hotel residences that are cheaper than hotels, eat cheaply in fast food restaurants and visit the main tourist sites. You can take one or two domestic flights to save time.

Average budget. With 100 to 150 € per person per day, you will rent a vehicle that will allow you more freedom and to visit tourist sites away from the city centers. You will 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 car with driver. You can use the services of a local travel agent for some 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 will stay in the best establishments and can treat yourself to exceptional restaurants 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 mandatory. You'll never get a second thought if you don't leave one, but it is highly appreciated. Especially since waiters, drivers and baggage handlers are often immigrant workers who come to Saudi Arabia to send money to their families in the hope of improving their lot. Do not hesitate to leave 10 riyals or more when you are satisfied with the service. And the service is often impeccable!

Haggling. Bargaining is the order of the day in the souks. It is a social game, so there is no need to lose your temper. Traders are used to it and you will only earn a few riyals, a dozen at the most, unless the price of the item you want is high. The more expensive the item, the more you can earn on it. Don't start the bidding too low, or you'll insult the person you're bidding against.

Taxes. Consumer goods are subject to a 15% VAT. Taxes are always included in the price.