Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Saudi Arabia

The desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose beauty and heritage were kept low-key, has recently emerged as one of the favourite tourist destinations. The country which is the birthplace of Islam has now started promoting international tourism without any restrictions. A tour of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will take you through the fascinating history of more than a thousand years. With well-maintained archeological sites, stunning modern cities, glaring deserts, and high-profile sports stars, Saudi promises a glamorous experience for people of all ages and ethnicities. This article will help you in planning your trip so you don’t miss out on anything.

Let's Get Your Visa for Saudi Arabia

To apply for a visa, you need to visit ‘visitsaudi.com’ which is the official website for visas. Before applying for a visa you must know that you should be at least 18 years old to travel alone. People who are planning to visit should be accompanied by parents, grandparents, or siblings who are at least 18 years old. You can apply for a 30-day or a 90-day tourist visa.

While applying for a visa, there are certain documents you need to submit. Here is the checklist for the documents required:

• Proof of residence (in the country in which you reside)
• Return ticket
• Proof of employment
• Financial solvency/bank statement
• Flight itinerary
• Govt. Authorised Identification Document 
• Residence address (where you are staying in Saudi)

Points to Keep in Mind

• If you hold a U.S., UK, or Schengen tourist/business visa, you can apply for a visa on arrival provided your passport has an immigration stamp from the country that provided the visa.
• If you get a multiple-entry visa, it is valid for 90 days and you can stay in Saudi for a maximum of 90 days per entry. 
• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the travelling date. 
• If you are planning a religious trip to perform Umrah or Ziyarah, you need to apply through ‘nusuk.sa’. Nusuk helps you to organise your trip and get permits wherever necessary.

When Are You Flying to Saudi Arabia? 

You may or may not have the luxury of choosing the time of year for your visit. However, the good part is that while the temperature can get very high in the summer, Saudi Arabia offers various activities to immerse yourself in and create unforgettable memories for years to come.

Here are the perks of planning your visit in different seasons throughout the year:

Spring Season 

MId-March to Mid-June

• Riyadh is the go-to place for adventures in spring like hiking and desert safari.
• Springs are the ideal time to visit Saudi as tourists avoid the screeching heat in the deserted kingdom. 
• Temperature can drop below 15°C at night which sets the stage for hiking followed by a bonfire.
• Rainfall is highest during spring, so make sure to pack your umbrella and extra clothes. 
• Sandstorms, locally known as haboobs are more frequent during springs, so it is suggested to keep scarves or masks to prevent sand from getting into your eyes and face.
• Pack warm clothes including light sweaters, scarves, pashminas, rain jackets, and sunglasses.
• As the holy month of Ramadan occurs in spring, be mindful that many shops and places will be shut earlier than usual, and be aware of cultural practices and etiquette during Ramadan.

Summers

MId-June to Mid-September

• Summers are extremely hot in Saudi as the average temperature peeks up to 45°C
• The weather is much cooler in the mornings and evenings which makes it suitable for water activities like scuba diving, sailing, and snorkelling.
• Visit the mountain city of Taif or go swimming in Dammam to escape the heat.
• Coastal cities like Jeddah and Dammam have high humidity in summer.
• Plan your activities in the morning to avoid going out in the extremely hot and humid weather. 
• Do not refrain from packing sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and other accessories that keep you safe from the sun.

Autumn 

Mid-September to Mid-December

• Autumn has milder weather with cool breezes in northern and southwestern Saudi Arabia.
• The temperature reaches 30°C which is generally warm but bearable. 
• Enjoy walks along the waterfront in Jeddah and enjoy the cool evenings. Alfresco, which is outdoor dining, is a popular option in this weather.
• AlAhsa's cool desert is a popular place in autumn.
• With the AC’s working indoors, you might feel the need for a light sweater.

Winters

Mid-December to Mid-March

• Winters are absolutely beautiful in Saudi and enhance the tourist experience.
• Days are comparatively warmer than nights, thus winters encourage outdoor activities like camping, rock climbing, and exploring highlands and cities.
• Don't miss Riyadh Season events or the Soundstorm music festival in winter.
• Visit AlUla to see ancient tombs in mild weather and attend outdoor events like Winter at the Tantora festival.
• Pack a heavy jacket/coat and do keep lotion as Saudi winters can be dry.

Must Visit Places

Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are the top tourist cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All these cities have plenty of experiences to offer, ranging from cultural and historical sites, water sports, desert adventures, and vibrant modern cities. 

Riyadh

Masmak Fortress: The Masmak Fortress is a symbol of the unification of Saudi Arabia. It is a heritage site that has been converted into a museum. This museum has preserved antique guns, agricultural equipment and costumes for showcase as you walk through the history of battles fought in the kingdom.

Edge of the World: Witness the majesty of nature at the Edge of the World with an unforgettable viewpoint of the deserted valley from the top of a cliff. This site provides a stunning perspective of Riyadh.

Heet Cave: The Heet Cave is a naturally formed cave with a small river inside. Due to the existence of natural minerals, the colour of the lake is green. Heet Cave emerges as a top tourist spot due to its photogenic structure and beautiful view of Wadi Al Sulay valley.

Al Thumama Desert: Located on the northern edge of Riyadh, the Al Thumama Desert is one of the biggest deserts in Saudi Arabia. It attracts a lot of tourists as well as locals who visit to explore the sunsets and the mystical beauty of deserts: experience music, bonfire, and lights surrounded by the warm climate at the Al Thumama Desert.

Kingdom Center Tower: This tower is the 5th largest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia. Designed mutually by the US and Saudi architectural firms, the building hosts many financial offices but the presence of fashion and furnishing shops appeals to the youth. 

Jeddah

Al Balad: It is one of the largest cities in Saudi Arabia and you can see the cultural significance preserved in the Al Balad city. The city of Al Balad holds historical importance as it served as the centre of Jeddah and was founded in the 7th century. It is a favourite tourist spot for couples as it takes you to the romantic tales of Arabian nights, teaches about the rich history of the place, and can get you some amazing souvenirs. 

King Fahad’s Fountain: King Fahd Fountain is named after King Fahad who donated this fountain to Jeddah. It is a must visit place in Jeddah as this fountain holds the Guinness record as the largest fountain in the world. 

Jeddah Corniche: Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Red Sea with cafes, shops, restaurants, and many activities along the way. It is a go to place for couples, families, and locals to relax and spend quality time.

Fakieh Aquarium:  Fulfil your urge to explore life underwater at the Fakieh Aquarium. Engage yourself with Dolphins, sharks, jellyfish, giant turtles, and many other sea creatures at this Caribbean-themed family entertainment complex.

Beaches: Jeddah is blessed with beautiful beaches where you can spend your days relaxing and enjoying the music of the waves. Thuwal Beach, Khaleej Salman Beach, South Obhur Beach and Durrat Al Arus Beach are the most popular ones for tourists in Jeddah.

Al Rahman Mosque: With a blend of traditional and modern architecture, Al Rahman mosque ( also known as the floating mosque) is built on the Red Sea pillars, giving a dreamy look to this mosque, especially during high tide when water levels are high.  

Dammam

Dammam Corniche: Get fascinated by nature at Dammam Corniche which has a well-crafted Broadwalk. Experience the stunning sunset along the beach close to the Persian Gulf. People prefer to relax with a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes.

Half Moon Bay: If you feel like getting away from the hassle of the city, Half Moon Bay is the place for you. Half Moon Bay is a beachside area with small cottages for public use, and you get the best of desert adventures and water sports here. Desert bikes, scuba diving, jet skiing and many other activities to thrill you are available here.

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is a beautifully architected centre that hosts conferences, art exhibitions, and various other events. If you are someone who appreciates art and has an interest in the diversity of this world, a visit to King Abdulaziz Center will add much more value to your tour.

Dolphin Village Dammam: The Dolphin Village is a large aquarium that houses a variety of aquatic animals. You can enjoy a spectacular dolphin and sea lion show, along with other live performances. The village also features a wildlife museum, a ghost house, a lion circus, and many rides as well.

Tarout Castle: Tarout Castle is a heritage site that reflects history in every view of it as it dates back to 5000 BC. Visitors to this castle will get a glimpse of the architecture of the mediaeval period.

How Can You Travel Within Saudi Arabia?

Worried about how you will travel once you are in Saudi Arabia? Well, the good news is that Saudi Arabia has smooth ways to travel within the city as well as to travel outside the city.

Taxis: Taxis are easily available, especially around the cities, restaurants, malls, markets, and parks. All of these taxis have digital metres that calculate the fare and have the information of the driver and operating company.

Uber Taxi: You can book your cab by Uber as well. Other similar ride-hailing services in Saudi are Careem and Bolt which work similarly like Uber.

Rental Cars: If you are travelling with family or a group, renting a car is an option you can explore. Get an international driving licence before reaching Saudi and you will be eligible to drive for 90 days in the kingdom. Hertz, Budget, Skit, and Avis are some companies that provide cars for rent. 

Trains: Although trains are on the expensive side, they can be convenient to save time. Saudi Arabia has a well-structured train system for travelling within the city or to a different city.  

Public Buses: The bus network in Saudi is very reliable and comfortable. You can find buses easily across the cities and can travel inter-city by bus as well.

Domestic Flights: If you’re on a business trip or need to save time, domestic flights are an option to travel from one city to another. A low cost popular airline is Flynas which will save you some money as compared to other options such as Flyadeal. 

What modes of payments are Accepted ?

Saudi Arabia is very convenient in terms of transactions due to tourism throughout the year, all modes of payment are widely accepted. The currency of Saudi Arabia is ‘The Saudi Riyal’ (SAR). 

1 USD = 3.75 SAR

Payments through debit/credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted, so ensuring that international payments are activated on your cards beforehand is important. Apple Pay, which is very convenient, is another hugely preferred mode of payment. There are some small shops or vendors who might only take cash, so keeping some Riyals is a wise decision. Moreover, you should have cash in case of emergencies or failure of payment through cards.

It's a good idea to look for the best currency exchange rates before travelling. This will give you more flexibility to find the best rate. In Saudi Arabia, you may end up having to accept much higher rates in comparison.

Many international tourists also prefer to use international cards for better currency conversion rates when withdrawing from an ATM in Saudi.

Calling and SIM cards 

While you are busy packing your bags and making your tourist itineraries, do not forget to prepare your international cellular services. Upon reaching, you will either need international roaming on your cellular device which can be really expensive, or you will have to purchase a local SIM. Some trusted local SIM providers are STC, Zain, GO Telecom, Jawwy, Virgin Mobile, and Mobily. 

While most of the public places have free wifi which is easily accessible, note that upon reaching Saudi Arabia you won’t be able to make WhatsApp voice or video calls. An alternate option is the Botim app which efficiently works in the kingdom. 

As you are enjoying your trip, keep the police and other emergency helpline numbers handy for your safety in case any mishappening occurs. 

Did You Get Travel Insurance?

While you are on vacation or a business trip abroad, a slight inconvenience can spoil the mood and cause mental distress. Hence it is recommended to get travel insurance which financially safeguards you by providing covers for flight delays, medical expenses, baggage loss, passport loss, and several other things as well.

While Saudi Arabia has not made it a compulsion, many other countries that host tourists throughout the year have made it mandatory for tourists to get travel insurance before visiting. Getting travel Insurance is always recommended to safeguard yourself from expenses due to an unpredicted incident, medical emergency, dental care to say the least. You can check and compare different travel insurance plans here: https://www.insurancedekho.com/travel-insurance 

Culture, Communication, and Etiquettes

Every country has its own culture and beauty which is reflected in more than one way and it is always great to get into it to make your visit more memorable, just like the famous saying suggests “when in Rome, live like a Roman”. 

Greeting people nicely and dressing modestly is part of the culture of Saudi, and not adhering to these you risk offending the local people and culture. Greet everyone with a smile, keep a relaxed body language, and be mindful of nonverbal communication. Refrain from having long eye contact with unrelated people of opposite or different gender as it is considered inappropriate. Avoid Public display of affection at all costs as it is highly offensive to the culture of Saudi Arabia.

Dressing modestly is an important cultural practice in Saudi Arabia. Both men and women are expected to adhere to specific dress codes. 

The basic idea of dressing modestly is to cover most parts of the body which would mean wearing loose clothes and avoiding revealing outfits. To avoid disrespecting the culture, men should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts rather wear long pants with a full sleeves shirt. Women should avoid wearing body hugging  clothes and can choose to wear something that covers their arms and legs like a long tunic or shirt that extends below the hips along with pants or a long skirt. Covering your hair with a hijab or scarf is not mandatory for non-Muslim women, but it is a sign of respect in certain situations, so it's good to have one handy.

It is important to note that the degree of strictness with dress codes varies regionally. Jeddah and Riyadh are more cosmopolitan and hence people might experience a bit of flexibility with outfits. But despite that, try to dress as modestly as possible.

To further immerse yourself in the culture you can wear what the Arabs wear. Men usually wear a thawb, which is a long tunic that extends to your ankles. It is usually accompanied by keffiyeh which is a traditional headdress that covers the head. Arab women wear an abaya which is a long loose cloth that covers the whole body except the hands, face, and feet. The abaya combines with the Hijab, which is a scarf that covers their hair.

The language spoken in Saudi Arab is Arabic. However, since it's filled with tourists throughout the year, English is widely spoken and there will be no issues in communicating with people at shops, taxi drivers, tourist sites, and restaurants. Learn a few polite Arabic words like hello, please, and thank you to be more friendly with the locals.

Arabs usually greet by saying “As-salaam-o-alaykum” which means ‘peace be upon you’ and that is responded by saying “Wa alaykum as-salam” which translates to ‘and unto you peace’. While going, Arabs say Salaam instead of ‘bye’ which means ‘Peace’. Old men are addressed by calling them ‘Sheikh’ while ‘Sheikha’ is used for old women. ‘Habibi’ is also a common word used to address people which means ‘Friend’.

Lastly, keep in mind that the weekend in Saudi is on Friday and Saturday, which means working days are from Sunday to Thursday. If you are visiting Saudi Arabia during the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days, you should avoid eating during the fasting period at public places out of respect for the people who are fasting. Most of the restaurants and cafes will also be closed during the day and shall open after sunset during Ramadan.  

Souvenirs to Bring back from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

While you walk through the markets resembling the rich culture of the kingdom, you’d want to get your hands on a lot of things. Let’s discuss the things that you cannot miss while you are in Saudi Arabia. 

• Dates: Don’t confuse these dates with the ones you go on. Dates also known as ‘Khajoor’ are more than just food in Saudi. They are a representation of the ethics of warm hospitality by the people. Look for Ajwa dates, which are believed to have healing effects.
• Oudh and Attar: You are going to smell it everywhere in Saudi, these oils are extracted from Aquilaria trees and are the core ingredients of perfumes which are made by adding alcohol to these oils. Oudh and Attar have a more lasting and powerful smell as compared to perfumes or gas deodorants.
• Rugs and Carpets: Saudi has an overwhelming market of rugs and carpets made from wool. The Dirah Souq in Riyadh and Souq Al Zal in Old Riyadh are the recommended places to buy rugs. Look for muted colours and geometric designs for authentic Saudi styles.

All Set to Go

In summary, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a beautiful place where tourists visit to explore the mystic beauty of deserts and valleys. Saudi Arabia is filled with adventure opportunities through  activities like scuba diving, water sports, hiking, camping, dune riding, etc. It is a very safe holy land for tourists from all parts of the world. Your visit to Saudi will introduce you to a different culture which will be memorable to you for the entire lifetime.