Cash per day in Saudi Arabia?

I planned a slightly more flexible budget when I stayed in Khobar and did some day trips to Hofuf and Abqaiq. I carried 150 to 200 SAR per day in cash and used my Amex and Mastercard for larger transactions like shopping or hotel payments. Meals at mall food courts or mid-range restaurants were between 30 and 60 riyals, depending on what you order. Tips at hotels were around 5 to 10 riyals per service. I preferred using card for Careem rides, but kept cash for traditional taxis and roadside tea stops. For a month-long trip, I think withdrawing once a week is a good rhythm so you’re not walking around with too much money.

I was in Saudi Arabia on a backpacker budget and stayed in hostels in Jeddah and Dammam. I averaged 80 to 100 riyals in cash per day, mostly for meals, short-distance public buses, and tips. Street food like falafel or shawarma was super affordable at around 10 to 15 riyals. I also used buses instead of taxis, which cost just a few riyals if you pay in cash. Most mid-range cafes and restaurants accept Visa or Mastercard, so I used my Dutch debit card there. My tip is to keep your cash in smaller denominations - 5s, 10s, and 20s, because a lot of vendors and taxi drivers don’t carry change.

For my 30-day trip across Mecca Medina and Taif, I budgeted around 120 SAR per day in cash and it worked perfectly. Breakfast was usually included at my hostel or guesthouse, and lunch or dinner at local restaurants cost me about 25 to 40 riyals per meal. I mostly used Careem and paid through the app, but still kept cash for tipping and smaller shops that didn’t accept cards. Religious cities like Mecca often have places that only take cash for small purchases like prayer mats or snacks. I withdrew once a week using my Revolut card, declined the conversion at the ATM, and kept my money in a money belt while moving around.

I spent a full month traveling around Riyadh Jeddah and AlUla and found that carrying about 100 to 150 Saudi Riyals per day in cash was more than enough. I paid for most things like hotels and museum entries with my Visa card, but I used cash mainly for taxis snacks street food and tips. Meals at casual places usually cost between 20 to 40 riyals and a short taxi ride around town might be 15 to 25 riyals if you’re not using Careem. I also tipped hotel staff and delivery drivers with small bills. I kept the rest of my money in my bank account and withdrew only when I needed to top up.