Exchange GBP to SAR
Our rates
Our branches
FAQs
Don’t forget to buy your Saudi Riyals (SAR) before you leave for Saudi Arabia.
When planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, find out the most you can about the country, especially the use of the local currency. In Saudi Arabia, the currency used is the Saudi riyal (SAR). You will surely be able to pay with your credit card in most shops and for most of your purchases. However, it is always good to carry cash in the local currency as for some situations this can be very useful, for instance if you plan to buy from small shops. We advise you to exchange pounds to riyals before you leave to ensure a better exchange rate and that you are fully prepared for your trip.
Practical tips for planning your budget
A daily budget of 280 saudi riyals is sufficient for one night's accommodation, food and public transport tickets.
A meal in a restaurant will cost you SAR 60 if you want to sample the country's culinary specialities, and a fast food restaurant may cost you SAR 25 for lunch.
170 SAR
Average cost of a one night stay in Saudia Arabia
90 SAR
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in Saudi Arabia
4.80 SAR
A public transport ticket
10 SAR
The price of a cup of coffee
80 SAR
Entrance fee to Al Tayebat Museum
20 SAR
A kebab
10 SAR
A taxi ride
FREE
A visit to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Some suggestions for your trip to Saudi Arabia
-
If you are planning to rent a car, make a diversion to the Edge of the World, which is located towards the Tuwaiq Mountains. The road is bumpy so you will need to hire a suitable vehicle. On the way you can visit the underground Bin Rashid cave before being blown away by the view when you reach your final destination.
-
The city of haqra is a reconstruction of the ancient city, estimated to be over 1,500 years old and rebuilt exactly as it was before. Visitors can walk through the salt fields of Qasab, salt extracted from the ground from the water as it was done hundreds of years ago.
-
Visit the city of Shaqra and walk through the streets of the old city. You will see ancient architecture. Visitors can visit mosques, old markets, museums and the Hlewa market.
-
For hiking enthusiasts, the 'Moon valley' offers a majestic sight if you go there to watch the sunset.
-
Saudi Arabia offers a variety of landscapes to explore. A diversion to the Red Sea is a must, you've heard so much about it that a dip in that direction is a must.
When do you need cash in Saudi Arabia?
Card payments have been widely accepted in Saudi Arabia for several years, but it is still useful to have cash during your stay, especially outside urban areas.
Some small traditional shops, such as tea houses or small grocery stores (baqala), still prefer cash.
When visiting traditional markets and souks, many vendors will ask you to pay in cash. Likewise, food trucks and street vendors, especially in smaller towns, tend to prefer cash payments.
Finally, tipping culture is moderate in Saudi Arabia, but it is appreciated to leave a tip for porters, doormen, taxi drivers or parking and hotel staff. In all cases, tips should be given in cash.
.webp)
Some facts about the Saudi Riyal
Denominations of the Saudi Riyal
Notes: 1 SAR, 5 SAR, 10 SAR, 50 SAR, 100 SAR, 500 SAR
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 halalas, 1 SAR l, 2 SAR
The Saudi riyal was issued in 1928 after eliminating the Gulf rupee.
The rial comes from the Spanish word "real" which means "royal", which fits the country quite well. On the back of the notes are monuments celebrating Islam.
Why buy Saudi Riyals from ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup has been in the business of currency exchange and other monetary services since 1992. The company has many foreign exchange bureaus in the UK, strategically located for an easy access for travellers. ChangeGroup offers more than 60 foreign currencies, even the rarest ones. We offer favourable rates at our exchange bureaus and even more attractive ones if you exchange pounds to riyals on our website. By doing so, you will also benefit from a 0% commission exchange. Another advantage of Change Group is that if you have any travel money left over after your trip, you can bring them back and we will buy them from you at the original price when you first exchange your pounds to riyals. You think that this might save you money and help you travel light minded? You’re right ! Get our Buy-Back guarantee for only £ 5.99.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need & enjoy our best price deals online
2. Select branch pick-up
Choose branch pick-up & create an account and finalise your order.
3. Receive travel money
Pick-up your currency from one of our branches the next day & enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging GBP to SAR
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the GBP/SAR exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to best reflect market conditions and offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your GBP-to-SAR exchange in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment and obtain your SAR at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your SAR from the exchange bureau of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 24 hours for just £6.95.
By choosing to reserve your SAR online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees or commissions on your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many SAR you will receive after the exchange.
Thanks to our home delivery currency service, we can exchange your GBP to SAR wherever you are in the United Kingdom.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs