Saudi Arabia Travel Information

Saudi Arabia is a land of fascinating history, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. From exploring ancient ruins to experiencing the thrill of desert adventures, there's something for everyone in this unique and captivating country. Here are the top 10 things to do in Saudi Arabia:

1. Visit the Prophet's Mosque

One of the largest and holiest mosques in the world, the Prophet's Mosque is a must-visit for those interested in Islam and its history.

2. Explore Madain Saleh

This ancient city, located in the northwestern part of the country, was once a thriving center of trade and culture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Hike in the Asir Mountains

Take in breathtaking views as you hike through the dramatic landscape of the Asir Mountains, known for their distinctive rock formations and lush greenery.

4. Visit the Red Sea

Take a dip in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, renowned for its incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.

5. Visit the Al-Hijr Archaeological Site

This ancient city, also known as Mada'in Saleh, is home to over 100 tombs and temples cut into the rock and is a unique window into the past.

6. Explore Jeddah's Old Town

Stroll through the charming streets of Jeddah's Old Town and discover the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

7. Visit the National Museum

Learn about Saudi Arabia's fascinating history and culture at the National Museum in Riyadh, home to a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits.

8. Visit Al-Ula

Discover the stunning beauty of Al-Ula, a remote desert region known for its rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and abundant wildlife.

9. Take a Camel Safari

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the desert on the back of a camel, experiencing the traditional Bedouin way of life.

10. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Savor the flavors of traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine, including dishes like kabsa, machboos, and thareed, at one of the country's many local restaurants.

Climate

The climate in Saudi Arabia is predominantly hot and arid, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in the summer months. Coastal areas have a more moderate climate, while the highlands have a cooler climate and receive occasional rainfall.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is from November to February, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. This is also the peak tourist season, so be sure to book your accommodations in advance. If you're interested in visiting during the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, it takes place in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar and attracts millions of visitors from around the world.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Saudi Arabia offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including:

Luxury Hotels

There are several luxury hotels in the major cities of Saudi Arabia, offering high-end amenities and facilities.

Budget Hotels

For those on a budget, there are also budget hotels and motels available in the cities and towns of Saudi Arabia.

Furnished Apartments

For those looking for a longer stay, furnished apartments are also available for rent in the major cities.

Traditional Arabian Accommodation

For a unique and authentic experience, visitors can also stay in traditional Arabian accommodations, such as tents or houses made of mud bricks, known as "barasti." These can be found in the desert areas of Saudi Arabia.

Visitors to Saudi Arabia have several options for transportation, including:

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in the major cities and are a convenient option for short trips.

Rent-a-Car

Rent-a-car services are also available in the major cities and can be a good option for those who want more flexibility and independence.

Buses

Buses are a popular form of public transportation in the cities and connect many of the major towns.

Trains

Trains are also available for longer distances and connect the major cities of Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are available for those who want to travel between the major cities in Saudi Arabia quickly and comfortably.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.