Travel Tips Money

Currency: Saudi Arabian Riyal (SR) = 100 halala; 5 halala = 20 qurush. Notes are in denominations of SR500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10, and 5 halala, and 10, 5, 2 and 1 qurush.

Currency exchange: Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks and money-changers, which stay open longer.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Widely accepted although they can be hard to change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Saudi Riyal, Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling and to carry the purchase receipt.

Currency restrictions: Free import and export of both local and foreign currency. Import of Israeli currency is prohibited.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Riyal against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00= 6.69 6.90 7.10 7.08
$1.00= 3.75 3.75 3.75 3.75

Banking hours: Sat-Wed 0830-1200 and 1700-1900; Thurs 0830-1200. Money-changers stay open longer.

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