PRACTICAL GUIDE

Do's and Don'ts for travelling in Saudi

Saudi is transforming its offering for tourists and is set to become an exciting
option for travellers...

Words by Alice Morrison

In this guide, we look at some dos and don’ts for travelling to the country.

Saudis generally are a very friendly and hospitable people so the aim here is to maximise your interaction and minimise any cultural missteps. Saudi is a thriving modern state. It has a young, forward-looking population and 98% of Saudis at age 18 are in higher education, the highest rate in the world. It is also a Muslim country and the birthplace of Islam. This informs all social and cultural interactions. There is a generational difference and things may be much more relaxed with younger people.

Rules of hospitality

Hospitality is at the core of Saudi life and is one of the many things you will enjoy on a visit. Traditionally, when neighbours heard the sound of coffee being ground in someone’s home, they would pop over. You will be offered cardamom and saffron scented coffee cups and dates when you arrive at many destinations. Drink and eat with your right hand and when you have had enough coffee, shake the cup from side to side. When you enter someone’s home or sitting room, it is normal to remove your shoes and leave them at the door. Many people sit on cushions and carpets on the floor – so make sure your clothes are suitable and avoid showing the base of your feet (if possible tuck them under or face them to the floor). If you are invited for a meal, men and women may eat separately or your host’s female relatives may not attend. A woman can ask/offer to go and meet them and thank them. A gift is always acceptable –patisserie or chocolates are a good bet. Also, Saudis are very proud of their country and will be delighted to hear what you like and appreciate about it.

Male/female

Women now drive, work in offices and mix freely at cultural and sporting events. Life in Saudi has transformed in the last ten years. The younger generation who have grown up with these changes will have a more liberal perspective. The Saudis are friendly and open and like visitors. However, women are still carefully looked after and male/female interaction is very respectful. As a male visitor, be cautious. Do not stare at, start up conversations with, or touch a Saudi woman you don’t know. Don’t offer to shake hands, she may do so and that is fine. Many women will be very happy to talk and interact with male visitors –and they will be open and welcoming so it will be obvious. Also many women work in the tourist industry. As a woman, you can offer your hand and usually it will be taken but sometimes a man will put his hand over his heart instead and you can follow suit. You are free to start conversations with a man. Men who know each other, kiss each other, as do women. Public displays of affection (with the exception being it’s not uncommon to see married couples holding hands) are not acceptable. Good manners are extremely important and the best advice is to follow your Saudi host’s lead and enjoy the warm welcome you will receive.

Photography

Saudi is a beautiful place and you will be busy with your phone or camera. You can photograph landscapes and buildings freely. Don’t photograph a Saudi woman or man unless you have their express permission and if you want to use that photograph on social media, check with them and make it clear first. If you are taking general photographs in the street or markets, make sure you do not take any pictures of women. Groups of men you can usually photograph. Don’t ‘steal’ pictures of women or men with long lenses. Be sensitive around religious sites and with men praying. It is always best to ask if it is ok to take a picture and get consent. Do send people you photograph copies of the pictures you take if they ask for them – WhatsApp is used but AirDrop is more common as doesn’t involve giving someone your number.

Clothing

You need to factor in climate and culture when choosing your Saudi wardrobe. The temperature varies widely. In the summer it is extremely hot and the sun is very strong. In the winter it can get quite cold (very cold in some regions), and you will need warm clothes. The best clothing for a male visitor is trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable in some cases – vests never. For female visitors, the aim is not to display your body in public. You must cover your upper arms and knees as a minimum but long sleeves and long skirts or loose trousers are even better. Really tight or transparent clothes and low necklines are not a good idea. You don’t have to wear a headscarf but it does show respect – and keeps the sun off. I would recommend buying an abaya (there are some very pretty ones) or taking a long kimono as you can put that on over anything. Maxi dresses with long sleeves are also perfect. You can wear jeans. If they are skinny jeans, a longish top that covers your bottom is best – or a kimono/abaya. You can wear a bikini at some private beaches but do take a swimsuit too – some places demand that legs and arms are covered. Wearing an abaya, or equivalent, and a headscarf will not be seen as cultural appropriation but as respectful.

Tipping

Most of the people you are tipping will be foreign guest workers and tipping is welcomed. Some hotels and resorts have a no tipping policy and then the person will refuse the tip. Saudi is an expensive country, and I would suggest tipping on a par with New York or London. 10-15 per cent would be normal on a restaurant bill if there is no service charge. Do leave money in your room for housekeeping and tip porters and drivers.

Polite Phrases

Most Saudis speak English and many of them have spent time or been educated in the USA and Europe, especially the younger generation. Showing you have made an effort to learn a few Arabic phrases, though, will win you many brownie points.

When you meet someone: Salaam alaykum – peace be upon you

Answer: Wa alaykum salaam – and upon you be peace

How are you?: Kayf halak? (for a man) Kayf halik? (for a woman)
Answer: Zayn, alhamdullilah – Good, Thanks be to God

Tayeb – good – works for many other things (food, the view etc) and alhamdullilah is the most useful phrase in Arabic as you can use it to answer so many questions, ‘How was your trip?’ alhamdullilah. ‘Have you eaten enough?’ alhamdullilah.

Thank you: Shukran.

Goodbye: Maa salaama – (go) with peace

Practical information

Visas

It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).

Getting there & around

With plenty of direct flight links from the UK to Saudi, it’s really easy to get to the country. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and daily flights from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

Local customs

To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.

Weather

You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit Riyadh is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime and rarely exceed 30°C. Summer months in Riyadh can get extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C between June and September.

FAQ

Is English spoken in Saudi?

Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.

What is the currency of Saudi?

The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.

What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?

We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.

What’s the time difference in Saudi?

Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.