Saudi Arabia - Info & Facts

Suggested Length of Stay

A recommended length of stay in Saudi Arabia can be from 4-12 days depending on how much of the country you wish to see.

Modes of transport

Roads

Roads are generally of a high standard however their drivers are not.

Public transport

The excellent Saptco national bus network is often the cheapest and easiest way to get around the Kingdom, especially to the more remote corners, as there always seems to be a Saptco station nearby, even if it’s just a place the buses pull into.

Trains

Trains in Saudi Arabia are safe, reliable and very comfortable.

The country has three train routes:

SRO Serves Riyadh, Al Hofuf, Abqaiq and Dammam.

SAR Serves Riyadh, Majmaah, Qassim, Hail and Jauf, and includes a sleeper service.

Haramain Serves Mecca, Jeddah, Jeddah Airport, King Abdullah Economic City and Medina; it runs Thursday to Sunday only.

Taxis

Taxis are found in most of the larger towns and are known as ‘limousines’; they can be hailed anywhere.

Flying

Saudi Arabia has an extensive network of domestic flight options and airlines

Health Precautions

There is a malaria risk in the south, and parts of the western region of the country and visitors should take advice on anti-malarial precautions at least four weeks before leaving; an outbreak of cerebral malaria has occurred in Jizan. Rift Valley Fever has also occurred, mainly in the Jizan area. Dengue fever has been reported.

Food and Drink

Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam offer everything from fine dining to budget eats in a variety of cuisines. The choice drops dramatically elsewhere, though food remains cheap. The most common eating outlets found in every corner of Saudi Arabia are filled-sandwich cafeterias and Bukharis (after the Central Asian city of Bukhara), which serve kabsa and mandi (meat or chicken and rice). South Asian food is also common. Seating for women is not.

Money

The Saudi currency is the Riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halala. Foreign currency can be changed at banks and exchange bureaux. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Wednesday from 8 am to 12 pm. Some banks also choose to open again later in the afternoon and stay open into the evening, from 5 pm to 8 pm. All major credit cards are accepted at shops, hotels, and restaurants in Saudi Arabia. ATMs are widely available.

Time Zone

GMT +3

Visas

You’ll need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You’ll need to provide your fingerprints with your visa application.

Australian Embassy & Consulate contacts in Saudi Arabia

Embassy of Australia

Abdullah Alsahmi St, As Safarat,

Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia

Ph: +966 11 250 0900

Saudi Arabia Embassy & Consulate contacts in Australia

Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

38 GuilFoyle Street – Yarralumla ACT 2600

Ph: +61 2 6250 7000

Email: auemb@mofa.gov.sa

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 60Hz. Three-pin, flat-bladed plugs are in use, in addition to round/flat-bladed two-pin plugs, as well as flat-bladed two-pin plugs with a third, round pin for grounding.

Getting there (stopovers)

Emirates and Etihad fly daily to Riyadh from most Australian capitals.

Tipping

Service charge is usually included in bills at hotels. Elsewhere a tip of 10 percent can be offered for services rendered. Taxi drivers can be given 10 percent of the fare.