Navigating Daily Life in Saudi Arabia: Money, Groceries, and Local Tips for Expats

Navigating Daily Life in Saudi Arabia: Money, Groceries, and Local Tips for Expats

So you’ve landed in Saudi Arabia, settled into your accommodation, and are ready to begin your new chapter. But what is day-to-day life really like here?

Whether you’re in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, understanding how things work — from handling money to shopping for food — can help you adjust faster and avoid confusion. Here’s your practical guide to navigating daily life in Saudi Arabia as an expat.

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💵 Currency & Handling Money

The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). One riyal is made up of 100 halalas. Notes are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 SAR denominations.

  • Currency code: SAR
  • Exchange rate: Roughly pegged to the US dollar (1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR)

🧾 Payment Methods

  • Cash: Still widely used in local markets and small shops
  • Cards: Most places accept Visa and MasterCard
  • Apple Pay & STC Pay: Popular in urban areas, especially among younger Saudis

Tip: Always carry some cash for taxis, local shops, and small purchases. ATMs are widely available and support multiple languages.

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🛒 Grocery Shopping in Saudi Arabia

Grocery stores in Saudi Arabia are modern, clean, and well-stocked — with both local and imported products.

🛍️ Where to Shop

  • Hypermarkets: Carrefour, Panda, Lulu, Danube (wide selection of international products)
  • Local stores: Tamimi, Nesto, Othaim (cheaper for basics and fresh produce)
  • Online delivery: Apps like HungerStation, Nana, and Carrefour offer fast grocery delivery

🍞 What You’ll Find

  • Fresh produce: Affordable and abundant year-round
  • Halal meat: All meat sold in KSA is halal by law
  • Imported goods: Available but more expensive (e.g., cheese, cereal, snacks from the US or UK)

Note: Pork and alcohol are strictly banned and unavailable in any store.

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🚖 Transportation in Daily Life

Getting around in Saudi Arabia can vary depending on your city and lifestyle:

🚘 Common Options

  • Private car: Most expats eventually buy or lease a car. Gasoline is cheap, and roads are good.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Careem are widely used and safe
  • Taxis: Available but may not speak English or use a meter
  • Metro: Riyadh Metro is under phased development. Public transport is limited in most cities.

Tip: Download navigation apps like Google Maps and use ride apps for smoother movement around the city.

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🏠 Paying Bills and Basic Services

Saudi Arabia has moved most services online, making bill payment and government interaction easier than ever.

📱 Useful Apps for Daily Life

  • Absher: For visa, residency, and government services
  • Tawakkalna: Health and movement services
  • STC or Mobily apps: For mobile data and calling plans
  • Watani, SADAD: To pay utility bills, government fines, or tolls
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🕌 Daily Life and Local Customs

Life in Saudi Arabia is shaped by cultural and religious traditions — especially Islam. Here's how that affects daily routines:

  • Prayer times: There are 5 daily prayers. Some shops and businesses close briefly during prayer hours.
  • Weekends: The official weekend is Friday and Saturday (not Saturday–Sunday)
  • Business hours: Many places close between 12–4 PM for midday rest and reopen in the evening

🥘 Eating Out & Local Food

Saudi Arabia offers a rich food culture:

  • Fast food: McDonald’s, KFC, and local chains like Al Baik are popular
  • Traditional food: Try kabsa, mutabbaq, dates, and Arabic coffee
  • Dining rules: Male and family sections may still exist in some places, though many have become mixed
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📡 Internet & Mobile

Saudi Arabia has high internet penetration and excellent mobile coverage:

  • Mobile providers: STC, Zain, and Mobily offer prepaid and postpaid plans
  • Home internet: Fiber-optic connections are common in urban areas
  • Internet speed: Generally fast and reliable, with 5G available in many places

Tip: SIM cards can be purchased at airports or malls, but you’ll need your Iqama or passport to register.

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🤝 Social Life & Meeting People

Making connections in a new country is vital. Thankfully, Saudi Arabia is opening up socially and culturally:

  • Expat communities: Join groups on Facebook or Meetup to find events and friends
  • Cafés & malls: Common places for socializing and networking
  • Events: Check local event listings or apps like “Visit Saudi” for cultural activities, concerts, and festivals
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🎯 Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia may feel unfamiliar at first, but most expats find their rhythm quickly. Once you understand how things work — from currency and groceries to apps and customs — daily life becomes not just manageable, but enjoyable.

Stay open, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to explore. This country has so much to offer — and daily life here is becoming more dynamic every year.

Have more questions about daily life in Saudi? Leave a comment or reach out through the contact page.

🔗 Related Reading:

— The Author, My Life in Saudi

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