Currency Guide — Rupees to Riyals
Where to exchange, how much to carry, and what to expect from card usage in Saudi Arabia.
Currency
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR). The rate to Indian Rupees hovers around ₹22-24 per SAR — confirm the current rate before departure.
How much cash to carry
For a typical 10-day Umrah with meals included, ₹20,000-₹30,000 in cash is usually sufficient for tips, snacks, souvenirs and small purchases.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in restaurants, malls and hotels. Notify your bank about international travel before departure to prevent card blocks.
Best exchange
Exchange a small amount in India (from an authorised dealer, not the airport counter) and change larger sums at the Al Rajhi or Al Bilad money exchanges in Makkah, which usually offer better rates.
Published on 26 August 2026. Updated on 26 August 2026.