Saudi Arabia is a country full of surprises and charm, not only with rich oil resources, but also with diverse culture and natural scenery. From desert to coast, from ancient to modern, Saudi Arabia has many places worth exploring. In order to attract more tourists, Saudi Arabia started issuing tourist visas in 2019, allowing visitors from 49 countries (including Hong Kong) to enter easily. Women can also travel freely, without having to follow strict dress codes. If you want to experience the charm of Saudi Arabia, please refer to the following travel tips:

The time difference in Saudi Arabia is UTC+3. Saudi time is 5 hours behind Hong Kong, without daylight saving time. 5 o’clock in Hong Kong is 12 o’clock in Saudi.

The voltage in Saudi Arabia is 200V, using three-pin flat plugs.

What currency does Saudi Arabia use? How about the price level? The currencies circulating in Saudi Arabia are Riyal (Riyal) and Halala (Halala). 1 Riyal (SAR) equals 100 Halala. Riyal adopts a fixed exchange rate system with the US dollar, that is, 1 US dollar equals 3.75 Riyals, while the exchange rate of Hong Kong dollars to Riyals is about 1 Hong Kong dollar equals 0.48 Riyals. The denominations of banknotes are 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 Riyals, and the denominations of coins are 2, 1 Riyals, 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 Halala. All local banks provide currency exchange services, and there are also exchange agencies at airports and some shopping centers. It is worth noting that there are usually bank branches in the airport, and their currency exchange rates may be more favorable than those of specialized exchange agencies! In addition, local residents generally like to use ATMs, and credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard can easily withdraw cash. Of course, payment methods other than cash are also supported throughout Saudi Arabia, including credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express, and many merchants accept electronic payments such as Apple Pay.

Next, let’s take a look at the climate. Saudi Arabia is a desert country, so you can imagine how hot it is. The average temperature is above 30°C, up to 50°C. If you don’t want to be tanned into charcoal, then you’d better bring a hat, a pair of sunglasses, and a bottle of sunscreen. In addition, due to the scarcity of water sources in the desert, you also need to carry enough water with you. If you think drinking water is too boring, then you can try some traditional drinks in Saudi Arabia—tea or coffee. However, don’t expect them to help you cool down, because they are hot!

Do you want to know more? Well, let’s continue to talk about transportation. There are many modes of transportation for you to choose from in Saudi Arabia, such as airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, or driving by yourself. However, before choosing a mode of transportation, you need to pay attention to some things. First of all, if you want to take a plane, then you need to book your tickets in advance, because the flights in Saudi Arabia will soon be full. Secondly, if you want to take a train, then you need to have patience, because the trains in Saudi Arabia are not very fast, and may encounter delays. Thirdly, if you want to take a bus, then you need to be careful, because the bus drivers in Saudi Arabia may drive very crazy, and may stop on the road to pray. Finally, if you want to drive by yourself, then you need to have courage, because the traffic rules in Saudi Arabia are very casual, and you may encounter sandstorms or camels.

Well, let’s talk about food. The food in Saudi Arabia is mainly meat and rice, common ones are lamb, chicken, camel meat, and rice seasoned with various spices. If you are a vegetarian, then you may find that the food in Saudi Arabia is not very suitable for you. But don’t worry, you can still eat some salads, fruits, bread, and dairy products. If you are a sweet tooth, then you must try the traditional dessert in Saudi Arabia—baklava. This is a dessert made with thin pastry sheets, nuts, honey and so on. It is very sweet and delicious. But don’t eat too much, otherwise you may feel too greasy or too sweet.

Finally, let’s take a look at the culture. Saudi Arabia is a country dominated by Islam, so you need to respect the local religion and traditions here. For example, you need to keep quiet and polite near mosques, and do not take pictures or videos. You also need to avoid disturbing local people during prayer time, or pray with them. In addition, you also need to pay attention to some daily etiquette and habits. For example, do not have intimate behavior in public places, do not use your left hand to eat or shake hands, do not refuse other people’s hospitality or invitations, and so on. If you can do these, then you can establish a good relationship with Saudi people.

Are women restricted in Saudi Arabia?
Since opening up tourism in 2019, women can travel to Saudi Arabia alone, no longer need to wear all-black robes and headscarves, and only need to cover their shoulders and knees in public places. Like men, women’s clothing should be dignified and decent, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, and do not have offensive words or patterns. Women can drive by themselves, and can also check in to hotels with their ID cards. There is no problem traveling alon

How is the weather in Saudi Arabia?
Spring (mid-March to mid-June): The spring climate in Saudi is pleasant, with night temperatures below 15°C in the northern regions, and warmer in the central and southern regions, with night temperatures around 20°C. Spring has the most rainfall, especially in the central region and the southwest of the Asir Mountains.

Summer (mid-June to mid-September): Except for the highlands in the southwest, the temperature rises throughout Saudi Arabia, with an average summer temperature of about 45°C. The morning and evening climate is relatively mild, the sea water is warm, and it is very suitable for water activities such as sailing and snorkeling. Diving projects in Saudi Arabia are definitely worth a try!

Autumn (mid-September to mid-December): The climate in the northern and southwestern highlands is mild, with cool breezes. In early autumn, the daytime temperature exceeds 30°C, and it is cool at night. It is very suitable for strolling along Jeddah’s seaside or dining outdoors. We also recommend that you visit the cool Hessa Desert Spring area!

Winter (mid-December to mid-March): The average temperature is within the range of 10°C. The daytime is warm and pleasant, and the night is cool and comfortable. It is very suitable for camping, climbing, or exploring green highlands, as well as bustling cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. If you are lucky, you can also see the white snow covering the northern mountainous areas and deserts.