# Money for Umrah: Currency, Cards and Cash Guide

Source: https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/money-currency-guide-umrah/

Category: Travel Tips. Published 2026-10-22, updated 2026-10-22.

How to handle money on Umrah: Saudi riyals, cards and contactless, how much cash to carry, ATMs, exchange tips, daily spending and tipping.

**Quick answer:** Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (SAR), which is pegged at about 3.75 riyals to the US dollar. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Makkah and Madinah, so most pilgrims take a low-fee card plus a modest amount of cash for small shops, porters and sadaqah. Check the current pound-to-riyal rate before you travel and avoid changing money at the airport.

## What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?

The currency is the Saudi riyal, written as SAR or with the Arabic abbreviation. One riyal is divided into 100 halalas. You will see banknotes in several denominations and a few coins, which are mostly used for small change.

The riyal has been pegged to the US dollar for many years at about 3.75 riyals per dollar. That means the riyal moves against the pound in line with the dollar. We do not quote a pound rate here because it changes daily, so check a reliable source such as your bank's app shortly before you fly.

A simple habit helps: work out roughly what 10 and 100 riyals are worth in pounds before you leave, and keep that in mind when you shop.

## Can you use cards and contactless in Makkah and Madinah?

Yes. Card payments are very common in Saudi Arabia. Hotels, malls, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies and most shops near the Haram take Visa and Mastercard, and contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Ride-hailing apps can be paid by card too.

To keep costs down:

- **Use a card with no foreign transaction fee.** Many UK travel cards and app-based banks offer this. A standard high-street debit card may add a fee to every payment.
- **Always pay in riyals.** If a card machine asks whether to pay in GBP or SAR, choose SAR. Paying in pounds lets the shop's provider set the exchange rate, which is usually worse.
- **Carry two cards**, ideally on different networks, and keep them in separate places in case one is lost or blocked.

## How much cash should you take for Umrah?

You will still want some cash. Small independent shops, street vendors, barbers for after Umrah, porters, wheelchair pushers and sadaqah are often easier with notes and coins. Some smaller traders do take cards, but not all.

How much you need depends on how you spend. Rather than carrying a large sum, many of our pilgrims take enough cash for the first couple of days and then use ATMs as needed. Keep cash spread across your money belt, bag and hotel safe, and carry only what you need for the day into the Haram.

If you bring cash from the UK, be aware of UK and Saudi rules on carrying large amounts across borders. Typical spending money is well within normal limits, but if you are carrying a lot, check the current requirements before you travel.

## Where should you exchange money for Umrah?

Airport exchange desks, both in the UK and on arrival, tend to give some of the weakest rates. Better options usually include:

- **Ordering riyals online** from a UK provider for collection or delivery, comparing a few rates first.
- **Withdrawing from an ATM** in Saudi Arabia using a low-fee card.
- **Exchange shops in the city**, which are common near the Harams and often more competitive than the airport.

It is sensible to arrive with a small amount of riyals for anything you need straight away, such as a drink, a SIM card or a tip. If you are on one of our packages, your [transfers](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/umrah-transfers/) are already arranged, so you will not need cash for a taxi from the airport.

## Are ATMs easy to find near the Haram?

ATMs are plentiful around both Harams, inside the malls of the Clock Tower complex and in hotel lobbies. A few practical points:

- Choose ATMs attached to banks or inside buildings, which are more secure and less likely to be out of service.
- Again, if the machine offers to convert to pounds, decline and take the amount in riyals.
- Your UK bank and the ATM operator may both charge a fee, so fewer, larger withdrawals usually cost less than many small ones.
- Avoid withdrawing just before or after prayers, when queues build and areas are crowded.

## Should you tell your bank you are going to Saudi Arabia?

Many UK banks no longer need travel notifications, but it is still worth checking. A card blocked for "unusual activity" on your first evening in Makkah is stressful, especially if you are travelling alone or with elderly parents.

Before you fly:

- Check your bank's app or website for a travel notice option.
- Confirm your daily cash withdrawal and spending limits.
- Make sure your phone can receive security codes while roaming.
- Save your bank's overseas phone number somewhere other than your phone.

If you are using new apps for payment on the trip, our [guide to useful Umrah apps](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-apps-guide/) covers setting them up in the UK first.

## What will you spend money on during Umrah?

If you are on a package, your flights, visa, hotels and main transfers are already paid for. Your spending money then goes on day-to-day costs. Rather than quote prices that change, here are the main categories to budget for:

CategoryWhat it coversTips
Food and drinkMeals not included in your package, snacks, water, tea and coffeeFood courts and local restaurants cost far less than hotel restaurants
Local transportTaxis, ride-hailing, buses or the train if not includedWalk where you can and share rides with your group
ZiyaratGuided tours of historic sites in Makkah and MadinahCheck whether Ziyarat is already in your package
HaircutShaving or trimming after Umrah for menBarbers near the Haram are quick and used to pilgrims
LaundryHotel or local laundry servicesPacking quick-dry clothes reduces this
Phone and dataRoaming, eSIM or local SIMCompare before you fly
Gifts and shoppingDates, Zamzam, prayer mats, attar and clothingSet a gift budget and leave space in your luggage
SadaqahCharity during your stayKeep small notes handy
Wheelchair or porter helpHired wheelchairs or pushers for tawaf and sa'iAgree the price before you start

If you are planning the whole trip on a tight budget, our guide to [Umrah on a budget](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-on-a-budget/) has more ways to save.

Gifts are where many budgets slip, because there is so much to choose from. For practical tips on what to buy and how much to set aside, see our [Umrah shopping and gift guide](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-shopping-gift-guide/).

## Do you need to tip in Saudi Arabia?

Tipping is not compulsory in Saudi Arabia, and you will not be expected to tip in the same way as in some other countries. Small tips are, however, appreciated by hotel porters, housekeeping, drivers and people who push wheelchairs.

A few riyals for a porter or a small amount for a driver who helps with heavy bags is a kind gesture. In restaurants, check whether a service charge is already included on the bill. Many workers in hospitality are far from their own families, and many pilgrims see a generous tip as a form of sadaqah.

## How do you keep your money safe on Umrah?

Makkah and Madinah feel very safe, but large crowds attract pickpockets, as anywhere in the world. Keep your phone, cards and cash in a zipped inner pocket or a money belt under your clothing, especially in ihram, where men have no pockets. Our guide to the [ihram rules](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/ihram-rules-men-and-women/) explains what you can wear, including belts.

Use the hotel safe for your passport, spare cash and spare card, and take a photo of your cards' emergency numbers. If you do lose a card, freeze it straight away in your banking app.

If you would like a package with flights, visa, hotels and transfers paid upfront so you only need to think about spending money, take a look at our [Umrah packages](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/umrah/) or ask our team for a quote.

**Related guides:** [Performing Umrah Alone from the UK: Solo Travel Guide](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-alone-solo-travel/) · [Jeddah Airport to Makkah: Transfer, Train or Taxi](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/jeddah-airport-to-makkah/) · [Zamzam Water Guide: History, Dua and Bringing It Home](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/zamzam-water-guide/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is it better to take cash or a card for Umrah?

A mix works best. Use a low-fee card for most payments and carry some cash for small shops, porters, barbers and sadaqah.

### Can I use pounds in Makkah?

Not for everyday spending. Shops price in riyals, so exchange pounds or withdraw riyals from an ATM.

### What is the exchange rate for the Saudi riyal?

The riyal is pegged at about 3.75 to the US dollar, so its value against the pound changes as the dollar moves. Check your bank or a reliable currency site shortly before you travel.

### Should I pay in pounds or riyals when a card machine asks?

Choose riyals. Paying in pounds usually means a worse exchange rate set by the payment provider rather than by your bank.

### Do I need to tip on Umrah?

Tipping is not required, but small tips for porters, drivers and housekeeping are appreciated. It is entirely up to you.

## Contact Umrah Gateway

- Phone: 0207 112 8522
- WhatsApp: +44 20 7112 8522
- Email: info@umrahgateway.co.uk
- Office: 9 Station Road, West Drayton UB7 7BT
- Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm