Saudi Arabia Travel Guide for Americans
Everything you need to plan your trip to Saudi Arabia: when to go, how much it costs, and where to fly from.
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About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has undergone a dramatic tourism transformation since opening to international visitors in 2019. The country now offers a compelling mix of ultra-modern cities, ancient Nabatean ruins that rival Petra, pristine Red Sea beaches, and desert landscapes that feel genuinely untouched. Riyadh is a gleaming megacity with world-class museums and restaurants, while Jeddah serves as the gateway for Red Sea island hopping and diving. AlUla, a 2-hour drive north of Medina, is the standout for heritage travelers—think rock-cut tombs and sandstone canyons without the Jordan tourist crush. What makes Saudi Arabia unique isn't just the attractions; it's the speed at which the country is developing tourism infrastructure while maintaining strict control over cultural norms. You'll encounter zero nightlife, alcohol is completely illegal, dress codes are enforced (though far more relaxed than five years ago), and Friday is the weekly holy day. But you'll also find some of the Middle East's best-value luxury hotels, virtually no pickpocketing or violent crime, and locals who are genuinely curious about Western visitors. This is not a backpacker destination—it's for travelers who want luxury and culture without the tourist circus of Dubai or Egypt.
At a Glance
Trip Cost: What to Expect
Getting Around
Riyadh and Jeddah have Uber and Careem (local ride-app, sometimes cheaper). Taxis exist but are less reliable and prices aren't metered—negotiate beforehand or use apps. Domestic flights via Saudia, Flyadeal (budget carrier), or Noon Air are essential for multi-city trips. Riyadh to Jeddah is 1 hour (flights $60-120), Riyadh to AlUla is 2 hours (flights $80-150). The railway between Riyadh and Jeddah exists but takes 18+ hours—skip it. Car rental is available but insurance costs spike for foreigners; Uber is genuinely cheaper for city travel. No intercity buses are tourist-friendly. Within cities, Uber is your default. Between cities, book domestic flights 2-3 weeks ahead on Flyadeal for best budget pricing.
Practical Tips
Buy a Zain, STC, or Mobily SIM at any airport kiosk upon arrival (2 minutes, costs nothing). Add data plans immediately via their apps. A 14-day 5GB plan costs ~$15-18 USD. STC is slightly faster in rural areas like AlUla; Zain is best in cities. You don't need a local ID or passport copy for tourist SIM cards—just ask for 'tourist prepaid.' WhatsApp and iMessage work perfectly; Telegram is accessible. Avoid trying to activate before arrival; airport purchase is seamless and same price. Data speeds are excellent (4G LTE everywhere).
Tipping is not culturally obligatory like in the US, but it's increasingly expected in high-end restaurants and hotels. Round up 10% in mid-range restaurants and 15% in fine dining if service charge isn't included (check your bill). Taxi drivers don't expect tips from tourists—it's unusual to tip, but rounding up by a couple of riyals is appreciated. Hotel staff (cleaners, bellhops) don't expect tips; a small gift or 10 riyals is gracious but not standard. Coffee shop workers and fast-food staff need zero tips. The hospitality industry is shifting toward Western norms, but tipping remains less aggressive than Egypt or UAE.
Extremely safe. Saudi Arabia has near-zero street crime, no drug trafficking visible to tourists, and heavily policed tourist areas. Women travelers face zero harassment compared to Egypt or Morocco—the strict dress code enforcement actually provides security. Political dissidents and journalists face restrictions, but regular tourists have no issues. Avoid discussing politics, religion, or LGBTQ+ topics. Driving is chaotic; use Uber instead. Air pollution in Riyadh can spike in winter (check AQI before intense outdoor activity). No terrorism targeting tourists in recent years. Terror group presence is in remote rural areas you won't visit. Hospital quality is excellent (private hospitals rival US standards). Overall safety rating: 9/10 for tourists.
Fly into Jeddah, not Riyadh, if your trip includes the Red Sea. Jeddah airport is 1 hour from the coast but still cheaper than booking Riyadh flights. Book at least 2 nights in AlUla (not Medina nearby) for Nabatean ruins—most tourists skip it for Medina's religious sites, so you'll have canyons nearly empty. Stay at Banyan Tree AlUla or the budget Sharaan Resort if splurging; both are exceptional value compared to equivalent US luxury. Hire a private driver for AlUla day-trips ($80/day via your hotel concierge) rather than group tours—they're faster and let you explore on your schedule. Most importantly: download Google Maps offline for AlUla, Abha, and desert roads. Cell service is reliable but offline maps prevent you from accidentally driving into restricted military zones. The country moves faster than media suggests—tourist infrastructure is modern, but cultural rules are real; dress respectfully (loose pants, covered shoulders for men and women), don't photograph people without permission, and avoid alcohol entirely (zero tolerance, serious fines). This isn't a resort-and-party destination; it's for curious travelers who want authentic Middle Eastern culture with zero backpacker chaos.
Destinations in Saudi Arabia
Frequently Asked Questions
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