A country that has just opened its doors.

The riyal is pegged to the US dollar, so the rate is stable and much the same wherever you go. What varies is the margin each place adds, and boards differ a little between branches and through the day. Typical rates for £1 right now:

• Exchange offices by the HaramBest value

  ≈ 4.98 ﷼

  Dozens of licensed money changers (look for “صرافة / sarraf” signs) around both mosques, in the malls and below the hotels, e.g. Al Amoudi and Al Minhali in Makkah. Rates sit close to the real one, with short queues; most close after Isha.

• ATMs (bank card)

  ≈ 4.92 ﷼

  Everywhere, including by the Harams. Near the real rate, but your own bank may add a foreign-use fee.

• Bank branches

  ≈ 4.95 ﷼

  Al Rajhi, Alinma, SNB and others. Similar rate to the exchange offices, but longer queues.

• Airport counters

  ≈ 4.82 ﷼

  Jeddah, Riyadh and Madinah arrivals halls. Convenient, wider margin.

• Hotels

  ≈ 4.70 ﷼

  Front desk. Convenient, but the poorest value.

Best plan: change just a little at the airport to get going, then use an exchange office by the Haram or an ATM for the rest, where you'll get closest to the real rate. Rates are indicative and set by each provider.