Saudi riyal exchange rate

WE SELL RATE HISTORY OF SAUDI ARABIAN RIYAL

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SAUDI ARABIAN RIYAL INFO

The Saudi Arabian Riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia.
Notes: 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 riyals
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 halalas, 1 riyal, 2 riyals
Subunit: halalah
Code: SAR
Symbol: SR or ر.س

If you're planning a trip to Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, or any other city in Saudi Arabia, you'll need to exchange your euros for Saudi riyals. Ask us about the exchange rate for your trip and make sure you have local currency before you leave.

About the Saudi Riyal

The Saudi riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. Its symbol is ﷼ and its international code is SAR. One riyal is divided into 100 halalas.

History of the Saudi Currency

The Saudi riyal was officially introduced in 1925, replacing the Indian rupee and other foreign currencies that had been used in the region. Its adoption marked a step toward economic unification in the newly established Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Since then, the riyal has remained a stable currency, traditionally pegged to the U.S. dollar, which facilitates international transactions and ensures consistent value.

Banknotes and Coins of the Saudi Riyal

Banknotes are currently issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 riyals. Their designs feature portraits of Saudi kings alongside key national landmarks such as the Grand Mosque in Mecca or the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. Commemorative notes have also been issued on special occasions.

Coins in circulation include halala denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50, as well as 1 and 2 riyal coins. Many of these coins feature symbols of Saudi culture, architecture, and religion.

BANKNOTES OF SAUDI ARABIAN RIYAL IN CIRCULATION

On the 500 Riyales note King Abdulaziz appears, behind him there is an image of the Holy Kaaba in Mecca. At the back there is an aerial view of the Holy Mosque of Makkah Al Mukarramah in Mecca, the largest mosque in the world and the first holy place of Isalm.

On the 100 Riyales note appears King Salman and behind him the Green Dome of the Prophet's Mosque. In the back part there is an aerial view of the Prophet's Mosque, the second sacred place for Muslims.

On the 50 Riyales note appears King Salman appears the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. In the back part the Mosque of Al-Aqsa also appears in Jerusalem. It is the third sacred place for Muslims.

On the 10 Riyales note King Salman appears and behind him appears the image of the King Abdulaziz Palace in the Almoraba area. In the back there is a view of the Financial Center of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh.

On the 5 Riyales note King Salman appears and behind him a view of the Shaybah oil field, one of the largest oil fields in the country. In the back part there is a countryside landscape with flowers typical of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Riyal coins are 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Halalas and 1 and 2 Riyals. The denomination appears on the tail of all coins. On the head of the coins of Riyals appears the image of King Salman with his name. In the halala coins the national emblem appears, a palm tree on two criss-crossed scimitars. The years that appear on the coins are the years of minting according to the Muslim and Gregorian calendar.

 

Do I Need Cash in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. While card payments are widely accepted in major cities—especially in hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants—having cash on hand is advisable for use in small shops, traditional markets (souks), taxis, or in rural areas. During religious pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina, carrying Saudi riyals in cash can be particularly useful for daily expenses and mobility.

 

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