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INR → VND · VietnamSaudi Riyal (SAR)
The Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. For Indian
travellers, the riyal carries special significance because Saudi Arabia
is the host of Islam's two holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah. Lakhs of
Indians visit Saudi Arabia every year for Umrah and Hajj, in addition to
business travel, work-related visits, and tourism following the
Kingdom's tourism opening since 2019.
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About Saudi Riyal (SAR)
The story, the role, and the reach of the saudi riyal — explained for Indian travellers, students and businesses.
The Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. For Indian
travellers, the riyal carries special significance because Saudi Arabia
is the host of Islam's two holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah. Lakhs of
Indians visit Saudi Arabia every year for Umrah and Hajj, in addition to
business travel, work-related visits, and tourism following the
Kingdom's tourism opening since 2019.
Hundreds of thousands of Indians work in Saudi Arabia in construction,
healthcare, hospitality, and oil and gas. India-Saudi Arabia trade is
substantial, with Saudi Arabia being one of the top suppliers of crude
oil to India. Riyal demand from India is therefore year-round, with
strong seasonal peaks during the Umrah and Hajj seasons.
This page covers what the riyal is, how it moves against the rupee, and
where to buy it in India. For today's live rate, jump to the rate page
below.
A short history
From its origins to the modern saudi riyal you know today.
The Saudi Riyal has been Saudi Arabia's currency since the founding of
the Kingdom in 1932. The name "riyal" comes from the Spanish real, which
was used widely in the Middle East through trade with the Spanish and
Portuguese empires in earlier centuries. The same root gives us the
Brazilian real and the Qatari riyal.
Before 1932, the Hejaz and Najd regions that became Saudi Arabia used a
mix of Ottoman, British Indian, and other currencies. The riyal unified
the new Kingdom's currency. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), established
in 1952, has issued banknotes and coins since 1961.
Since 1986, the Saudi Riyal has been pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed
rate of 1 USD = 3.75 SAR. This peg has held without change for nearly
four decades. For Indians, this peg matters because the riyal moves
against the rupee in lockstep with the dollar. When the dollar
strengthens against the rupee, the riyal strengthens with it. When the
dollar weakens, the riyal weakens by the same proportion.
The peg is maintained by SAMA, which holds significant US dollar
reserves built from oil export revenues. The peg simplifies
international trade for Saudi Arabia, particularly oil exports, which
are priced in dollars.
Denominations you'll use
The notes and coins in actual circulation — and which ones you'll see most.
Saudi banknotes are colour-coded and feature Arabic and English numerals
on both sides. Each note carries the portrait of King Salman bin
Abdulaziz on newer issues, and shows iconic Saudi landmarks: the Kaaba
and the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque), the Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah,
the Burj Al-Faisaliyah, and others.
Banknotes
- SAR 5 (purple, smallest commonly used note)
- SAR 10 (red-brown)
- SAR 50 (green, useful for daily spending)
- SAR 100 (red, most commonly used note for larger purchases)
- SAR 500 (blue, largest commonly available note. Equivalent to roughly ₹12,500 at current rates.)
Coins
- 1 halala, 5 halala (rarely used)
- 10, 25, 50 halala
- 1 SAR, 2 SAR
When buying SAR from Matrix Forex, ask for a mix of 50 and 100 riyal
notes for daily spending, plus a few 500 riyal notes for hotel payments
or larger purchases.
How the SAR moves
The forces and policy decisions that shape its value against the rupee.
The Saudi Riyal is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 1 USD =
3.75 SAR. This peg means the riyal does not move freely against the
dollar. The Saudi Central Bank actively maintains the peg, holding
substantial dollar reserves to support it.
Against the Indian Rupee, the riyal moves almost entirely based on what
the dollar does against the rupee. If the dollar strengthens against the
rupee, the riyal strengthens proportionally. If the dollar weakens, the
riyal weakens with it. The maths is simple: SAR/INR equals USD/INR
divided by 3.75.
This makes the SAR/INR rate predictable. Through 2025 and into 2026, the
SAR has typically traded between ₹22 and ₹26 against the rupee, broadly
following the dollar's strength against the rupee.
For Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, this stability is helpful for budget
planning. You will not see dramatic rate moves in the lead-up to your
trip, and budgeting weeks in advance is easier than for floating
currencies like the euro or pound.
Why Indians buy SAR
The everyday use-cases — travel, education, business — that bring Indians to this currency.
Riyal demand from India is year-round but has strong seasonal peaks. The
buyer base breaks into four main groups.
Umrah pilgrims
Umrah is the smaller pilgrimage to Makkah, performed throughout the year
except during Hajj. It is the single largest category of riyal demand
from India. Indian Muslims travel for Umrah in groups, with families, or
alone. A typical Umrah package from India costs between ₹85,000 and
₹1,80,000 per person, and pilgrims usually carry an additional SAR 1,500
to SAR 2,500 (around ₹35,000 to ₹60,000) per person for daily food,
transport, and charitable giving in the holy cities.
Hajj pilgrims
Hajj is performed once a year during Dhul Hijjah. India's Hajj Committee
and licensed private operators organise pilgrimages, with Indian quotas
allocated by the Saudi government. Hajj pilgrims also carry separate
riyal allowances for personal expenses.
Working professionals and migrants
Hundreds of thousands of Indians work in Saudi Arabia, particularly in
construction, healthcare, hospitality, and oil and gas. When making the
move, initial setup costs require riyal in hand. Most carry the maximum
allowed in cash (USD 3,000 equivalent) plus a forex card.
Tourism and business
Since Saudi Arabia opened tourist visas to Indians in 2019, leisure
travel has grown. Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea coast are
increasingly visited. Business travel to Saudi Arabia for trade,
contracts, and the conference circuit is also significant.
Using SAR in Saudi Arabia
Cards vs cash, ATM tips, common pitfalls — what to know before you travel.
Saudi Arabia has modernised its payment infrastructure quickly. Most
retail establishments in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah accept card
payments, particularly chains like Carrefour, Lulu, and major hotels.
Mada, the national payment system, is universal among Saudis. Cash still
plays a major role, especially for pilgrims.
Places that prefer cash
- Charitable giving at the Haram in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah
- Small shops in the older parts of Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah
- Local taxis (though most accept cards now)
- Souvenir vendors near religious sites
- Tips for porters at airports and hotels
- Cash gifts (a customary practice in Saudi culture)
Places where cards work well
- Hotels and major hotel chains (universal)
- Carrefour, Lulu, Panda, and other major supermarkets
- Riyadh Metro, Haramain High Speed Railway (between Makkah and Madinah)
- Restaurants in newer areas of major cities
- Major retail and pharmacy chains
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in Saudi Arabia. Major bank ATMs (Al Rajhi,
Saudi National Bank, Riyad Bank) usually have lower foreign transaction
fees. Expect SAR 10 to SAR 20 per withdrawal in ATM fees plus your
Indian bank's international transaction charge.
Tipping culture
Tipping in Saudi Arabia is not as expected as in the US, but it is
appreciated. Restaurants often add a 10 percent service charge
automatically. Hotel porters: SAR 5 to SAR 10 per bag. Taxi drivers:
round up the fare. Tour guides during Umrah: SAR 50 to SAR 100 for a
half-day.
How to get SAR in India
Your options — branches, banks, online forex providers, and the airport route.
Cash (riyal notes)
Up to USD 3,000 equivalent per trip from India, roughly SAR 11,000 at
current rates. Matrix Forex sells riyals at the live interbank rate with
same-day delivery across 21 Indian cities. Ask for a mix of 100 and 500
riyal notes for Umrah and Hajj trips.
Forex card
Load riyals onto a forex card before travel. The Matrix Forex Card
supports 28 currencies including SAR, with no markup on the live
interbank rate. Forex cards are widely accepted at Saudi merchants and
ATMs.
Wire transfer
For business payments, property purchases, or family support
remittances, send riyals directly to a Saudi bank account via SWIFT.
Funds reach Saudi Arabia typically within 24 hours.
What most pilgrims actually do
For a typical 12 to 15 day Umrah from India: SAR 1,500 to SAR 2,500 in
cash per person for daily food, transport, and charity, plus a forex
card with another SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,000 for hotel incidentals. Hajj
pilgrims typically carry similar amounts, scaled up for longer stays.
CTA: Go to Live Rate Page · Links to: /saudi-riyal/rate/
Rules and limits
LRS, TCS, KYC and the FEMA rules every Indian needs to know.
USD 3,000 equivalent per trip from India in foreign currency notes.
Travellers arriving in or departing Saudi Arabia with SAR 60,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies, precious metals, or financial instruments must declare it to Saudi Customs. This rarely applies to Umrah or Hajj travellers.
USD 2,50,000 per financial year across all purposes.
TCS applies above ₹10 lakh per financial year. Most Umrah and Hajj packages stay below this threshold. For overseas tour packages specifically, TCS of 5 percent applies up to ₹10 lakh and 20 percent above ₹10 lakh, but this is for the package payment to the tour operator, not for the cash you carry.
Umrah visas are issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through licensed Indian travel agents and the Nusuk platform. Visa fees, mandatory medical insurance, and processing charges are bundled into your package. Buy your SAR cash separately at the live interbank rate from an RBI-authorised dealer like Matrix Forex.
PAN, passport, Umrah or Hajj visa or Saudi tourist visa, and confirmed flight ticket.
Keep up to USD 2,000 equivalent in foreign currency notes after return. Matrix Forex buys back unused SAR at the live interbank rate.
Frequently asked questions
issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and is the only legal tender in
Saudi Arabia, including the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
1 USD = 3.75 SAR since 1986. This means the riyal moves against the
rupee in proportion to the dollar.
2025 and into 2026, the SAR has typically traded between ₹22 and ₹26
against the rupee, broadly tracking the dollar's strength against the
rupee.
per person and includes flights, hotels, and visa), most pilgrims carry
SAR 1,500 to SAR 2,500 per person for daily food, local transport,
charitable giving, and incidentals. This is roughly ₹35,000 to ₹60,000.
currency markup of 2 to 3.5 percent on Indian credit cards. A forex card
avoids this markup.
contactless payments work universally in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and
Madinah. Cash still matters for charitable giving, small purchases near
religious sites, and souvenir shopping.
interbank rate with same-day door delivery across 21 cities, or in
person at our nine branches.
have wider spreads. Buying SAR in India from an authorised dealer at the
interbank rate, with same-day delivery, is usually 2 to 4 percent
better.
