Welcome to Saudi Arabia 

Etiquette: Respectful behaviour is essential. Avoid loudness, bad language, and invading personal space.
Religion: Understand and respect prayer times and Ramadan observances.
Alcohol & Substances: Their sale, purchase, and consumption are illegal in Saudi Arabia. 
Learn Some Arabic: Basic phrases can enhance your experiences and connections.
Photography: Ask permission before taking pictures of people, government buildings, and infrastructure. 

October in Riyadh is generally mild and pleasant. Daytime temperatures typically range between 29°C to 36°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 15°C. 

Dress Code: Respectful attire is key. While establishments have individual guidelines, some general principles apply:  

• Public Places: Loose-fitting clothing covering elbows and below the ankle is recommended for both men and women. A light layer can be useful due to strong air-conditioning. 
• Religious Sites: Modest attire is mandatory. Women can wear an abaya over their regular clothes. 
• Beaches: While not mandatory, modest attire is recommended. 

Supermarkets and Grocery Delivery 

• There are numerous supermarkets in the area, many stocking a wide range of international products.
• Online grocery services include Ninja and noon; availability and delivery times vary by neighbourhood. 

Food Delivery Apps 

• Popular platforms: HungerStation, Jahez, Keeta and The Chefz. 
• Most apps provide English interfaces and offer a broad selection of cuisines. 

Taxis 

• Choose metered taxis to ensure transparent fares. 
• Taxis are commonly available at busy locations such as malls, supermarkets, parks and hotels. 
• Ride‑hailing: Careem and Uber are widely used for private car bookings. 

Metro 

• Eco‑friendly transport: A modern, driverless metro connecting major areas of the city. 
• Tickets: Affordable; purchase via the Darb app or at station kiosks. 
• Network: View the full network map online: https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Map-1.pdf 

Health and Medications 

• Carry a copy of your passport and the Saudi visa page when you go out. 
• If travelling with prescription medication, bring the original prescription and/or a doctor’s note, keep medicines in original packaging and carry only personal‑use quantities. 
• Medicines containing controlled substances may be confiscated without proper documentation. 

Currency and Money 

• Local currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR). 
• Cards: Foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted; inform your bank you will use your cards in Saudi Arabia and check for international fees. 
• Cash: Consider exchanging some money into SAR before arrival for convenience. 
• Reference rate: 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR. 

• London (BST, UTC+1): 10:00
• Paris/Berlin (CEST, UTC+2): 11:00
• New York/Toronto (EDT, UTC−4): 05:00
• Los Angeles/Vancouver (PDT, UTC−7): 02:00 
• Delhi/Mumbai (IST, UTC+5:30): 14:30

For Saudi Arabia the types of power used (available in hotels and in public places) are both type G (used in the UK), sometimes sockets for Type A and Type B (Used in the United States).