Paying in Saudi Arabia: mada, mobile wallets and cash
Key takeaways
- Contactless card and phone payments are used almost everywhere
- mada is the national debit network
- Cash is accepted but used less and less
Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-moving markets for digital payments in the region. Paying with a card or phone is the norm in shops, restaurants and taxis.
How people pay
- mada: the national debit card network, linked to local bank accounts
- Mobile wallets: Apple Pay and local wallet apps are widely accepted
- International cards: Visa and Mastercard work in most places
- Cash: the Saudi riyal (SAR) is still accepted, but less common
For new residents
Once you have residency (iqama), you can open a personal bank account and get a mada card. Many banks offer fully digital account opening.
For businesses
Customers expect card and mobile payment options. E-commerce stores usually offer cards, mada, digital wallets and sometimes cash on delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What currency does Saudi Arabia use?
The Saudi riyal (SAR), which is pegged to the US dollar.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving around 10% in restaurants is common.
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