Saudi Arabia FAQ

TOP QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL IN SAUDI ARABIA!

What will the weather be like?

• The majority of the country is desert, and, as such, has an extreme climate which varies substantially depending on where you are in the country. In the spring and fall you can expect highs in the 80s in most parts of the program and lows in the 70s. In Abha the temperature will be cooler and in Mada’in Salah it could be a bit warmer during the day and cooler at night.

• We HIGHLY recommend looking at a website like weather.com  or wunderground.com prior to travel for a more up to date description of anticipated weather during your stay.

 What is the best form of money to bring to Saudi Arabia?

• ATMs are widely available in Saudi Arabia and using your ATM card to withdraw money is easy and safe.

Where can I exchange money and how does the exchange transaction work?

• Money can be exchanged at any of the hotels on your program. The current (January 2023) rate of exchange is 3.75 Saudi riyals to $1 US dollar. Although changing money is possible, the best way to obtain Saudi money is using your ATM card at the many ATM machines!

 Should I be concerned about safety?

• Saudi Arabia is a very safe country with almost zero crime.

• Like any country we recommend that you exercise caution and take care in crowded situations. Do not leave wallets visible from pockets and always be aware of the location of your valuables.

 Is it okay to walk on our own without the group?

•   It is perfectly safe and fine for you to walk in Saudi Arabia on your own.

What are the hotels like?

• All the accommodations in Saudi Arabia are quite acceptable. All rooms have private bathrooms, air-conditioning with hot and cold water and all the modern conveniences as in the U.S. All hotels provide soaps, shampoos and even toothbrushes and toothpaste.

• All hotels we use also provide hair-dryers but sometimes they are often the kind of hair-dryer that is attached to the wall and are quite low in their heat and power output. We recommend bringing your own if you are particular about having a powerful hairdryer.

•  Almost all hotels also provide irons.

•  All hotels have mini-fridges as well as tea and coffee making facilities.

Are there swimming pools and gyms at the hotels in Saudi Arabia?

• All of the hotels on your program do have swimming pools but separate hours are usually reserved for men and women so it is important to check this. It is not possible for men and women to swim in the same pool at the same time

• The same policy applies for gyms – men and women cannot currently work-out together.

• The workout attire you would wear at home is acceptable for both men and women in these facilities.

 What are the roads and buses like? 

• Most of the buses we use in Saudi Arabia are modern buses with air-conditioning and are very comfortable.

• The roads are all paved and single or double-lane roads.

What is the food like in Saudi Arabia?

• Saudi Arabia has a delightful variety of cuisines which have been gathered from several cultures and heavily influenced by the Middle East.

• In addition to more traditional food, Saudi Arabia has a wide variety of options and you should expect to try Mediterranean cuisine, French cuisine, Italian cuisine and Thai and Chinese cuisine.

Is it safe to drink the water and ice and what about salads? Are there other available drinks?

• We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water which will be provided to you in unlimited quantities at all times. It’s important to always stay very hydrated and so please be sure to drink lots of water. It’s a good idea to bring your own water bottles which you can fill up in the mornings at breakfast buffets which normally (but not always) offer filtered water from a large water dispenser.

• Rest assured that Stanford Travel/Study will provide bottled water on the bus and drinks are included with each meal. Additionally every hotel provides bottled water in the rooms.

• In the hotel and in the restaurants chosen on your program, all ice is made from filtered and purified water.

 Can I drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia?

•   ALCOHOL IS ILLEGAL IN SAUDI ARABIA AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO LEGALLY IMPORT, POSSESS, OBTAIN OR DRINK ANY KIND OF ALCOHOL IN SAUDI ARABIA.

What is the electricity in Saudi Arabia and the plug size?

• The electric current in Saudi Arabia is 220V and many outlets use the British style 3-point plug. Newer hotels do provide the American style, two point plug but you should not count on this!

• If you are planning to bring American electrical goods you will need a dual-voltage appliance (almost all cameras and lap-tops and chargers are dual-voltage) as well as an adaptor for the UK. There are all-in-one adapters available on-line which contain adapters for several countries all in a small appliance. These also usually have a USB port as well.

Can we watch international TV in Saudi Arabia?

• All the hotels in Saudi Arabia provide TV which usually shows, amongst other English speaking channels, CNN and the BBC.

 Are there restrictions on photography in Saudi Arabia?

• It is illegal to take photos of military bases or personnel, police stations or officers, airports, or other sites or people that might be considered sensitive.

• Outside of these restrictions, it is possible to take photographs. Saudis are very friendly and usually are very happy to have their photograph taken but it is always wise to ask permission first!

  Can I use my cell phone in Saudi Arabia and what about access to the internet and checking emails?

• Most cell phone providers in the US have international plans that will allow your mobile phone to work in Saudi Arabia! We suggest calling your service provider and discussing this with them.

• All hotels on your program do provide free Wi-Fi access in public areas and in each room. Some hotels provide a code for use (usually your room number and name) others are just open use.

• Given this, the other option to avoid spending a fortune on making calls back home, is to download the “App” “WhatsApp” before you leave. This is an internet based phone service so as long as you are on the WiFI of the hotel, you will be able to make and send WhatsApp messages and make and receive WhatsApp calls. Remind your family and friends to also get WhatsApp so you can call them. If the person you want to reach is not registered with WhatsApp, you will not be able to call them.

• You should have no problem checking your emails in Saudi Arabia but please note it is sometimes the case that certain news sites are blocked. You may, for example, be able to access the New York Times website but certain articles within the site may be blocked.

Is the Saudi weekend the same as the American one?

• No, the Saudi weekend takes place on Fridays and Saturdays.

What is the service like in Saudi Arabia?

• Be prepared for slow BUT warm and pleasant service. Do not be surprised if your tea order takes 20 minutes to reach you. This is Saudi Arabia – you will be surrounded by beauty, great spirit and warmth…enjoy!