Saudi Arabia tours & vacations

Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourism in 2019 and we know that many of our travellers are curious about visiting there. Our aim was to create a trip that would offer our customers unique and authentic experiences that have a positive impact on local communities, particularly women.

With their emphasis on local interaction and cultural insights, we felt Women’s Expeditions was our ideal first product in Saudi. We carried out firsthand research on the ground, including speaking to local people from all walks of life. As with all Women’s Expeditions, the trip creates opportunities for local female leaders and guides while also supporting women-owned and operated businesses across our supply chain.

As a general rule, travellers will need to obtain a visa before arrival in Saudi Arabia. However, there are a range of nationals that can apply for an eVisa online to make the process as easy as possible, so you don’t need to spend time at embassy and consulate appointments. The visa application process will require you to provide information about your trip, return travel plans and accommodation details and might prompt you for bank account information and employment contracts.

Tipping is common in service-oriented businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and taxis, but it is not routine; but rather a way to show appreciation for good service. It is also not required if a service charge is already included in the bill. Saudis usually tip expatriate service people and individual services in hotels despite the overall service charge. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem usually have a built-in tip option, but you can also tip in cash if you prefer.

Tipping guides, drivers and other tourism services providers is also common and it's a way to show appreciation for their services. It's worth noting that tipping in Saudi Arabia is a cultural and personal decision, and it's always a good idea to follow the local customs and traditions, and to tip in line with your budget and satisfaction with the service received.

Internet access is widely available in Saudi Arabia, and the country has a well-developed infrastructure for telecommunications. The country's internet penetration rate is quite high and most people have access to high-speed 4G and 5G internet.

The government of Saudi Arabia regulates the internet, and there are some restrictions on access to certain websites and online content, such as those related to political dissent, pornography, gambling, and other sensitive topics. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, are widely used in the country, but they are also subject to government censorship. WhatsApp is commonly used for chat but cannot be used for calls and video calls.

Mobile phone networks are widely available in Saudi Arabia and getting a local SIM card for your phone is relatively easy. Upon arrival, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at any of the mobile phone stores located in most major cities and towns. The process is straightforward and you will need to provide a passport or a valid ID to register your SIM card.

The water supply in the major cities and towns is treated and is safe to drink in theory, but because of older pipe-systems even many locals refrain from doing so. In some rural areas or remote regions, the water may not be treated and may not be safe to drink. It's also worth noting that in some places, the water may have a high mineral content, which can affect its taste and may not be suitable for everyone.

The country has a well-developed banking system, and ATMs are widely available in most cities and towns. You can find ATMs in banks, airports, shopping centres, and other public places.
Most ATMs accept international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc. However, it's always good to check with your bank if your card will work in Saudi Arabia, and also to inform them of your travel plans. You should also note that ATM withdrawal limits may vary depending on the bank and the type of card you are using.
It's also common to find that some ATMs have a limit per transaction, while others have a daily limit, so you may have to withdraw money in multiple transactions.

You can use credit or debit cards, or even international credit cards in most of the shops, restaurants and hotels in Saudi Arabia, however, it's always good to check with the specific establishment if they accept foreign cards.

It's also worth noting that Saudi Arabia was, until recently, a cash-based society, and it's always good to have some cash on hand, especially when travelling to rural or remote areas of the country where access to ATMs and other banking services may be limited.

Expect to pay on average 8AUD for cup of coffee. Sit down meals will vary from 38AUD to 123AUD per person depending on the location and type of establishment. While street food, especially in smaller towns and cities could be as little as 8-15AUD.

It’s generally considered safe for female travellers to visit Saudi Arabia, whether solo or as part of a group as, overall, the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low.

As with any destination, there are a few do’s and don’t’s that all travellers should follow, such as adhering to local laws, dressing appropriately in places of worship and respecting cultural traditions. However, women should behave and dress in a similar way to locals and stick to well-populated areas, especially when venturing out at nighttime.

Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries. Travellers should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling.

It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage.

Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists – as with all destinations, travellers to the country should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling.

Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries.

In general, when it comes to Saudi Arabia's laws and social rules:

• It is illegal to preach or publicly practice a religion other than Islam.
• Refrain from questioning religious values or public morals.
• Don't criticise the country, its royal family or practicing religion in public (including on social media).
• Dress modestly in public.
• Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.

It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage.

• Same-sex relationships are illegal. Saudi Arabia does not recognise or allow same-sex marriages and rights.

Travellers should be aware of the socially conservative rules when it comes to the dress code in Saudi Arabia. It is no longer a legal requirement for women to cover their hair and wear an abaya (long sleeved robe) in Saudi, but women should still dress modestly when out and about (especially when visiting places of worship), covering their shoulders, chest and knees, as well as wearing any loose-fitting dresses or pants.

Due to the hot climate in Saudi Arabia, pack lightweight clothing like cotton and linen, so you're not uncomfortable when you're exploring during the day.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality.

We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognising personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.