Budget Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia: Save Money with Homejourney

Budget Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia Budget : Save Money – Quick Answer

A practical Budget Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia Budget : Save Money for Singapore-based and international travellers means targeting a realistic daily Saudi budget of about SAR 200–350 (SGD 70–130) if you focus on cheap Saudi travel options like budget hotels, local eateries, and public or shared transport.[1][4] With careful planning, you can enjoy an affordable Saudi trip that covers Riyadh, Jeddah and at least one desert or heritage experience without overspending.

This cluster guide supports Homejourney’s broader international travel and lifestyle pillar by giving tactical, money-saving tips for Saudi Arabia, while also helping readers who may later explore Singapore property investment, relocation, or long-stay options through Homejourney’s trusted tools like Property Search , Bank Rates , and Projects Directory .

1. Destination Overview: Why Saudi Arabia Works for Budget Travellers

From a Singapore traveller’s standpoint, Saudi Arabia is no longer just a transit point or pilgrimage hub – it is opening up as a diverse, relatively affordable destination with dramatic deserts, heritage towns like AlUla, and modern cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.[1][8] If you already track airfares from Changi to the Gulf, you will often see Jeddah or Riyadh pricing similar to (or lower than) peak-season flights to Tokyo or Sydney, especially outside school holidays.

For most budget-oriented trips, you can plan around three key zones:

Riyadh – capital city, museums, modern malls, and nearby desert trips.
Jeddah – Red Sea corniche, historic Al-Balad, and coastal food scene.[1][9]
AlUla / Hegra – ancient tombs, canyons, and spectacular landscapes at varying price points.[1][3]

Best Time to Visit on a Budget

For a balance between price and comfort, shoulder seasons like March–April and October–early December usually work best.

Winter (Nov–Feb): Most pleasant weather but higher demand, especially around major events.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Extreme heat but potential discounts on hotels and tours, similar to off-peak deals Singaporeans see in the Middle East.

Getting There from Singapore

Non-stop or one-stop flights from Singapore to Riyadh or Jeddah are common, with promo fares sometimes dipping into the low SGD 700–900 range return if booked early, comparable to long-haul Southeast Asia–Middle East routes.[4] To keep your Saudi budget down, avoid last-minute bookings around school holidays and major regional events.

Currency and Exchange Tips

Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR). The SAR is typically pegged closely to the USD, which simplifies planning for Singapore-based travellers who already monitor FX when moving savings between SGD and USD.

To save money Saudi side:

Withdraw cash in moderate amounts from ATMs instead of exchanging large sums at airports, where spreads can be wider.
Use multi-currency cards for larger hotel or car-rental payments.
Track real-time SAR–SGD conversions the same way you would when exploring Singapore properties on Homejourney using multi-currency support and pricing insights.

2. Daily Budget: What a Cheap Saudi Travel Day Looks Like

Backpacker-style guides estimate a bare-bones daily budget around USD 55–90 (approx. SAR 200–340 / SGD 75–125), covering simple accommodation, local transport, food, and one paid activity.[1] Mid-range travellers often land in the SAR 400–600 range.[1][2]

A realistic low-to-mid budget day for a Singapore traveller might look like:

Accommodation: SAR 150–250 (SGD 55–90) at a budget hotel or guesthouse in Riyadh, Jeddah, or AlUla town.[1][3]
Food: SAR 40–70 (SGD 15–25) if you eat at local canteens, shawarma stalls, and South Asian eateries.[1][4]
Transport: SAR 15–40 (SGD 5–15) using metro, buses, and occasional ride-hailing.
Attractions / activities: SAR 0–60 (SGD 0–22) on museum entries or a shared tour.[1][3]

3. Top Attractions & Affordable Experiences

To keep your trip affordable Saudi style, anchor your itinerary around free or low-cost sights and selectively splurge on a signature experience such as Hegra in AlUla.

Riyadh on a Budget

Riyadh Old Quarter & Masmak Fort: Stroll through historic streets and visit the fort for a small fee or free on some days.[1][8]
National Museum: A well-curated overview of Saudi history; entry is modestly priced and good value.[1][9]
Red Sand Dunes half-day: Join a shared tour instead of chartering a private 4x4 to cut costs.[1]

Jeddah: Coastal and Cultural

Al-Balad Historic District: Wander alleys with traditional houses, markets and mosques; guided group tours are available from around SAR 200–300, with basic self-exploration almost free.[1][7][9]
Corniche Promenade: Free seaside walks, perfect for sunset, much like Singaporeans enjoy East Coast Park.
Affordable eats: Try shawarma, falafel and Al Baik fried chicken for filling meals under SAR 20.[1]

AlUla: Ancient Wonder on a Budget

AlUla’s UNESCO-listed Hegra and dramatic landscapes can be expensive if you stay in high-end canyon resorts, but staying in AlUla Town keeps it within a moderate Saudi budget.[3]

Stay in AlUla Town: Guesthouses around SAR 150–400 per night (SGD 50–135).[3]
Join shared tours from Winter Park (SAR 200–300 / SGD 70–100) instead of private Land Rover tours.[3]
Walk AlUla Old Town for free, exploring restored mud houses, cafes and shops in a compact, pedestrian-friendly area.[3]

For more detail, see Homejourney’s dedicated AlUla guide: .

4. Practical Travel Tips: Visas, Transport & Safety

Visa Requirements

Many nationalities can apply for an e-visa for tourism to Saudi Arabia. Requirements can change, so always verify through official Saudi government portals or your embassy before travelling. Treat visa rules like URA/HDB regulations in Singapore – they are precise, enforceable, and best confirmed at source.

Moving Around Cheaply

Domestic flights: Often the fastest way between Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla; book early for lower fares.[5][6]
Trains: Intercity trains (e.g., Riyadh–Dammam) are generally clean and priced mid-range; they can be cheaper than last-minute flights.[1]
Ride-hailing: In cities, apps can be cheaper and easier than negotiating taxis, similar to using Grab in Singapore.
Self-drive: Budget tours with Toyota Corolla rentals and 4-star hotels average about USD 120–160 per day including car and accommodation, which can be cost-effective for small groups.[2]

Safety Considerations

Recent travellers report that Saudi cities feel generally safe, with locals friendly and respectful.[8] As with any international trip, use standard precautions: safeguard your passport and valuables, avoid unlicensed drivers, and follow local cultural norms (modest dress, especially in conservative areas, and awareness of gender-segregated spaces in some contexts).