Most common payment methods in Saudi Arabia

Hello everyone,

Moving to Saudi Arabia, even simple things like paying for groceries or a coffee can feel different. In order to help fellow expats and soon-to-be expats better prepare for their daily transactions, we invite you to share your insights and experience:

What are the most common payment methods today in Saudi Arabia: cash, debit/credit cards, bank transfers, mobile apps or digital wallets?

Is contactless payment (card, phone, smartwatch or via QR code) common and widely accepted?

Is there a popular local payment app that everyone uses?

How safe and secure do you feel using digital payments in Saudi Arabia?

Do you still need to carry cash for small shops, markets, taxis or administrative services?

Are there any particularities in payment habits or methods in Saudi Arabia that surprised you?

Thank you for your contribution,

Cheryl
Expat.com Team