The currency used in Mecca is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Since 1986, the riyal has been pegged to the US dollar at the rate of 3.75 riyals = 1 USD.
One riyal is divided into 100 halalas. Banknotes are issued in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 riyals. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 halala, and 1 riyal.
Most money changers in Mecca are branches of currency exchange and money transfer chains. Others are independent family-owned businesses.
If you are coming in from Jeddah, you should exchange money there since there are not many forex shops in Mecca.
For those who need this service in Mecca, this list would be helpful. Read on for more information on recommended money changers. Chances are there is one near your hotel.
Tahweel Al Rajhi is a subsidiary of Al Rajhi Bank that deals with remittance and currency exchange services.
It has 8 branches in Mecca that are easily accessible in prime commercial districts. They are usually located near branches of Al Rajhi Bank.
Tahweel Al Rajhi accepts the following currencies: EUR, GBP, AED, USD, CHF, and CAD.
Recommended branches
1) Tahweel Alrajhi @ King Faisal Road
2) Tahweel Alrajhi @ Al Zahir
3) Tahweel Alrajhi @ Al Zahir
4) Tahweel Alrajhi @ Al Zahir
5) Tahweel Alrajhi @ Al Zahir
* Opening hours may change. Call first before visiting.
Enjaz is the international money transfer and currency exchange service provider under Bank Albilad.
It has a wide network of branches across Saudi Arabia, including 8 forex shops in Mecca. These branches are strategically located near hotels and supermarkets.
If you are staying near Masjid al-Haram, you can swing by the Enjaz branch across Marriott Hotel.
Recommended branches
1) Enjaz @ Al Aziziyah
2) Enjaz @ Al Kakiyyah
3) Enjaz @ Jabal An Nur
4) Enjaz @ Al Hindawiyyah
5) Enjaz @ Al Khadra
Alamoudi Exchange Company, a well-established company in Saudi Arabia, is another good place to exchange money.
The company is based in Jeddah and has only one branch in Mecca. This branch is conveniently located close to many hotels, including Hyatt Mawaddah hotel, Al Jazeerath hotel, Atage Softel hotel, and Manar Mawadah hotel.
Alamoudi Exchange accepts traveler’s cheques.
To check their daily rates, follow: http://www.alamoudiexchange.com/view/currency_rate/currency_rate.php
Branch information
Malatani Exchange, a Jeddah-based family-owned company, is a popular money changer in Mecca that has gained numerous good feedback from its customers.
Its Mecca branch is located on Umm Al Qura Road, within walking distance from Al Shahba Hotel.
Branch information