Essential info for Saudi Arabia

Time: Saudi local is GMT +3.
 

Electricity: 125 volts, 50Hz in main cities, but expats in remote areas may encounter 215 volts, 60Hz.

Money: The Riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halala, is the Saudi currency. You can change foreign currency at banks and bureau de change which are plentiful. Banks are open from Saturday to Wednesday, 8am to 12pm, and 4pm to 8pm. Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club are widely accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants throughout the country while ATMs are common. You should also have few problems using traveller’s cheques. With no sales taxes on shopping in Saudi Arabia, your Riyal goes a long way when shopping.

Language: Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, although in business and social affairs English is understood and used. However it is to an expat’s considerable advantage to learn Arabic.

Passport/Visa information: All expats need a visa when entering Saudi Arabia, and visas are only granted to those who have been sponsored to enter the kingdom. Separate criteria for work visas apply. Even tourist visas are hard to come by and are granted to selected groups on a restricted basis. All entering Saudi must have a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity plus the relevant visa and a return ticket. Women cannot enter the Kingdom alone unless being met by a sponsor or male relative; they must also have confirmed and verified accommodation for the period of their stay.

Tipping: It is usual to tip 10 percent of the bill for services rendered.

Local Customs and Rules: It should come as no surprise to expats that Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country where Islamic law is strictly enforced. You cannot bring in alcohol nor pork products, and religious books and artefacts are only approved in quantities that negotiate personal use not proselytising efforts. Expats should dress conservatively at all times, and western women must cover their hair, legs and arms. Additionally, religious paraphernalia cannot be worn in public places - including objects devoted to the Islamic religion.

Homosexual behaviour and adultery are highly illegal and can carry the death penalty if associated with a base crime like rape. While anything other than heterosexuality is highly deprecated by Saudi custom and law, it is not automatically punished; flagrant behaviour does very much draw "unwanted attention", however.

Use your right hand when eating and giving and receiving of things – the left hand is considered ritually unclean. Under Saudi law it is illegal to hold two passports; if discovered a second passport will be confiscated by immigration authorities. Adapting to life in the kingdom and minimising culture shock are the largest challenges expats face. 

Business etiquette: Business is done very differently in KSA compared to Western countries. For starters, unless you have an invitation to the country, business associates and clients will not even be able to enter. Visiting businesswomen will experience chauvinism as the patriarchal culture presumes a submissive role for women.

Expats should use the Arabic greeting of 'Salaam Aleikum' in preference to the western informality of 'Hello'. There is a high premium placed on politeness and social decorum in creating strong relationships. Business cards should have details in both English and Arabic printed on alternate sides as cards are exchanged regularly. It is normal to shake hands between men but physical contact with women is frowned upon. Address business associates by their title followed by their first name. Expats are expected to be punctual for meetings even if the host is not – it is not unusual for Saudi's to keep their hosts waiting, and, frustratingly, to cancel meetings long scheduled. Meetings are often great social occasions, used to test relationships and grown mutual understanding; several are often necessary before business is actually conducted. to strengthen a relationship, as this is the core of any business dealing and trust needs to be developed. Expats shouldn't expect to conduct any real business until at least the third meeting, and should be well prepared to have meetings interrupted by phone calls and family matters. 

In documentation use both western and Hijrah dates. Business hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm Saturday to Wednesday with breaks taken for prayers throughout the day. Friday is the day of rest.
 

Communications: Saudi Arabia has an excellent telephone network. Incoming callers should dial +966 while the outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for UK). Mobile telephone service providers operate GSM 900 networks, and there are Internet facilities in most cities.

Emergency numbers: Emergencies: 999 (Police); 997 (Ambulance)

Climate: Saudi has a dry and hot climate, receiving only a few inches of rain per year. In summer there are hot winds which can get the temperature up to 113°F (45°C). Winters on the other hand can be quite cold at night when the thermometer can plunge below freezing. The best months to be in Riyadh are between October and May when the days are tolerable and the nights cool.