Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) = 100 halala; 5 halala = 20 qurush. Notes are in denominations of SAR500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, and 5 halala, and 10, 5, 2 and 1 qurush.

Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks and money-changers, which stay open longer.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted.

Widely accepted although they can be hard to change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Saudi Riyal, Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling and to carry the purchase receipt.

Sat-Wed 0800-1200 and 1700-2000; Thurs 0800-1200. Money-changers stay open longer.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	SAR7.41
$1.00=	SAR3.75
Eur;1.00=	SAR5.01

The following items may be imported into Saudi Arabia without incurring customs duty:

• 600 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• A reasonable amount of perfume.
• A reasonable amount of cultured pearls for personal use.

Note: Duty is levied on cameras and typewriters, but if these articles are re-exported within 90 days, the customs charges may be refunded. It is advisable not to put film into cameras.

Alcohol, all edible goods, narcotics and drugs (except medicines for personal use accompanied by a prescription), pornography, religious books (besides the Qu’ran), pork, firearms, natural pearls, live animals and birds, all types of palm trees, most foods and items listed as prohibited by the Arab League (copy available from the Embassy).