Riyadh - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes and yes. Pretty much every restaurant uses the handheld credit card swiper in the cities. Tons of ATMs, super safe. - Dec 2024
Yes, no issues during our time there. - Jul 2021
I use my credit card all the time in the grocery store. They’re not as common in the souqs or the smaller restaurants. ATMs are fine and there’s one at the embassy that’s convenient. - Feb 2018
You might have problems with your bank using your debit card in Saudi Arabia. It took us several calls to the SDFCU to let them know that we actually lived in Riyadh and to please stop blocking our card. Credit cards could have the same problem. It's really best to cash checks at the Embassy. - Oct 2017
Yes - accepted and safe for both. - Jan 2017
They are widely accepted and I never had a problem. However, you can get a better rate by changing your U.S. dollars inside the U.S. Embassy. - May 2016
No issues. I like the fact that I receive a text message letting me know how much I spent within fifteen minutes after the sale, and after using the ATM machine. - Nov 2015
Accessible, no problems with it. - Oct 2015
Credit cards accepted most places. - Oct 2015
Usually safe and many use them all the time. - Jan 2015
Like the U.S. - Sep 2014
You might have problems with your bank using your debit card in Saudi Arabia. It has taken us several calls to the SDFCU to let them know that we actually live here and to please stop blocking our card. Credit cards could have the same problem. It's really best to cash checks at the Embassy. - Mar 2014
I know many people who use credit cards and ATMs here. We choose to do business in cash when we are overseas. - Dec 2013
Most places accept credit cards and ATM's are everywhere. - Oct 2013
Like in Europe or the US. - Mar 2013
Credit card use is easy and relatively safe here. - Apr 2011
Use of credit cards and ATMs is common here. - Jul 2010
I've used mine--I don't think it's a problem. - Mar 2010
I don't use one here. - Jan 2010
Most major cards (Visa seems to be the most popular) are accepted almost everywhere, but periodically the network will crash, and you'll have to pay in cash. The restaurant or store may or may not inform you of this before the bill is due. It's best to carry cash as a backup. - Dec 2009
Readily available and trustworthy. - Oct 2008
Readily available - haven't had a problem. - Aug 2008
