Currency Rate
Saudi Arabian Riyal to USD
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Buying rate
SAR 0.250324
Selling rate
SAR0.289778
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The Saudi riyal (symbol: ر.س; code: SAR) is the official currency of Saudi Arabia.
Currency Details
- Country code SA
- Symbol SAR
- ISO Code SAR
- Subunits 1 Riyal = 100 Halalas
Coins
- 5 halalas
- 10 halalas
- 25 halalas
- 50 halalas
- 1 riyal
- 2 riyals
Banknotes
- 5 riyals
- 10 riyals
- 50 riyals
- 100 riyals
- 500 riyals
The Saudi Riyal, abbreviated as SAR, is the official currency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Symbolized as "ر.س" or "SR", it is subdivided into 100 halalas. The modern riyal was introduced in 1960, replacing the Saudi sovereign gold riyal and establishing a stable currency system backed by the nation's vast oil wealth.
History and Background
The riyal's origins trace back to the Ottoman kuruş and the historic Arab trade currencies. Key milestones: • 1925: First Saudi silver riyal issued after kingdom's unification • 1960: Decimal system introduced (1 riyal = 100 halalas) • 1986: Pegged to IMF's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) • 2003: Fixed at 3.75 SAR per USD, where it remains today The currency is issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), established in 1952.
The riyal's origins trace back to the Ottoman kuruş and the historic Arab trade currencies. Key milestones: • 1925: First Saudi silver riyal issued after kingdom's unification • 1960: Decimal system introduced (1 riyal = 100 halalas) • 1986: Pegged to IMF's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) • 2003: Fixed at 3.75 SAR per USD, where it remains today The currency is issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), established in 1952.
Economic Significance
As the currency of the world's largest oil exporter: • Maintains a strict peg to the US dollar since 1986 • Exchange rate stability is a cornerstone of Saudi economic policy • Directly tied to energy markets - 42% of GDP comes from oil • Critical for GCC monetary coordination and potential currency union The riyal's stability supports Saudi Vision 2030's economic diversification efforts.
As the currency of the world's largest oil exporter: • Maintains a strict peg to the US dollar since 1986 • Exchange rate stability is a cornerstone of Saudi economic policy • Directly tied to energy markets - 42% of GDP comes from oil • Critical for GCC monetary coordination and potential currency union The riyal's stability supports Saudi Vision 2030's economic diversification efforts.
Usage and Exchange
Practical information for users: • Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 riyals • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 halalas (though smaller denominations are rare) • ATMs dispense 100-500 riyal notes (carry smaller bills for souks) • Credit cards widely accepted, but cash preferred in traditional markets • Money exchanges offer better rates than hotels (look for SAMA-licensed) • Unique feature: Some notes include Braille markings for the visually impaired
Practical information for users: • Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 riyals • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 halalas (though smaller denominations are rare) • ATMs dispense 100-500 riyal notes (carry smaller bills for souks) • Credit cards widely accepted, but cash preferred in traditional markets • Money exchanges offer better rates than hotels (look for SAMA-licensed) • Unique feature: Some notes include Braille markings for the visually impaired
Banknote Security Features
Modern polymer and paper notes include: ✓ Holographic security stripes (500 riyal note) ✓ Watermark of King Salman ✓ Color-shifting ink on high denominations ✓ Microprinting and raised textures ✓ UV-visible patterns under black light The 200 and 500 riyal notes have the most advanced anti-counterfeiting measures.
Modern polymer and paper notes include: ✓ Holographic security stripes (500 riyal note) ✓ Watermark of King Salman ✓ Color-shifting ink on high denominations ✓ Microprinting and raised textures ✓ UV-visible patterns under black light The 200 and 500 riyal notes have the most advanced anti-counterfeiting measures.
Cultural/Religious Aspects
Unique characteristics reflecting Islamic principles: • All coins/banknotes avoid human imagery - feature landmarks instead • Islamic calendar dates appear alongside Gregorian • No interest-bearing instruments comply with Sharia law • Special commemorative notes for Hajj seasons
Unique characteristics reflecting Islamic principles: • All coins/banknotes avoid human imagery - feature landmarks instead • Islamic calendar dates appear alongside Gregorian • No interest-bearing instruments comply with Sharia law • Special commemorative notes for Hajj seasons
Conclusion
The Saudi riyal represents more than currency - it's a symbol of the kingdom's economic might and Islamic identity. For visitors, understanding the riyal means navigating between ultra-modern financial centers and traditional gold souks. As Saudi Arabia diversifies beyond oil, the riyal's steadfast stability continues to underpin one of the Middle East's most influential economies - whether paying for dates in Al-Balad or investing in NEOM's futuristic projects.
The Saudi riyal represents more than currency - it's a symbol of the kingdom's economic might and Islamic identity. For visitors, understanding the riyal means navigating between ultra-modern financial centers and traditional gold souks. As Saudi Arabia diversifies beyond oil, the riyal's steadfast stability continues to underpin one of the Middle East's most influential economies - whether paying for dates in Al-Balad or investing in NEOM's futuristic projects.