Cash or Card in Riyadh (2026): Where You Absolutely Need Cash & When Cards Work Everywhere

Riyadh 2026 — A City Between Modern Payments and Cultural Traditions

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is one of the fastest-modernizing cities not only in the Middle East but in the world. What was once a quiet desert capital has transformed into a global metropolis filled with energy, ambition, and futuristic development. Today, Riyadh is a city of striking contrasts: glittering glass skyscrapers stand beside centuries-old souqs, luxury malls host the world’s most exclusive brands, and neon-lit boulevards hum late into the night with cafés, families, and travellers exploring its dynamic streets.

Everywhere you go, technology shapes daily life. Riyadh is at the forefront of the Kingdom’s cashless revolution, with contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Mada accepted nearly everywhere. Whether you are buying a specialty coffee, checking into a hotel, paying for groceries, or booking a ride through Uber or Careem, the payment process is remarkably smooth and fully digital. For many travellers, this creates a powerful first impression: “Do I even need cash in Riyadh anymore?”

And at first glance, the answer feels like a confident no. Modern Riyadh operates effortlessly as a cashless environment. The city’s infrastructure is designed for convenience, efficiency, and seamless technology. It is no exaggeration to say that Riyadh is now one of the most digital-payment-friendly cities in the Middle East, surpassing even some European capitals in terms of Apple Pay adoption and everyday contactless usage.

But this is only one side of Riyadh.

Beyond the marble malls and business districts lies another rhythm of life — traditional, local, family-run, and proudly cultural. In these neighborhoods and markets, you’ll find old-world hospitality, handmade crafts, aromatic street food, and merchants who have operated the same stalls for generations. And in these areas, cash still matters, sometimes more than travellers expect. Small vendors may not use card terminals, street food kiosks often operate entirely offline, and older taxi drivers still rely on hand-to-hand payment. Even in 2026, these experiences remind visitors that Riyadh is both deeply modern and deeply connected to its roots.

This combination of modernity and tradition makes Riyadh a fascinating city for travelers — but it also makes the question of cash or card in Riyadh more important than it seems. Understanding when you can rely fully on digital payments and when you absolutely need cash is key to traveling comfortably, avoiding awkward situations, and enjoying everything the city has to offer without interruption.

Cash or card in Riyadh — what do you actually need, and where?

1. How Riyadh Handles Money in 2026: The Complete Overview

Cash or card Riyadh guide
Cash or card Riyadh guide

Riyadh is incredibly modern.

Contactless payments, Mada (Saudi Arabia’s national debit card system), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, and Mastercard are accepted in almost every part of the city

If you stay mostly in:

  • street food vendors request cash
  • sellers in old souqs often refuse cards
  • small services and neighborhood shops prefer cash
  • local taxis (not Uber) demand cash
  • many traditional markets do not use terminals

So while digital payments dominate, a hybrid approach is the only smart way to travel.

2. Where You Absolutely Need Cash in Riyadh (No Exceptions)

Below are the critical situations where cash is required in Riyadh. These are based on traveler reports, local habits, and verified 2026 data.

2.1. Traditional Markets (Souqs) — Cash Is King

If you visit:

be prepared:

  • 70% of sellers prefer cash
  • 20% accept cards (but devices often fail)
  • 10% offer QR / bank transfer

Why?

Most small vendors operate independently and avoid card fees. Some share stalls or rotate shifts, meaning terminals are impractical.

Items you’ll likely pay cash for:

  • Oud & fragrances
  • Traditional clothing (thobes, abayas)
  • Carpets & rugs
  • Antique swords
  • Old coins & collectibles
  • Handmade crafts
  • Dates and local produce

Real traveler scenario:

A British couple tried purchasing an incense burner but the card machine kept failing. After 10 attempts, the vendor shrugged and said “cash only” — they had to walk 800 meters to an ATM.

Lesson: Always bring 100–200 SAR when visiting souqs.

2.2. Street Food Stalls & Small Kiosks

Riyadh’s street food scene is delicious — but 90% cash-only.

  • mutabbaq stands
  • falafel kiosks
  • shawarma carts
  • juice stalls
  • roasted corn vendors
  • fresh bread stands
  • fried samboosa sellers

These informal vendors rarely have POS machines.

Price range (cash only):

  • Snacks: 3–10 SAR
  • Fresh juice: 7–12 SAR
  • Shawarma: 5–9 SAR
  • Carry 20–40 SAR for snacks.

2.3. Older Taxi Drivers (Not Uber or Careem)

Street taxis still exist everywhere in Riyadh.

  • no card terminals
  • no apps
  • no price regulation
  • cash only
  • no change sometimes

Even if you negotiate a fixed fare, you must pay cash.

Tip:

Avoid traditional taxis entirely — always use Uber or Careem.
Both apps accept card, Apple Pay, and even PayPal.

2.4. Local Bakeries, Corner Shops & Baaqala

Riyadh has thousands of tiny neighborhood shops. Some accept cards, others do not — especially for purchases under 10–20 SAR.

  • Family-run bakeries
  • Roadside convenience shops
  • Neighborhood snacks
  • Small cafeterias
  • Water/ice shops

If the total is too small, they will often say: “Cash only.”

2.5. Desert Camps & Local Tours

If you join:

  • A desert camp experience
  • Camel farm visit
  • Bedouin dinner
  • Private guide
  • Falconry experience

Expect cash-only payments, especially for:

  • tips
  • drinks
  • small purchases
  • upgrades
  • transportation

These rural or semi-rural areas usually have poor signal → card readers don’t work.

3. Where Cards Work Perfectly (99% Acceptance)

Let’s now flip the coin.

Here’s where Riyadh is more modern than many European capitals:

3.1. Luxury Malls — Fully Cashless-Friendly

Every shop inside places like:

  • Riyadh Park
  • Panorama Mall
  • Nakheel Mall
  • Kingdom Centre
  • Granada Mall
  • The Zone

uses digital terminals.

Accepted:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Mada
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Samsung Pay

If you’re staying around mall areas, you can technically live without cash.

3.2. Restaurants, Cafés & Dessert Shops

From luxury dining to family restaurants — card payments dominate.

Why?

Saudi Arabia has one of the highest contactless adoption rates in the region.

Highly reliable for card/Apple Pay:

  • Casual dining
  • Steakhouses
  • Cafés
  • Dessert shops
  • International eateries
  • Fast food

Only rare exceptions: tiny neighborhood-only places.

3.3. Hotels, Resorts, and Furnished Apartments

All hotels accept cards for:

  • deposits
  • room payments
  • food & beverage
  • upgrades

Many prefer Apple Pay due to speed.

Cash is only useful for:

  • tips
  • small errands
  • local taxis

3.4. Supermarkets & Pharmacies

Every large chain is fully digital:

  • Lulu
  • Carrefour
  • Tamimi
  • Panda
  • Danube

Apple Pay acceptance is universal.

3.5. Uber & Careem

You can pay using:

  • Card
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal (on some accounts)
  • Cash (optional — not recommended)

This eliminates the need to bargain with taxis.

4. Apple Pay in Riyadh — 2026 Deep Dive

Saudi Arabia was among the first Middle East countries to aggressively adopt contactless payments, and Apple Pay exploded in popularity.

Today:

  • Over 85% of transactions in modern businesses support Apple Pay
  • Even gas stations accept it
  • Family restaurants and small cafés accept it
  • Many Saudis use Apple Pay daily

When Apple Pay works:

  • malls
  • taxis (Uber)
  • cafés
  • restaurants
  • pharmacies
  • airports
  • hotels
  • cinemas
  • barber shops
  • gyms

When Apple Pay fails:

  • street vendors
  • rural attractions
  • old card readers
  • poor network areas

5. How Much Cash Should You Carry in Riyadh? (2026)

Here are realistic numbers for tourists:

Minimum daily cash:

60–80 SAR ($16–$22)
For snacks, tipping, or small purchases.

Ideal daily amount:

100–150 SAR ($27–$40)
Gives flexibility.

If visiting souqs or older districts:

200–300 SAR ($53–$80)

If exploring outside Riyadh:

300–500 SAR ($80–$135)

If planning desert tours:

400–600 SAR ($106–$160)

Carrying huge amounts is unnecessary — and not recommended.

6. ATMs & Cash Withdrawals in Riyadh (2026)

Saudi Arabia has:

  • reliable ATMs
  • 24/7 machine networks
  • strong security
  • English language support

Average withdrawal fee:

15–35 SAR ($4–$9)

Banks with fair fees:

  • Al Rajhi
  • Riyad Bank
  • SNB
  • Banque Saudi Fransi

Banks with higher fees:

  • Emirates NBD
  • Exchange house ATMs

Tips for safe withdrawals:

  • Use ATMs in malls, not streets
  • Avoid small standalone ATMs
  • Withdraw 300–500 SAR at once
  • Avoid airport exchange counters

7. Should You Exchange Money Before Arriving?

Best choice?

Use your card and withdraw in Riyadh.

Do NOT exchange at:

  • airports
  • hotel receptions
  • small exchange offices

Exchange only at:

  • large malls
  • banks
  • official exchange chains
  • Emirates NBD
  • Exchange house ATMs

Currency stability:

➡️ 1 USD = 3.75 SAR (fixed, stable)

8. Common Money Mistakes Travelers Make in Riyadh

Here are REAL mistakes tourists make — avoid them!

Mistake #1: Relying 100% on card/Apple Pay

Even though card works almost everywhere, the moment they enter:

  • a souq
  • a desert area
  • a street food zone

they panic because cash is required.

Always carry backup cash.

Mistake #2: Taking regular taxis instead of Uber

Regular taxis →

  • cash only
  • overcharging
  • inconsistent
  • no meter sometimes

Uber →

  • card/Apple Pay
  • safer
  • transparent

Mistake #3: Bringing too much foreign cash

No need to bring:

  • $500
  • €300
  • £250

Just withdraw from Riyadh ATMs.

Mistake #4: Carrying large banknotes

Many small vendors cannot break 500 SAR notes.

Carry:

  • 10
  • 20
  • 50
  • 100

Mistake #5: Not activating international card use

Travelers often forget to inform the bank → card declines.

9. Example Real-Life Scenarios (With Advice)

These help travelers visualize exactly what to expect.

Scenario 1 — Tourist Visiting Dirah Souq

You buy:

  • incense → 25 SAR

  • traditional hat → 15 SAR

  • spices → 10 SAR

Seller says:
“Cash only.”

If you don’t have cash → you must leave the shop and find an ATM.

✔ Carry 150 SAR for any souq visit.

Scenario 2 — Cafe in Riyadh Boulevard

You order:

  • cappuccino

  • date cake

Total:
30 SAR

They accept:

✔ card
✔ Apple Pay

Cash not required.

Scenario 3 — Uber from Hotel to Kingdom Centre

Fare:
15–25 SAR

You pay:

✔ Apple Pay
✔ Visa

Cash optional.

Scenario 4 — Desert Experience (Night Tour)

Your guide asks for cash for:

  • tips

  • snacks

  • local farm visit

  • firewood

  • chai tea

Carry 300–400 SAR.

10. Riyadh Cash vs Card Comparison Table (2026)

Activity / LocationCardApple PayCash Recommended
Luxury malls✅✅❌
Cafés & restaurants✅✅❌
Museums✅⚠️❌
Souqs⚠️ unreliable❌✅
Street food vendors❌❌✅
Uber✅✅❌
Traditional taxis❌❌✅
Desert camps⚠️❌✅
Local shops⚠️⚠️✅
Hotels✅✅❌
Water delivery❌❌✅

11. Final Cash Strategy for Riyadh (2026)

The perfect hybrid money plan:

✔ Use card/Apple Pay 90% of the time
✔ Carry 100–150 SAR daily
✔ Bring 200–300 SAR for souqs
✔ Bring 300–500 SAR for desert experiences
✔ Avoid exchanging money at airports
✔ Use Uber over regular taxis
✔ Carry some small notes for tipping

Follow this strategy → you’ll never be stuck, overcharged, or unprepared.

FAQ

Riyadh is one of the most digital-friendly cities in the Middle East, and in 2026 you can pay by card or Apple Pay in almost every modern setting. Restaurants, cafés, malls, hotels, supermarkets, and even taxis via Uber accept digital payments without problems.
However, despite this progress, you still need some cash in Riyadh, especially when visiting traditional areas such as souqs, older neighborhoods, street food stalls, small local bakeries, and informal shops. These places often do not have working card terminals or prefer to accept only Saudi Riyals in cash.
For most travelers, the safest strategy is to rely primarily on card payments but always carry a small amount of cash (around 100–150 SAR per day) for situations where digital payments aren’t accepted or machines fail.
So yes — cards work almost everywhere, but Riyadh is not 100% cashless, and carrying a little cash will save you time and inconvenience.

Even in 2026, there are still several places in Riyadh where cards and Apple Pay fail or are simply not accepted. These include:

  • Traditional markets such as Souq Al Zal and Deira Market, where small vendors operate informally. Many have no card machines, and the ones that do often experience connection issues.

  • Street food vendors, including shawarma stands, mutabbaq stalls, fresh juice carts, and small snack sellers — almost all are cash-only.

  • Older local taxis, which do not use digital meters or POS devices.

  • Desert camps and rural attractions, where connectivity is weak and machines do not function reliably.

  • Neighborhood shops (“baqala”) and tiny cafés, where small transactions under 10–20 SAR are often cash-only.

If you’re relying fully on Apple Pay in Riyadh, you will definitely face moments where you cannot pay digitally. This is why travelers are advised to carry some cash even though Riyadh card payments are generally excellent.

The ideal amount of cash depends on your travel style, but most visitors do not need much. Riyadh is heavily digital, so carrying large amounts of banknotes is unnecessary.
Here is a realistic breakdown:

  • Daily spending cash: 100–150 SAR

  • If visiting souqs: 200–300 SAR

  • If joining desert tours/outside Riyadh: 300–500 SAR

  • If staying mostly in malls and modern areas: 50–80 SAR

For a one-week trip, 500–800 SAR in total cash is usually enough. You will use cards or Apple Pay for hotels, restaurants, malls, Uber rides, and supermarkets.
Bringing too much foreign cash is not recommended — instead, withdraw from Riyadh ATMs as needed. The Saudi Riyal is stable, and ATM withdrawal fees are moderate (15–35 SAR depending on the bank).

Apple Pay is extremely popular in Riyadh and is accepted in most places where cards are accepted. By 2026, Apple Pay usage in Saudi Arabia is higher than in many European countries.
You can safely use Apple Pay in:

  • cafés and restaurants

  • fast food chains

  • malls and boutiques

  • hotel lobbies

  • supermarkets and pharmacies

  • Uber and Careem

However, Apple Pay does NOT work in:

  • street markets

  • traditional souqs

  • small kiosks

  • older taxis

  • rural attractions

  • places with poor network signal

Even when Apple Pay is widely supported, always keep backup cash. Internet or machine connectivity may fail, especially in older districts. Apple Pay is incredibly convenient, but it cannot replace physical currency in all situations in Riyadh.

Riyadh is one of the most cashless-friendly cities in the Middle East. In 2026, over 80% of daily transactions in modern areas are done using cards, Mada, or digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Compared to Dubai, Riyadh is slightly less universal in card acceptance, mainly because of its strong traditional markets and older shops. Compared to cities like Cairo, Amman, or Istanbul, Riyadh is significantly more technologically advanced in payment adoption.
However, calling Riyadh fully cashless would be inaccurate. Traditional culture plays an important role, and many small vendors operate without official POS systems. Travelers should treat Riyadh as a mostly cashless city with specific pockets that remain cash-only.

It is almost always better not to exchange money at home. Saudi Arabia offers stable exchange rates, and ATMs in Riyadh provide fair conversion rates with predictable fees.
Airport currency exchange counters are the most expensive option and should be avoided. Hotel exchange desks are also not ideal due to weak rates.
The best options for cash in Riyadh are:

  • withdrawing directly from ATM machines at malls

  • withdrawing from major Saudi banks (Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank)

  • using a multi-currency debit card with low international fees

Carrying a large amount of foreign cash is unnecessary and not recommended.
The smartest travel strategy for 2026 is:

➡️ Pay with card where possible
➡️ Withdraw small amounts of Riyals as needed

This guarantees the best exchange rates and keeps your Riyadh travel budget under control.

The safest method for travelers in Riyadh is a combination of credit/debit card + Apple Pay + limited cash.
Here’s why:

Cards

  • safest for large payments

  • reliable for hotels and restaurants

  • lower risk of theft

  • ideal for tracking expenses

Apple Pay

  • fast and contactless

  • accepted almost everywhere

  • ideal for small daily purchases

  • no need to handle coins or notes

Cash

  • essential for traditional markets

  • needed for tips and small vendors

  • backup method if a machine fails

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and avoid using it in unfamiliar places. Fraud risk is low in Riyadh, but there is no reason to handle unnecessary banknotes when digital Riyadh card payments are so widely supported.
Using Uber instead of local taxis also helps avoid cash dependency while improving safety and price transparency for tourists.