In the Country

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Saudi Arabia: In the Country

Accommodation

Rules For Eating Out: Shops and restaurants close five times a day for prayer. Tips are not generally offered, though the trend seems to be changing now. Restaurants have table service.

There are no bars. Alcohol is forbidden by law, and there are severe penalties for infringement; it is important to note that this applies to all nationals regardless of religion.
Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan is punishable.

Food Specialties: Saudi food is often strongly flavoured and spicy. The most common meats are lamb and chicken, beef is rare and pork is forbidden under Islamic law. The main meat meal of the day is lunch. Some of the popular culinary specialties of Saudi Arabia are:
- Pita bread accompanies every dish;
- Rice, lentils, chick peas and cracked wheat are also common;
- Kultra (made of chicken or lamb) is popular for lunch;
- Kebabs served with soup and vegetables;
- Mezze.
Drinks: Consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
Arabic coffee and fruit drinks are popular alternatives. Gawha, the ritual of serving coffee, is an important part of Saudi culture.
Dietary Restrictions: Alcohol, pork and some birds are prohibited by the religion. This prohibition is followed very rigorously by the Muslims.
Table Manners: - Sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee if the meal is served on floor.
- Use only right hand to eat.
- Meals are generally served in family-style.

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Riyadh Intl (RUH)	33 km / 21 miles	SAR 60 / 30 min	-	-	Available
Jeddah (JED)	17 km / 11 miles	SAR 45-100 / 25-35 min	SAR 50/30-40 min	-	Available
Dammam (DMM)	24 km / 15 miles	SAR 50	SAR 10 / 45 min	-	Available
Taif (TIF)	28 km of Taif, 77 km of Meccakm / 18 miles of Taif, 48 miles of Mecca	SAR 40-100 / 20-30 min	-	-	-

Name	Type	Domestic Flights	International Flights
NAS Air	Low cost	Yes	No
Saudi Arabian Airlines	Major	Yes	Yes
Jazeera airways	Low cost	Yes	Yes

Fuseau(x) horaire

Type of Climate: Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. Topography plays an important role in making the climate of Saudi Arabia so varied. In Jeddah it is warm for most of the year. Riyadh, which is inland, is hotter in summer and colder in winter, when occasional heavy rainstorms occur.

Though average rainfall is less than 5 inches, in the Asir highlands it may exceed 10 inches. The temperature in the country varies greatly, from as low as freezing in the winter to 50 degrees Celsius in the summer.
Frequent sand-laden winds blow from the northern deserts for days at 25-30 miles per hour.
Hotel reservation websites: Meteorological and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA)

Climate

Domestic Currency: Saudi Riyal
ISO Code: SAR
To Obtain Domestic Currency: Foreign currency can be changed at most commercial banks and moneychangers. Changing currency at hotel may not be advisable as the exchange rate can be very high.
Possible Means of Payment: Payment is usually in cash although credit and charge cards are also popular. ATMs are also available at Banks and Shopping malls.

To Find a Cash Machine Where You Need, Use the ATM locator

Official Language: Arabic
Other Languages Spoken: English is widely used, given the presence of expats in the region. Other languages spoken in the Kingdom include Indonesian, Somali, Tagalog, Urdu and Farsi.
Business Language: While Arabic is the official language of the State, English is widely used as a business language. It is not rare that business contracts are made in Arabic, but it should be no problem to have a translation in English.

Telephone Codes: To Make a Call From Saudi Arabia, Dial 00
To Make a Call to in Saudi Arabia, Dial +966
Mobile Telephone Standards: GSM
National Mobile Phone Operators: Al Jawal, Mobily, Bravo, Zain.

Internet Suffix: .sa
National Internet Access Providers: The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology provides Internet facilities in most cities.

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