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Climate
The climate in the country varies from one region to another. Its average temperature reaches around 18° Celsius or 64°F. Summers in the country can be tremendously hot, in which the temperature rises to 55°C. Cooler temperatures will be experienced in highlands wherein air-conditioning is not necessary at all. In addition, possible winter temperatures start from November to February. The temperature in the northern and central provinces drops below freezing point.
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Best Time to Visit
Between November and February are the best time to visit Saudi Arabia because the days and nights are cool and the temperatures are mild. Moreover, during these months the scorching heat of the sun is finally over. Another important factor to consider to visit the Kingdom is its Islamic holidays where most of the commercial, financial and business establishments are closed. Going in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan must be avoided at all costs because opening hours of almost businesses are limited and it would be very difficult for you to get a meal especially during daytime.
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Electricity
127/220V / 60 Hz
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Currency
The national currency of Saudi is Riyal in which the banknotes is in Arabic and English and issued in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 SR (Saudi Riyal) denominations. Riyal coins are divided into 100 halalas and come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100.
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Time Zone
UTC + 3
- Business Hours
Working week in Saudi Arabia is Saturday to Wednesday while there are several offices and businesses opens on Thursday morning.
Government Offices: open from 7.30 am to 2.30 p.m.
Banks: open 8.00 a.m. to 12 noon and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
*It opens daily except Thursdays.
Private Businesses: open 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Markets and Shops: open 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Tipping
An additional 10%-15% is included in your list of bills for good service. Tipping is usually implemented in major restaurants, hotels and other first class establishments.
- Food
The cuisines of Saudi Arabia resemble other Middle East dishes. Although, Islam law prohibits eating pig, you can have a slice of it in numerous American fast foods operating in different cities of the country such as Pizza Hut and Mc Donalds.
- Law and Customs
Travelers or visitors in Saudi Arabia should not be afraid to roam around as long as you know how to respect and follow rules and regulations particularly regarding Islam. First-timers should observed the codes of morality and the segregation of sexes of the people especially in public establishments. It is divided into three groups, the families, single men and single women. Shopping malls, banks, hotels and other firms are categorized into two for men and women.
Women either local or foreign should wear an abaya (a long and loose black robe) as it is required and strictly implemented especially in the capital city but less in Jeddah and Eastern provinces. You should take note that when you visit holy sites always follow Islamic customs e.g. removing shoes and pay respect to the Prophet Mohammed.
- Other Tips
* Do not take photos to any government related offices to avoid yourself getting into trouble as you will be charged of espionage.
* Avoid saying insulting words pertaining to the King and the Royal Family if you do not want to receive serious punishments.
* Playing music in public areas is prohibited although you can listen personal music in private or inside music shops found in several shopping malls in the nation.
* If you are invited in a local household, you should leave some food on your plate to show that your appetite has been satiated.
* Consumption of alcoholic drinks is not allowed in the country instead try some non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails-it is a drink containing no alcohol.
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