Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call Saudi Arabia from Abroad
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Saudi Arabia:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Saudi Arabia's country code: +966
Dial +966 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +966 1 [number]. From mobile: + +966 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Saudi Arabia
How to Call Abroad from Saudi Arabia
To call another country from Saudi Arabia: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Saudi Arabia numbers is +966 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +966 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Saudi Arabia
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Saudi Arabia to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +966 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Saudi Arabia.
Common Questions About Calling Saudi Arabia
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +966 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Saudi Arabia?
For a mobile: dial +966 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +966, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Saudi Arabia from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +966 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Saudi Arabia via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +966 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Saudi Arabia?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +966 mean and where does it come from?
+966 is the international dialing code assigned to Saudi Arabia by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Saudi Arabia number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +966 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
⏰ Best Time to Call Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia uses UTC+3. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Saudi Arabia from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–14:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–19:00
🇩🇪 Germany
08:00–20:00
🇫🇷 France
08:00–20:00
🇦🇪 UAE
10:00–22:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
09:00–21:00
🇮🇳 India
12:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Saudi Arabia
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–966–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Saudi Arabia
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Saudi Arabia
Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
Does Saudi Arabia offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Saudi Arabia currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality on the official IATA Travel Centre.
Is a visa on arrival available in Saudi Arabia?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Saudi Arabia grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on the official IATA Travel Centre before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport on the official IATA Travel Centre.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Saudi Arabia on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How much does a Saudi Arabia visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Saudi Arabia on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Saudi Arabia?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Saudi Arabia on the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
⚠️ For guidance only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify with the official embassy website before booking.
🏢 Embassy Information
US Embassy Riyadh Collector Road M, Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter ☎ +966 11 488 3800 Sun-Thu 8:00-17:00
💳 Tipping Culture
Service included; additional tip appreciated in restaurants.
🚄 Transport
Haramain High Speed Rail Mecca-Medina 300km/h | Riyadh Metro 6 lines | Saptco bus | Uber & Careem | Saudia & flynas domestic | King Abdulaziz MAS Mecca rail
✈️ Airports
28 airports | King Khalid International RUH (Riyadh main) | King Abdulaziz International JED (Jeddah) | King Fahd KFHI (Dammam) | Abha AHB | Tabuk TUU
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 regions.
Riyadh
Makkah
Madinah
Eastern Province
Asir
Tabuk
Hail
Northern Borders
Jazan
Najran
Al-Bahah
Al-Jawf
Qassim
📅 Best Time to Visit
October–April offers pleasant, mild temperatures in Saudi Arabia. Avoid June–August when temperatures exceed 45°C (113°F). Ramadan dates shift yearly — restaurants and attractions operate reduced hours; respect daytime fasting in public.
🛡️ Safety Advice
Tourist areas in Saudi Arabia are well-policed and generally safe. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Women should dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Photography of government buildings, military sites, and locals (especially women) requires permission.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Hepatitis A recommended due to food/water exposure. Hepatitis B and Typhoid suggested for longer stays. Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from infected countries. Saudi Arabia requires Meningococcal vaccine for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims.
📶 SIM & Internet
Tourist SIM cards available at airports — bring passport for registration. eSIM growing (Airalo, Holafly work in most countries). Data is affordable ($5–20 for 5–20GB). VPN apps may be restricted; download before arrival. Free Wi-Fi available in hotels, malls, and cafés.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Modest dress is essential in Saudi Arabia: cover shoulders, knees, and chest. Women should carry a scarf for mosques and conservative areas. Saudi Arabia and Iran have specific dress codes — abaya/headscarf required in Iran. UAE and Bahrain are more relaxed but modesty still appreciated.
🌍 Saudi Arabia: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Saudi Arabia?
Some of the most famous foods in Saudi Arabia include: Kabsa (national rice dish with meat), Mandi (slow-cooked lamb & rice), Shawarma, Jareesh (crushed wheat dish), Mutabbaq (stuffed pancake), Masoob (bread dessert), Saleeg (white rice in broth), Harees, Dates (world-famous Medjool), Qahwa (Arabic coffee).
What are the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Saudi Arabia include: Hegra/Madain Saleh (UNESCO), Al-Ula Ancient City, Edge of the World (Riyadh escarpment), Diriyah Historic District (UNESCO), Mecca & Kaaba (Muslims only), Medina (Muslims only), Al-Masmak Fortress, Red Sand Dunes (Eastern Province), Farasan Islands, Abha Green Mountains.
What are the main customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia?
Notable customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia include: Islamic law (Sharia) basis, Women now drive (since 2018), Mixed-gender public spaces now allowed, Dress modestly — women abaya not required for tourists, No alcohol — strictly enforced.
What is Saudi Arabia famous for?
Saudi Arabia is well known for: Two Holy Mosques (Mecca & Medina), Pilgrimage (Hajj & Umrah), Al Ula ancient heritage, Saudi Vision 2030 modernization, Dune driving & desert camping.
Where in the world is Saudi Arabia located?
Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East.
What countries are near Saudi Arabia?
Countries in the same region as Saudi Arabia include: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Turkey.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
911 Emergency | 999 Police | 997 Fire
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh. It is the largest city in Saudi Arabia and the nation's political and financial center, set on a plateau in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.
What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia uses the SAR · ﷼ · Saudi Riyal.
What is the dial code for Saudi Arabia?
The international dial code for Saudi Arabia is +966.
When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
October–April offers pleasant, mild temperatures in Saudi Arabia. Avoid June–August when temperatures exceed 45°C (113°F). Ramadan dates shift yearly — restaurants and attractions operate reduced hours; respect daytime fasting in public.
How much does a trip to Saudi Arabia cost per day?
Daily costs in Saudi Arabia range from $60 (budget) to $150 (mid-range) to $350 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for tourists?
Tourist areas in Saudi Arabia are well-policed and generally safe. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Women should dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Photography of government buildings, military sites, and locals (especially women) requires permission.
How many regions does Saudi Arabia have?
Saudi Arabia has 13 regions. They are: Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Eastern Province, Asir, Tabuk, Hail, Northern Borders, Jazan, Najran, Al-Bahah, Al-Jawf, Qassim.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType G · 230 V · 60 Hz
💵
TippingTipping ('baksheesh') 10-15% appreciated; round up taxi fares.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkSaudi tap water is treated and safe; bottled water more common in homes.
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