Saudi Arabia Country Code + International Calling Guide
+966 · Riyadh · SAR · ﷼ · Saudi Riyal
Saudi Arabia: Guardian of Islam's holiest cities — ancient Nabataean Hegra, Vision 2030 ambition & desert majesty
📞+966Dial Code
🏛️RiyadhCapital
💰SARCurrency
🚨911Emergency
🔌127/220V 60Hz · Type A/B/GElectricity
The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh, and to call Saudi Arabia from abroad you dial the country code +966. Electrical outlets here use 127/220V 60Hz · Type A/B/G, so bring a suitable travel adapter. Nearby countries include Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, United Arab Emirates. The local currency is the SAR · ﷼ · Saudi Riyal. In an emergency, dial 911. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Kabsa (national rice dish with meat), Mandi (slow-cooked lamb & rice), Shawarma.
🛂 Saudi Arabia passport: ranked #98 of 197 worldwide, with 83 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
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.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Saudi Arabia
Country Code
+966
Calling abroad from Saudi Arabia? Start with
00
Mobile number length
9 digits
📱 Mobile: +966 5X XXX XXXX
☎️ Landline: +966 11 XXX XXXX (Riyadh)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+966 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 966 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 966 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 966 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +966.
Riyadh · +966 11
Jeddah · +966 12
Mecca · +966 12
Medina · +966 14
Dammam · +966 13
Taif · +966 12
📱 Mobile Network Operators & Prefixes
Mobile numbers in Saudi Arabia start with these prefixes.
Operator
Prefix(es)
STC
050, 053, 055, 056
Mobily
056, 057
Zain SA
058, 059
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+966 5X XXX XXXX
Landline
+966 11 XXX XXXX (Riyadh)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in Saudi Arabia
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from Saudi Arabia.
💬 WhatsApp
Works freely
🔵 Skype
Works freely
📹 FaceTime
Works freely
📲 Viber
Works freely
💡 Calling Tips for Saudi Arabia
All VoIP apps including WhatsApp and Skype work freely in Saudi Arabia. STC and Mobily offer eSIM plans travelers can activate before arrival.
📲 How to Call Saudi Arabia from Other Countries
To reach Saudi Arabia, first dial your country's international exit code, then Saudi Arabia's country code +966, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 966local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 966local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 966local number
🇫🇷 France
00 966local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 966local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 966local number
🇮🇳 India
00 966local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +966 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ 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
--:--
—
🌐 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. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
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 using our International Visa Checker below.
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 our International Visa Checker below 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 using our International Visa Checker below.
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 using our International Visa Checker below.
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 using our International Visa Checker below.
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 our International Visa Checker below before booking.
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.
📶 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 near Saudi Arabia include: Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Eritrea.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Saudi Arabia
Knowing the right emergency number in Saudi Arabia can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Saudi Arabia. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
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.
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.
What is the emergency number in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 112, Police: 999, Fire: 998, Ambulance: 997. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 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.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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