Which is more sensible?
Jun 4th 2018 | 12:16 am
#1
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Posts: 18
Which is more sensible?
So finally relocating to KSA. I will need some cash for my first few weeks. Should I buy some SAR here or carry some pound sterlings on me and buy riyals in Saudi? In short, what are the exchange rates like in Saudi? In M&S today it is 4:58 for the pound.
Jun 4th 2018 | 1:21 am
#2
Knee deep and rising
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,005
Re: Which is more sensible?
You should be able to take it out directly from an ATM in Saudi, it will give you Riyals. The exchange rate might be a bit shit but unless you are withdrawing thousands it hardly matters.
Other wise change a bit in the UK if you need peace of mind arriving there.
Other wise change a bit in the UK if you need peace of mind arriving there.
Jun 4th 2018 | 5:12 am
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 9,740
From: bute
Re: Which is more sensible?
I would get some Saudi Riyals to go Changing Sterling notes for Riyal notes in Saudi is a hassle
Jun 4th 2018 | 5:51 am
#4
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From: where I currently am
Re: Which is more sensible?
My employer gave me a cash advance at the airport. Will yours not offer that support? It was a contracting co.
Jun 4th 2018 | 7:26 am
#5
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Posts: 15,887
From: Disneyland, Dubai
Re: Which is more sensible?
I always go to an ATM at the airport - do that everywhere in the world, never been a problem. Worked in KSA.
Apart from B'ham where the damn thing is often our of action.
Apart from B'ham where the damn thing is often our of action.
Jun 5th 2018 | 5:02 pm
#9
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Jun 5th 2018 | 8:51 pm
#10
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Joined: Jan 2017
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Re: Which is more sensible?
As others have said. I haven't changed money in years unless going to a specialist destination. Just go to the ATM at the airport. Let your bank know beforehand that you will be using your card outside the UK otherwise the fraud warning may kick in and they will block your account. Not a problem to unblock it (just call and answer the security questions) but could be an irritant your first time in the country.
Jun 5th 2018 | 9:24 pm
#11
Hit 16's
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13,109
From: Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine
Re: Which is more sensible?
Best way (assuming you have a UK bank a/c) is to get a FairFX card, top it up from your UK a/c, then use at ATMs and shops/restaurants, taking the charge in the local currency and letting FairFX give you a decent exchange rate. Also safe, because the FairFX card only has "in it" however much you top it up with each time via the App or website.
Jun 5th 2018 | 10:11 pm
#12
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 15,887
From: Disneyland, Dubai
Re: Which is more sensible?
Best way (assuming you have a UK bank a/c) is to get a FairFX card, top it up from your UK a/c, then use at ATMs and shops/restaurants, taking the charge in the local currency and letting FairFX give you a decent exchange rate. Also safe, because the FairFX card only has "in it" however much you top it up with each time via the App or website.
Jun 5th 2018 | 10:53 pm
#13
Hit 16's
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13,109
From: Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine
Re: Which is more sensible?
Jun 5th 2018 | 10:54 pm
#14
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Re: Which is more sensible?
As others have said. I haven't changed money in years unless going to a specialist destination. Just go to the ATM at the airport. Let your bank know beforehand that you will be using your card outside the UK otherwise the fraud warning may kick in and they will block your account. Not a problem to unblock it (just call and answer the security questions) but could be an irritant your first time in the country.
Jun 5th 2018 | 10:56 pm
#15
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Re: Which is more sensible?
Last edited by IntMon; Jun 5th 2018 at 10:57 pm. Reason: Wrong quotation
