Know before you go
Saudi Travel Tips & Etiquette
Practical, everyday customs and etiquette for first-time Umrah pilgrims from Sri Lanka.
Saudi Arabia is welcoming to pilgrims year-round, and most of what first-timers worry about comes down to a handful of everyday habits that are easy to pick up once you know them. Here’s a practical overview to help you settle in quickly — general guidance rather than official rules, so always follow your travel agency’s specific briefing alongside this.
Dress & modesty
Modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is the general expectation in public in Saudi Arabia, for both men and women. Many women choose to wear an abaya in public and cover their hair, and it’s a good idea to pack a few loose, breathable outfits for everyday wear outside of Ihram, since you’ll be walking and standing a lot. When in doubt, err on the side of looser and more covered rather than fitted or revealing.
Prayer times & daily life
It’s completely normal for shops, restaurants and some services to pause briefly around each prayer time as staff and customers step away to pray. This isn’t a closure, just a short pause, so build a little buffer into your plans rather than being caught off guard — if you’re mid-errand when a prayer call sounds, it’s usually easiest to simply wait it out nearby.
The weekend is Friday–Saturday
Saudi Arabia’s weekend falls on Friday and Saturday rather than Saturday and Sunday. Keep this in mind if you need to contact offices, banks or businesses back home in Sri Lanka while you’re travelling, or if you’re trying to reach a local business in Saudi Arabia — Friday in particular tends to be quieter, partly because of Jumu’ah prayers at midday.
Etiquette around the Haram
The Haram gets extremely crowded, so general courtesy goes a long way — move with the flow rather than against it, and be patient during Tawaf and Sa’i. Priority and wheelchair-accessible areas are set aside for elderly and disabled pilgrims, so please keep those spaces clear for the people they’re meant for. It’s also respectful to avoid photographing other worshippers, especially women, without their consent — many pilgrims prefer to keep photos to the scenery and their own group.
Greetings & courtesy phrases
A simple “Assalamu Alaikum” (peace be upon you) as a greeting and “Shukran” (thank you) go a long way and are always appreciated, though they’re not required to get by. Locals in Makkah and Madinah deal with pilgrims from all over the world every day and are generally very accommodating, including with English and basic gestures, so don’t worry if your Arabic is limited.
Money & payments
Saudi Arabia is very card-friendly in its cities, and card or contactless payment is widely accepted at hotels, larger shops and restaurants. That said, it’s wise to carry some Saudi Riyal cash for smaller purchases, street vendors, or anywhere card machines aren’t available. Our currency converter can help you get a feel for LKR-to-SAR exchange rates before you exchange or withdraw money.
Safety
Makkah and Madinah are heavily policed and are generally considered very safe for pilgrims, with a strong visible security presence around the Haram areas throughout the year. Ordinary travel-safety common sense still applies — keep an eye on your belongings in large crowds, agree on a meeting point with your group in case anyone gets separated, and keep your passport and valuables secured rather than loose in a bag.
Planning the rest of your trip? Check out our packing checklist and step-by-step Umrah guide to get everything else in order before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Arabic to get around in Makkah and Madinah?
No — English is widely understood in hotels, at the Haram, and in most tourist-facing services, and staff are very used to pilgrims from all over the world. Learning a few basic phrases is a nice gesture, but it isn't necessary to have a comfortable trip.
Will shops really close during every prayer time?
Many shops and restaurants pause for a short while around each prayer, especially smaller, local businesses. It's normal and brief rather than a full closure — plan a short buffer around prayer times rather than expecting everything to run exactly on your schedule.
Is it okay to take photos near the Haram?
Photos of the scenery, the Kaaba, and your own group are generally fine. As a matter of courtesy, avoid pointing your camera directly at other worshippers, especially women, without their consent — many people are there for a deeply personal moment of worship.
Should I exchange Sri Lankan Rupees before I travel, or on arrival?
Many pilgrims prefer to carry a small amount of cash and exchange or withdraw more after arrival, since card payments cover most larger expenses in Saudi cities. Check current rates with our currency converter and speak to your travel agency for their specific recommendation.
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This tool and its guidance are presented in general terms and are not affiliated with, or speaking on behalf of, any particular school of thought, sect, or organization. For a ruling specific to your own situation, please consult your Maulavi or a qualified religious scholar you trust.