Expat Hub
Smart Money for Life in Saudi Arabia
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Arrival & First 30 Days in Saudi Arabia
First 30 Days in Saudi Arabia
Best Prepaid & eSIM Plans for Expats in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide)
Send Money Home
Get Insurance
What Expats need to know?
SIMs & Internet
Must link SIM to Iqama. Prepaid/eSIM options available at airports or city stores.
Banking
Bank account requires Iqama + salary certificate. Digital wallets (STC Pay) work without.
Payments
Credit history = SIMAH. New expats may start with prepaid/secured cards.
Housing
Compare compounds in Saudi Arabia
Transport
Expats can convert foreign licenses. Leasing (Ijarah) common.
Insurance
Health insurance mandatory for Iqama renewal. Car insurance mandatory for drivers.
Remittances
STC Pay, Wise, Western Union — fees differ by country.
International Schools
Safe neighborhoods, international schools, and growing entertainment options.
What's Life Really Like in Saudi Arabia?
Modern Cities
From Riyadh's business hub to Jeddah's coastal charm and Eastern Province's oil industry, each city offers unique opportunities and lifestyles.
Compare cities →
Cost of Living
Generally 30–50% lower than Western countries. Housing, food, and transport are affordable, letting you save more.
See detailed costs →
Culture & Entertainment
Experience traditional hospitality alongside modern entertainment. Concerts, sports events & cultural festivals throughout the year.
Explore lifestyle →
Quality Healthcare
Access to modern hospitals and clinics with mandatory health insurance ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Healthcare guide →Expat life by the numbers
13M+
Expats living in Saudi Arabia
35%
Of total population
80+
Nationalities represented
~7,000
Average monthly expenses (SAR)
Country Specific Guides
Discover
Expat Guides
Comprehensive guides for living, working, and thriving in Saudi Arabia
Living in Saudi Arabia
Practical lifestyle and cultural adjustment guides.
A guide to
Living in Saudi Arabia as an Expat — Culture, Religion & Daily Life (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Living in Saudi Arabia as a Female Expat – Rights, Rules & Daily Life (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Expat Communities & Social Life in Saudi Arabia (Compounds, Clubs & Groups) — 2025 Edition
A guide to
Healthcare in Saudi Arabia for Expats – Hospitals, Clinics & Emergency Care (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Moving to Saudi Arabia with Pets – Rules, Costs & Housing Requirements (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Expat by the Numbers – Key Statistics About Life in Saudi Arabia (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Biggest Mistakes Expats Make in Saudi Arabia (and How to Avoid Them) — 2025 Edition
A guide to
Best Cities in Saudi Arabia for Expats — Cost of Living & Lifestyle Compared (2025)
Work, Visa & Legal Status
Everything about visas, contracts, Iqama, rights, and exit procedures.
A guide to
Saudi Visa Types Explained (Work, Visit, Premium Residency) — 2025
A guide to
Iqama Renewal & Banking Access for Expats in Saudi Arabia (2025)
A guide to
Saudi Labour Law for Expats — Contracts, EOS & Your Rights (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Do Expats Pay Tax in Saudi Arabia? (Tax‑Free Salary & Double Taxation Explained) — 2025
A guide to
Final Exit Guide for Expats in Saudi Arabia — 90‑Day Checklist & Financial Steps (2025)
A guide to
Leaving Saudi Arabia – Financial & Legal Checklist for Expats (2025 Edition)
Banking & Money Management
Opening, using, and optimizing expat banking in KSA.
A guide to
How to Send Money Home from Saudi Arabia – Cheapest Transfer Options by Country (2025)
A guide to
Best Bank Accounts for Expats in Saudi Arabia (2025 Review)
A guide to
How to Open a Bank Account in Saudi Arabia as an Expat (Without Salary Certificate) — 2025 Review
A guide to
Credit Cards in Saudi Arabia for Expats Without Credit History (2025)
A guide to
Digital Wallets in Saudi Arabia for Expats (No Salary Transfer Needed)
A guide to
Salary Transfers, Payslips & End‑of‑Service Benefits (EOS) for Expats in Saudi Arabia — 2025
A guide to
Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia — Benefits for Banking, Property & Family (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Managing Wealth Abroad: Offshore Banking & Global Investments for Expats in Saudi Arabia — 2025 Edition
A guide to
Investing in Saudi Arabia for Expats — REITs, Tadawul & Global Accounts (2025 Edition)
Housing & Property
Renting, buying, and understanding housing laws.
Transport & Mobility
Driving, transport apps, and travel options.
Insurance & Health
Medical insurance, Iqama requirements, and safety.
Family, Education & Children
Family life, schools, and dependents.
More Expat Guides
Additional resources and guides for expats.
A guide to
Top 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Saudi Arabia as an Expat (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Country‑Specific Expat Guides — Living, Banking & Thriving in Saudi Arabia (2025 Edition)
A guide to
Best Prepaid & eSIM Plans for Expats in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide)
A guide to
How to Get a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia as an Expat (Airport vs City) — 2025 Guide
Expat Financial Tools
Calculate, compare, and plan with our expat-specific tools
Remittance Calculator
Compare real costs across all providers
End of Service Calculator
Calculate your gratuity amount
Expat Budget Planner
Cost of living by nationality
Bank Account Matcher
Find banks for your visa type
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