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Saudi Arabia flagSARSaudi Riyal

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

The Saudi riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Central Bank oversees the country's monetary system and currency issuance. SAR is the ISO code used in international payments and exchange-rate data, and one riyal is divided into 100 halalas. The code distinguishes the Saudi unit from other currencies that use the riyal or rial name.

Convert SARView SAR ratesView SAR historical rates
ISO code
SAR
Symbol
ر.س
Region
Middle East
Currency type
Fiat currency
Exchange system
Pegged to the US dollar
Last reviewed

Convert this currency

SAR converter

Saudi Arabia flagSAR
0.266667 USD1 SAR = 0.26666667 USD
Convert SAR to USDHistorical rates

Rate date:

1 SAR = 0.26666667 USDRate date: Source: Frankfurter

Quick facts

SAR at a glance

CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Minor unitHalala
Central bank or issuing authoritySaudi Central Bank
Used inSaudi Arabia

Currency profile

How SAR works

The Saudi riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Central Bank oversees the country's monetary system and currency issuance. SAR is the ISO code used in international payments and exchange-rate data, and one riyal is divided into 100 halalas. The code distinguishes the Saudi unit from other currencies that use the riyal or rial name.

SAR conversions support travel, employment, trade, pilgrimage planning and family transfers connected with Saudi Arabia. The riyal has an official fixed relationship with the US dollar, while CurrencyHub presents the provider's dated reference value for comparison. Banks, cards and transfer services may apply their own customer pricing and operational requirements. The displayed result should therefore be read with its source and rate date rather than as an executable offer.

  • The modern national riyal developed through the Kingdom's currency-unification process and is divided into 100 halalas.
  • The official exchange-rate policy maintains SAR 3.75 per U.S. dollar.

Context

Why this currency matters

SAR is a major Gulf currency associated with a large energy-exporting economy and substantial cross-border flows. It is often compared with USD, INR, PKR, EGP and neighboring Gulf currencies. Travelers may also compare riyal amounts when budgeting for pilgrimage and local expenses. Because the riyal name is shared across the region, the SAR code is essential. A reference calculation should always retain its source date when used in later records. This supports clearer comparisons across repeated trips or transfers.

Monetary framework

Exchange arrangement

Official arrangement

SAR is maintained at the official rate of 3.75 Saudi riyals per U.S. dollar under Saudi Central Bank policy.

Reference-rate context

CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.

History timeline

Key dates for SAR

  1. Saudi riyal unified

    A Saudi silver riyal and national currency law formed an early unified monetary framework.

    Saudi Central Bank - currency history

  2. Saudi monetary authority established

    The institution now known as the Saudi Central Bank was established.

    Saudi Central Bank - institutional history

  3. First official banknote issue

    The first regular official Saudi banknote series entered circulation.

    Saudi Central Bank - currency history

  4. Current dollar rate established

    The riyal has been maintained at SAR 3.75 per U.S. dollar since 1986.

    Saudi Central Bank - exchange-rate policy

Usage and economy

How SAR is used

  • Domestic prices, wages and payments in Saudi Arabia.
  • Trade, employment, pilgrimage and regional currency comparisons.

Country currency guides

Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia

Banknotes and coins

SAR currency units

Banknotes

The Saudi Central Bank records the history and issue of Saudi banknotes.

Coins

The Saudi Central Bank records riyal coinage and the halala subdivision within the national currency system.

Currency unit

One Saudi Riyal unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Halala as its minor unit.

Popular currency pairs

Convert SAR

Open the SAR converter
Saudi Arabia flagUnited States flagSARUSD1 SAR = 0.26666667 USDSaudi Arabia flagEuropean Union flagSAREUR1 SAR = 0.22941867 EURSaudi Arabia flagUnited Kingdom flagSARGBP1 SAR = 0.19670933 GBPSaudi Arabia flagJapan flagSARJPY1 SAR = 42.613333 JPYSaudi Arabia flagChina flagSARCNY1 SAR = 1.79176 CNYSaudi Arabia flagSwitzerland flagSARCHF1 SAR = 0.21512533 CHF

Related currencies

Currency relationships

Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.

Currency topics

Middle East CurrenciesFixed Exchange Rate Currencies
United Arab Emirates flagAEDUnited Arab Emirates Dirham
Convert SAR to AEDView AED profile
Qatar flagQARQatari Riyal
Convert SAR to QARView QAR profile
Bahrain flagBHDBahraini Dinar
Convert SAR to BHDView BHD profile
Egypt flagEGPEgyptian Pound
Convert SAR to EGPView EGP profile
United States flagUSDUnited States Dollar
Convert SAR to USDView USD profile

FAQ

SAR questions

Is the Saudi riyal fixed to the U.S. dollar?

Yes. The Saudi Central Bank states an official rate of SAR 3.75 per U.S. dollar.

Who issues Saudi riyals?

Saudi riyal issuance is one of the monetary responsibilities of the Saudi Central Bank.

When did Saudi banknotes begin?

Pilgrims' receipts began in 1953, followed by the first regular official banknote issue in 1961.

Sources

Data and editorial review

Rate source: Frankfurter

Last reviewed:

Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.

Saudi Central BankFrankfurter - Saudi Riyal reference-rate coverageISO 4217 currency codesSaudi Central Bank - currency historySaudi Central Bank - institutional historySaudi Central Bank - exchange-rate policyData sourcesEditorial policyMethodology