Saudi Arabia is a land of rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and religious significance. Whether you're visiting for pilgrimage, business, or leisure, having the right financial tools can significantly enhance your travel experience. With the Saudi Riyal (SAR) as the official currency, managing your expenses effectively is crucial for a smooth trip.

However, carrying large amounts of cash is neither convenient nor secure, which makes forex cards a reliable alternative. These prepaid cards let you load foreign currencies, including SAR, and ensure hassle-free transactions throughout your trip. From shopping in Riyadh to performing Umrah in Mecca, a good forex card offers safety, cost-effectiveness, and convenience.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the best forex cards for Saudi Arabia trip from India, covering features, fees, and more to help you make an informed choice.

Note: Besides the Forex card, make sure to apply for your Saudi Arabia e-visa, which is a mandatory entry requirement for Indians travelling there.

What are the Best Forex Cards for a Saudi Arabia Trip from India?

Here’s a list of the top 9 forex cards to consider for your trip to Saudi Arabia:

1. AtlysX Multi-Currency Forex Card by IndusInd

2. DCB Niyo Global Card

3. Hajj Umrah Forex Card by HDFC

4. BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card

5. HDFC Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Card

6. Orient Exchange Forex Card

7. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

8. ICICI Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card

Detailed Overview of Each Forex Card

1. AtlysX Multi-Currency Forex Card by IndusInd

The AtlysX Multi-Currency Forex Card is a great forex option for Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia. With competitive exchange rates and wide currency support, including SAR, the card ensures a secure and seamless transaction experience.

• Currencies Supported: 14 currencies, including SAR.

• Markup Fee: Zero for the first load; a 2% markup on subsequent reloads.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: $1,000 (or equivalent).

• Daily E-Commerce and POS Spending Limit: $10,000 (or equivalent).

• Customer Support: 24/7 global assistance via the Atlys app and [email protected].

2. DCB Niyo Global Card

Unlike multi-currency cards, the DCB Niyo Global Card is loaded in INR, allowing spending in 150+ currencies (including SAR) without cross-currency charges. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective forex option for international travellers.

• Currencies Supported: INR (allows spending in SAR at no cross-currency charges).

• Joining Fee: Zero.

• Markup Fee: Zero.

• Annual/Maintenance Fee: Zero.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee (international): ₹425 + GST per transaction.

3. Hajj Umrah Forex Card by HDFC

Another cost-effective single-currency card is the HDFC Bank Hajj Umrah ForexPlus Card, which is exclusively available in Saudi Riyal (SAR). It is specially designed for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia and offers convenience and secure transactions with chip and PIN protection, online usage capabilities, and 24/7 global customer assistance. 

• Currencies Supported: SAR.

• Issuance Fee: ₹200 + GST.

• Reload Fee: ₹75 + GST.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: SAR 7.50 per transaction.

• Balance Enquiry Fee at ATMs: SAR 2 per inquiry.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: SAR 18,600.

4. BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card

The BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card provides competitive exchange rates and easy reload options, making it another great multi-currency Forex card for Saudi Arabian travellers.

• Currencies Supported: 14 currencies, including SAR.

• Issuance Fee: Zero. 

• Reload Fee: Zero.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: SAR 7.5 per transaction.

• Balance Enquiry Fee at ATMs: SAR 9 per inquiry.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: SAR 3,500.

• Daily Limit for POS, E-Commerce, Cash Advance, or Cash@POS: SAR 25,000.

5. HDFC Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Card

The HDFC Multicurrency ForexPlus Card is a trusted option for Indian travellers visiting Saudi Arabia. Its major benefit is that the card locks in exchange rates at the time of loading, shielding you from currency fluctuations.

• Currencies Supported: 22 currencies, including SAR.

• Issuance Fee: ₹500 + GST.

• Reload Fee: ₹75 + GST.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: SAR 7.50 per transaction.

• Balance Enquiry Fee at ATMs: SAR 2 per inquiry.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: SAR 18,600.

6. Orient Exchange Forex Card

The Orient Exchange Forex Card is a budget-friendly option with secure and straightforward features for transactions in Saudi Arabia.

• Currencies Supported: Multiple currencies, including SAR.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: Nominal fees apply.

• Markup Fee: Zero for supported currencies.

7. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

Axis Bank’s Multi-Currency Forex Card is another cost-effective Forex card for transactions in SAR, supported by low fees and 24/7 customer service.

• Currencies Supported: 16 currencies, including SAR.

• Issuance Fee: ₹300 + GST.

• Reload Fee: ₹100 + GST.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: SAR 8.16 per withdrawal. 

• ATM Balance Enquiry Fee: SAR 1.75 per enquiry. 

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: $1,000 or equivalent.

8. ICICI Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card

The ICICI Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card is a reliable companion for trips to Saudi Arabia, offering competitive exchange rates and easy reload options.

• Currencies Supported: 15 currencies, including SAR.

• Issuance fee: Zero.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: SAR 7.50 per withdrawal. 

• ATM Balance Enquiry Fee: SAR 2 per enquiry.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: SAR 7,500.

How to Choose the Best Forex Card for Saudi Arabia?

When selecting a forex card for your trip to Saudi Arabia, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Currency Support: Ensure your card supports SAR to avoid cross-currency conversion fees.

2. Lock-In Exchange Rate: Choose a card that allows the exchange rates to be locked when loading the card.

3. Fees: Opt for cards with low or zero markup fees and nominal ATM withdrawal charges.

4. Reload Options: Look for cards with quick and easy online reload options.

5. Customer Support: Choose a card provider with 24/7 global assistance.

Benefits of Using a Forex Card in Saudi Arabia

1. Cost-Effective: Lower transaction fees compared to credit or debit cards.

2. Lock-In Exchange Rate: Protects against fluctuating currency rates.

3. Security: Reduces the risks associated with carrying cash.

4. Wide Acceptance: Usable at ATMs, hotels, and stores across Saudi Arabia.

5. Multi-Currency Use: Convenient for travelers visiting multiple destinations.

Conclusion

The AtlysX Multi-Currency Forex Card by IndusInd is our top recommendation for a Saudi Arabia trip, offering excellent exchange rates and round-the-clock customer support. Other options like the Niyo Global Card and the HDFC Multicurrency ForexPlus Card also provide outstanding features and value.

Make sure to select a Forex card that best fits your travel requirements to enjoy a hassle-free experience in Saudi Arabia.