By Syam, JesTiny Guide · Last checked: 30 October 2026

Jeddah Airport (JED) Money Exchange: Which Terminal

Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is one of the main entry points to Saudi for many Indian travellers, such as Umrah pilgrims and those visiting for work. First thing to consider is which terminal you are arriving at as each terminal is separate and will have different companies offering money exchanges.

We have provided a guide to the information we could confirm. However, we couldn’t find any specific information about exchange rates or times they operate at the airport.

JesTiny is purely an editorial site and we do not offer money exchange services. We are not paid by any money exchange company or bank to feature on our site.

Find out which terminal you are arriving in

Most travellers will arrive at Terminal 1 or the North Terminal.

• Terminal 1 – Used by Saudi’s national airline Saudia.
• North Terminal – Used by many international airlines. Recently flights by Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have been using this terminal. (Terminal N)

On your ticket or airline app you should be able to see which terminal you are arriving at. If you are flying with Air India, Air India Express or IndiGo you will likely arrive at the North Terminal. If flying with Saudia you will arrive at Terminal 1.

Peg rate: 1 US dollar = 3.75 Saudi riyals

The SAR (Saudi Riyal) has a peg rate of 3.75 to the US dollar. This is something that Saudi Arabia’s central bank (SAMA) have often stated they will stick to.

If you have US dollars this will help you as you can just multiply by 3.75. However, you will get less from an exchange counter as they will make money. If the rate isn’t close to 3.75 x the amount, compare with another counter. Only exchange a little.

There is no fixed rate for Indian Rupees. Compare the rate with the real time mid-market rate on your phone. Find out what this means here.

Where can you exchange?

North Terminal

Alamoudi Exchange – On directory sites there is an Alamoudi Exchange counter in the arrivals and departures of the North Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport for foreign airlines. From our research we couldn’t confirm exactly where or when they operate.

Terminal 1

Sharhan Exchange – On directory sites there is a Sharhan Exchange branch in the arrivals of Terminal 1 and a branch near Gate 28 in the departures. We couldn’t find a source for when they operate.

Some sources say Alamoudi also operate in Terminal 1. However, the listings we found show each company in only 1 terminal. To be safe look for whichever name you can see once you have cleared customs.

Other terminals

Terminal 4 is a smaller terminal. We couldn’t confirm any money exchange or ATM there, or any money exchange in the seasonal Hajj Terminal. Try not to plan on exchanging any money here.

Best and avoid

We haven’t mentioned a best or worst counter to use. Most of the time there will only be one company in your terminal. We couldn’t confirm any specific rates.

Tips:

• If you have US dollars you can use the peg rate of 3.75.
• Ask them for the final rate on your exact amount.
• If the rate doesn’t look good only exchange a little for the first day. You can compare later in the city.
• Count your notes and keep your receipt.

ATMs and cards

We couldn’t confirm a reliable source for the ATMs available by bank in each terminal. Check before you fly.

If you are using an ATM or card in Saudi:

1. Select Saudi Riyal rather than Indian Rupees. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion. Find out why this is usually more expensive here.
2. Know what your card will charge. Your Indian bank or forex card may charge you a fee per withdrawal and a margin on the rate. Find out how this will add up here.
3. Check the amount on screen.

Step-by-step guide

1. Before you fly check your ticket to see which terminal you are arriving at. Recently Air India, Air India Express & IndiGo have been using the North Terminal. Saudia use Terminal 1.
2. If you have a large amount of cash or gold read below for the cash rule and be prepared to declare.
3. Clear Immigration & Collect Luggage.
4. Once in the North Terminal look for Alamoudi Exchange. If you are in Terminal 1 look for Sharhan Exchange in the arrivals.
5. If you are exchanging US dollars compare the rate to 3.75. If you are exchanging Rupees compare to the mid-market rate.
6. Count your notes and keep your receipt.
7. If you need to travel between Terminal 1 & North Terminal remember these are separate buildings. Ask your airline how to transfer.

Getting to Jeddah, Makkah or Madinah from the airport

Many Indians arrive at Jeddah airport and then head to Makkah or Madinah. Often this is more important than getting to Jeddah.

• Haramain High Speed Rail – There is a Haramain station at the airport. This is directly connected to Terminal 1. This service connects to Makkah, Jeddah & Madinah. We couldn’t confirm what the current rate is from the airport station to Makkah. Check the official Haramain booking page. If you arrive at the North Terminal you will need to get to Terminal 1 first.
• Airport Taxis – These will be metered. One guide mentions that there is no table published by the airport or regulator for how much they charge. Use the official taxi rank outside of arrivals. Ask for the meter or agree a price.
• Drive to Makkah – The airport is around 85km from Makkah. This should take between 60-90 minutes in normal traffic. Private transfer companies have very varying prices. They range from around SAR 150-350 for a car. Compare and agree a price. Check before you fly.

Whatever option you choose you will want to have some riyals or a working card.

Cards in Saudi Arabia

Cards are used for most shop payments. In June 2026 Arab News reported that 85% of all retail transactions were done electronically in 2025 (up from 79% in 2024). The writer argued that cash shouldn’t be removed completely, and it can still be useful to have a little.

• Make sure your cards have international switched on. Find out why here.
• ATMs – Your Indian bank or forex card will usually charge a fixed fee for using foreign ATMs. This means it will be cheaper to make a few larger withdrawals. Find out how this works here. Examples can be seen here of Indian card schedules.
• DCC – If you are offered Indian Rupees on a card machine or ATM select Riyal. Find out why here.

Cash rule in Saudi Arabia

According to Saudi customs (ZATCA) you must declare any cash of SAR60,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies). This also includes negotiable instruments, gold, precious metals, gemstones & jewellery of this value. Cash & similar items must be declared in person at the declaration office at the airport.

Some reports in 2026 mention SAR40,000. Check with Saudi customs (ZATCA).

Indian rules on paying for forex in cash, PAN, carrying rupees, exchanging rupees before you fly and declaring cash when you return are on our India money rules page.

Money myths

Myth 1 – All terminals have the same money exchanges

Each terminal is a separate building. Depending on which terminal you arrive at you will have a different money exchange company.

Myth 2 – The riyal fluctuates so much I can’t tell if I’m getting a good rate for dollars

The Riyal has a peg of 3.75. This means you will always have a fixed rate to compare.

Myth 3 – Only cash needs declaring

ZATCA state you must also declare any negotiable instruments, gold, precious metals, gemstones & jewellery of SAR60,000 or more. If your gold or jewellery is worth SAR60,000 or more, it needs declaring too.

Myth 4 – It’s easier to pay in Indian Rupees

This is DCC and will usually be more expensive. Select Riyal.

Money scams and mistakes for Indians

Often the largest money risk for Indians travelling on pilgrimage is before you get to the airport.

• Fake/Non-existent Umrah Packages – In February 2026 Siasat reported that over 100 people in Hyderabad claimed they had paid between ₹50,000-₹80,000 each for cheap Ramzan Umrah packages on Instagram. They had not received any visas, flight tickets or valid hotel papers. They had lost almost ₹1 crore. Police are investigating. Only book with licensed operators. Be cautious of very cheap deals on social media.
• Similar Agency Names & Cash – A 2023 report by ThePrint quoted a licensed operator in Lucknow as saying often unlicensed agents will use similar names to reputable companies. Most of these scams involve cash payments which are difficult to track. Ensure you pay the agency in a traceable way such as bank transfer/card. Keep your receipt.
• Unclear Taxi Prices – There is no table published so agree a price or ensure they use the meter.
• Exchange Everything – Usually there will only be one money exchange company in each terminal. There is no rate to compare so only exchange a little.

More tips for Indians

• Dollars or Riyal – As the Riyal has a peg of 3.75 to the US Dollar it is easy to compare the rate of Riyal to the USD you purchased in India. If you purchase a forex card in India you will have a fixed rate.

Simple plan for your first day

We would suggest:

1. Before you fly check which terminal you are arriving at. Ensure your cards have international switched on. Bring some USD or Riyal from India.
2. Once at the airport exchange enough for your onward train/taxi, SIM card & meal. If you have had a quote from a transfer company you will know approximately how much you need.
3. Why not more? Cards are used for most retail payments in Saudi & there is no specific rate for the money exchange counters at the airport.
4. Later use cards where possible & keep a little cash for small payments.

Leaving Saudi Arabia from Jeddah

• Exchange – On directory sites there is a Sharhan Exchange branch near Gate 28 in Terminal 1 departures & Alamoudi Exchange in the North Terminal. We couldn’t confirm when they operate. Usually you will pay more to sell back so try to spend a little before you fly. Find out your options here.
• Riyal Leftover – As the Riyal has a peg of 3.75 nothing will change in value against the dollar.
• Large Amounts – If you have cash, gold or jewellery close to the ZATCA limit check with Saudi customs before you fly.

FAQ

Which Terminal Does Air India Use?
Recent flights show Air India, Air India Express & IndiGo use the North Terminal. Check your ticket on the day.

Is There A Money Exchange?
Yes. On directory sites there is an Alamoudi Exchange in the North Terminal & a Sharhan Exchange in Terminal 1 (arrivals & departures near Gate 28). We couldn’t confirm when they operate.

What is The Riyal to Dollar Rate?
The Riyal has a peg rate of 3.75. You will get slightly less from an exchange counter.

How Much Cash Can I Bring Into Saudi?
ZATCA state you must declare any cash of SAR60,000 or more (or equivalent). You must also declare any gold, jewellery & similar items of this value. Some reports mention SAR40,000 in 2026. Check with Saudi customs (ZATCA).

Is There A Money Exchange at Terminal 4?
We couldn’t confirm a money exchange or an ATM in Terminal 4. Try to exchange before you get here.

Sources and how we checked them

Checked on 30 October 2026. Where a fact comes from one source only, or sources disagree, the guide says so. Prices, hours and rules change, so check before you fly.

• Directory listings for Sharhan Exchange and Alamoudi Exchange at the airport (Explurger, Exiap, The Currency Shop), and Jeddah-airport.com, an unofficial airport guide.
• Flight listings showing Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo at Jeddah’s North Terminal (Directflights, ixigo, FlightStats, 2026).
• Arab News and Asharq Al-Awsat, reports of the Saudi Central Bank’s statements on the riyal peg.
• ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority), Travelers must declare cash and metals, April 2023.
• Wego, Saudi Life Guide and Saudi Expatriates, 2026 reports mentioning a SAR 40,000 figure.
• Bernama (citing the Saudi Press Agency) and Gulf News, on the Haramain railway station at the airport.
• Airport Transfer Portal, Jeddah airport guide (2026), and transfer company price lists (2026).
• Arab News, Saudi Arabia’s march toward a cashless economy, 21 June 2026.
• Siasat, Hyderabad: over 100 cheated in Umrah booking scam, 21 February 2026.
• ThePrint, Hajj frauds and Umrah scams are trapping Indian Muslims, 8 May 2023.
• Reserve Bank of India FAQ and regulations, and HSBC India’s LRS FAQ, as summarised in our India cash rules guide.

Editorial note: The counter, rate and airport information in this guide is editorial and is not paid for. Rates and fees change, so confirm the final rate at the counter before exchanging.