Nusuk
MandatoryThe official platform for Umrah permits and Rawdah appointments. Pilgrims need it before they travel.
Saudi Arabia, Decoded by Locals Who Guide It Every Day.
From sacred journeys in Makkah and Madinah to expat relocation in Riyadh and hidden gems along the Red Sea, get field-tested advice, essential apps and verified deals.
Checked against official sources: November 2026
01 · Religious tourism
The Sacred Journey: Umrah, Hajj and Ziyarah
See everything- Nusuk Umrah permits Why your visa is not enough, and how to get the permit.
- Rawdah permit strategy Booking rules, gates and how to find a slot.
- Makkah and Madinah master guide Gates, wheelchairs, quiet hours and practical basics.
- Ziyarah places directory Historic sites with coordinates, etiquette and crowd times.
- Haramain train guide Stations, fares, luggage limits and ticket classes.
- Miqat and ihram guide The five miqat points, and ihram rules for air travellers.
02 · City explorer
City-by-City Place Explorer
03 · Expat hub
Your First 90 Days in Saudi Arabia
See everythingWeek 1
Get connected and get legal
- Buy and register a SIM (stc, Mobily or Zain)
- Register your National Address
- Activate Absher
Month 1
Become a resident
- Collect your Iqama from your employer
- Set up Nafath
- Open a bank account (Al Rajhi, SNB or Riyad Bank)
Months 2 to 3
Set up your home and family
- Choose a compound or an apartment
- Register your lease on Ejar
- Move electricity into your name (SEC)
04 · Digital kit
The Saudi Digital Survival Kit
Absher
MandatoryThe Interior Ministry portal for residents: Iqama, exit and re-entry visas, traffic fines and appointments.
Nafath
MandatoryThe national sign-in app. Banks, Ejar and government services send approval requests to it.
05 · Prices & deals
Published Prices and Practical Deals
Transport passes Expires
Riyadh Metro passes
SAR 4 for 2 hours, SAR 20 for 3 days, SAR 40 for 7 days
Standard class, bought in the Darb app. A 3-day pass pays for itself in five single trips.
Airport transfers Expires
Jeddah Airport to Makkah by train
From about SAR 34 economy, SAR 78 business
Usually the cheapest reliable airport transfer. Fares change with date and demand, so check the live price.
SIMs & eSIMs Expires
Airport tourist SIM (stc, Mobily, Zain)
Roughly SAR 35 to 150, depending on data
Take your passport to the arrivals kiosk. Prices are often slightly higher at the airport than in town.
Common questions
How do I book a Rawdah permit on Nusuk?
Open the Nusuk app, sign in with your passport or Iqama details, choose the Rawdah service, then pick a date and time slot. The permit is free. You receive a QR code to show at the entry point. Reports say each person may book once every 365 days.
What apps do I need in Saudi Arabia?
Pilgrims need Nusuk. Residents need Absher and Nafath. Almost everyone benefits from Uber or Careem, a delivery app such as HungerStation or Jahez, and HHR Train for the Haramain line. In Riyadh, Darb handles metro and bus tickets.
How much does an expat need to live in Riyadh?
A single person in a one-bed apartment typically spends around SAR 6,000 to 9,000 a month. A family of four with two children in international school often spends SAR 20,000 to 35,000. Housing and school fees make up most of the difference.
Can I do Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, outside the Hajj season. Muslim visitors on the tourist eVisa can perform Umrah, but they still need a permit from the Nusuk app. A tourist visa cannot be used for Hajj.
Can non-Muslims visit Makkah and Madinah?
Non-Muslims may not enter the sacred area of Makkah. They can visit the city of Madinah but not the central area around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Road signs mark the boundaries clearly.