How to send money to US from Saudi Arabia with the best SAR-USD rate

Comparing the different providers offering services between Saudi Arabia and the United States, is the best way to send money with confidence.

Right now, for SAR/USD

• Currencies Direct is our top choice for SAR to USD transfers. Transferring 50,000 SAR to USD will cost you ﷼0 in fees, and your recipient will get 13,220 USD.

• Key Currency offers the cheapest combination of low fees and competitive exchange rates of the 4 providers we compared. They offer a fee of 0 SAR and exchange rate between SAR-USD that is 0.25% different to the mid-market rate.

• Fastest money transfers from Saudi Arabia to the United States is with Currencyflow. Based on our recent data, transfer time for a ﷼50,000 transfer to United States with Currencyflow is minutes - 24 hours. This can vary by amount and method, but it is a good point of reference.

The 4 providers we've compared ensures you will get the best options for your transfer to United States from Saudi Arabia. By taking the time to compare you can save yourself in the region of 3% of the total transfer amount.

Whilst we rate Currencies Direct as the best overall, comparing gives you a comprehensive view of all the options for transferring Saudi Riyal to the United States.

The exchange rate determines how much US Dollar you will get for every Saudi Riyal you want to send. A better exchange rate is the best way to save money on transfers from Saudi Arabia to the United States.

Fees and exchange rates make up the total cost of sending money from United States to the United States. Finding a company that can offer both ensures a good deal on your transfer.

• The Mid-Market and Exchange Rates: The current SAR-USD mid-market rate is 0.2663 USD per Saudi Riyal. You will get more US Dollar for your Saudi Riyals if you find a provider close to this number.

• Fees: Transfer fees are charged as part of the transfer. Key Currency charges 0 SAR per transfer, which is currently the best deal on transfers to US. We’d always recommend comparing providers for your exact send amount as fees may change.

• Amount Received: Money transfer companies will show you the amount of US Dollar eventually received in the United States. You can assume that a lower cost of sending from Saudi Arabia will result in more money received in the United States.

The current rate between the Saudi Riyal and US Dollar is 0.2663.

With currencies, the exchange fluctuates constantly, and the SAR-USD exchange rate is no different. Tracking the rate and understanding the averages can help get a better deal.

Even waiting a day or two can help you get more USD for the same amount of Saudi Riyal.

Beyond this, a forward contract allows you to lock in an agreed exchange rate between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

The most cost effective way to send money from Saudi Arabia to the United States is via a bank transfer. Key Currency is the company offering the best price for a bank transfer.

Here are all the ways to send money from Saudi Arabia to United States:

Bank transfers

Bank transfers are often the fastest option, and normally the cheapest, for sending money from Saudi Arabia to the United States.

By opting for a money transfer company such as Key Currency for transfers from Saudi Arabia to the United States, you can send money via a bank transfer while benefiting from lower fees and more favorable exchange rates. 


Debit and prepaid cards

Using a debit card, or prepaid option, for sending money from Saudi Arabia to the United States is easy with .


is a market leader in debit card payments for transfers from Saudi Arabia to United States, this is among a total of 4 money transfer companies compared.

Credit cards

When it comes to the credit card deposits, when sending money from Saudi Arabia to the United States, we recommend comparing your options to get the best deal.

Regulations are important for keeping your money safe, Saudi Arabia and United States have different regulations to consider.

Our directory of worldwide financial regulators contains details on regulation for money transfers between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Some companies offering money transfers between Saudi Arabia and the United States will come with minimum or maximum thresholds on how much you can send or receive and this could cause rates or fees to change.

Comparing SAR-USD rates for your specific transfer amount will factor in these rates and fees changes, so you’ll get the best provider for your specific needs. For regular transfers from Saudi Arabia to the United States, it’s best to check any changes in fees and rates every time you send.

For large transfers of money transfers from Saudi Arabia to the United States we’d recommend Currencies Direct. They offer a competitive combination of rates and fees when sending from Saudi Arabia to the United States, even at larger amounts.

Also, be sure to check with the recipient and understand any declarations needed on large amounts of money entering the United States from Saudi Arabia.

Receiving US Dollar in the United States has a few different options. The most popular ways to receive are through a direct bank deposit, cash pickup, a mobile wallet or receiving money into a multi-currency account.

Not all companies offering money transfers from Saudi Arabia to the United States will cater for every method for incoming US Dollar, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

One of the more popular ways is sending money from Saudi Arabia directly to a bank account in the United States. This is because it means the recipient in the United States has to do very little. Currencies Direct is the best company for bank transfers between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Whilst cash pickup is popular, it is not always supported and can be costly compared to cheaper options.

Mobile wallet or P2P services and payment apps like PayPal, Xoom, and CashApp operate in the United States and are popular because of convenience, but they come with more limitations and higher costs compared to money transfer providers like Key Currency.

When using a money transfer provider to send Saudi Riyals to United States, you will need to verify your ID at the sign up stage.

Documents needed will vary and in some cases you might need a couple of options.

Generally speaking, those in Saudi Arabia can verify through a government issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport. If the recipient needs an ID to collect money or open a multi-currency account in the United States, both can also be used there as well.

Large transactions between Saudi Arabia and United States will be subject to additional security measures such as proving where the funds originated, these will be for anti-money laundering purposes.

Currencies Direct has scored highly for transfers to the United States because of the easy sign up process in Saudi Arabia.

There will be tax declarations to consider when sending larger amounts of money between Saudi Arabia and United States.

Transfers into US Dollar may need to be reported to tax authorities in the United States as well, where regular income, large amounts (such as property or inheritance) and business payments will all be subject to tax checks.

Based on the recipient, tax limits in the United States, as well as personal allowances will change. When in doubt, we’d recommend contacting a tax professional in Saudi Arabia or the United States to discuss your personal circumstances. This ensure you are not missing any specific tax declarations associated with your circumstances.