December Umrah Spending Money: 10-Day Budget for Canadians
Quick answer
There is no perfect cash amount. On the Al-Ibrahim December 23, 2026 package, daily buffet breakfast is included and one lunch is included on the Cairo tour day, so most spending goes to dinners, tips, taxi or ride-hailing, mobile data, shopping and laundry. Bring a mix of Saudi Riyals and a card.
What you will spend on
Dinners not included in the package
Taxis and ride-hailing
Tips
Zamzam and water
Mobile data or SIM
Gifts and shopping
Laundry
Cash vs card in Saudi Arabia
Cards are widely accepted at hotels, malls and larger restaurants. Cash is useful for small shops, taxis, tips and mosque-area vendors. Carry a few hundred riyals in cash and keep the rest on a card.
How much to bring
For an 11-day trip with breakfast included, a modest daily cash budget covers tips, water and small purchases. If you plan to shop heavily, budget noticeably higher.
Currency tips for Canadians
Exchange some CAD to SAR before you fly or at the airport
Use a card with no foreign transaction fees
Notify your bank of your travel dates
Keep a small reserve in CAD for the return
Egypt spending if you add Cairo
See how much cash should Canadians take to Egypt and money in Egypt: cash, cards and Egyptian pounds.
Package vs spending money
See December Umrah cost from Toronto 2026 and what a December Umrah package should include.
Packing money securely
See December Umrah packing list.
Earlier guide
See Umrah spending money: simple 10-day budget guide.
FAQ
Should I bring Canadian dollars to Saudi Arabia?
Convert to Saudi Riyals. CAD is not widely accepted.
Are ATMs available?
Yes, widely available.
Full planning guide?
See December Umrah 2026 complete planning guide.