SAR · ﷼
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
The Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia, pegged to the US dollar. Learn about its history, denominations, and role in the global economy.
Convert this currency
Converted amount
0.2663 USD
Exchange rate
1 SAR = 0.266347 USD
Updated
8/9/2026 12:00 AM
Source
ApiForex Managed Source 3
SAR · Saudi Riyal
Saudi Riyal (SAR): Overview and History
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). It is subdivided into 100 halalas. The currency symbol is ر.س (Arabic) or SR (Latin). The riyal has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 3.75 SAR per USD since 1986, providing stability for the kingdom's oil-based economy.
Historically, the riyal was introduced in 1925, replacing the Hejaz riyal. The currency has undergone several changes, including the introduction of banknotes in the 1950s and the current series of coins and notes. The riyal is widely used in the Gulf region and is a significant currency in international trade due to Saudi Arabia's role as a major oil exporter.
Today, the Saudi Riyal is a stable and freely convertible currency, used in all financial transactions within the kingdom. It is also a popular currency for foreign exchange and investment, though it is not pegged to any other currency. The stability of the riyal is crucial for the Saudi economy, which relies heavily on oil revenues and aims to diversify under Vision 2030.
- Code
- SAR
- Symbol
- ﷼
- Current rate
- USD / SAR
Currency information
Last updated · 8/7/2026
The Saudi riyal was introduced in 1925, replacing the Hejaz riyal.
- Official name
- Saudi Riyal
- Legal tender status
- Legal tender in Saudi Arabia
- Decimal places
- 2
- Minor unit
- Halala · 1 SAR = 100 Halala
- Countries
- Saudi Arabia
- Issuing authority
- Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)
- Central bank
- Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) · Official website
- Exchange-rate regime
- Pegged to the IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
Common banknotes
1 riyal · 5 riyals · 10 riyals · 20 riyals · 50 riyals · 100 riyals · 200 riyals · 500 riyals
Common coins
1 halala · 5 halalas · 10 halalas · 25 halalas · 50 halalas · 100 halalas (1 riyal)
Also known as
SAR · SR · Saudi Riyal · ﷼
Practical notes
- The currency is pegged to the SDR, not directly to the US dollar.
Priority currency pairs
The most useful conversions for this currency.
Saudi Riyal questions
What is the SAR exchange rate?
The displayed rate is the latest available reference rate for USD/SAR. It can change throughout the day.
How can I convert SAR online?
Use the converter above to calculate indicative amounts between SAR and the other supported currencies.