How to call Saudi Arabia | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Saudi Arabia from the United States is essential for various reasons, ranging from business to personal.

With its booming sectors such as oil and gas, technology, and tourism—along with its rich cultural heritage, including festivals like Ramadan and unique cuisine—Saudi Arabia offers numerous opportunities for international business and personal connections.

Understanding the nuances of interacting with this dynamic Middle Eastern nation is key to nurturing both business and personal relationships.

Guide to calling Saudi Arabia

Before dialing, check the rates your carrier charges for international calls to Saudi Arabia. You should also make sure your connection is reliable to avoid any issues caused by latency or choppy voice transmission.

1. Check the time in Saudi Arabia

Considering the time difference is important when calling Saudi Arabia. The entire country operates on Arabian Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3. So it’s typically 7–10 hours ahead of U.S. time zones, depending on your specific location in the U.S. and daylight saving time adjustments.

You should always check the local time in Saudi Arabia to ensure your call is made at a convenient hour.

2. Dial the exit code

For international calls from the U.S., the exit code is 011, indicating you're making an international call.

3. Enter Saudi Arabia's country code

Next, dial Saudi Arabia's country code (+966) to connect your call to Saudi Arabia.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Start with 011, followed by 966, the country code for Saudi Arabia.

For a landline

Input the area code for the specific region in Saudi Arabia you are calling, which is typically one to two digits, followed by the seven-digit local number.

For example, to call a landline in Riyadh with the area code 11 and the local number 1234567, you would dial 011-966-11-1234567.

For a mobile phone

Dial the mobile number directly after the country code, starting with 5, followed by the rest of the number, making it a nine-digit sequence.

For instance, to call a Saudi mobile number like 0555123456, the correct sequence would be 011-966-555123456.

Tips for a successful call

Before placing a call to Saudi Arabia, make sure you have a strong connection to avoid any disruptions. It's wise to have a backup plan in case the call drops, such as deciding whether to call back or await the other party's call.

Understanding and respecting local business culture and etiquette are crucial for effective communication. Saudi business culture is formal, and it's essential to use the correct titles such as "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Doctor," or "Professor" followed by the surname. Begin conversations with polite greetings like "As-Salaam-Alaikum" (Peace be upon you) and wait for them to respond with "Wa-Alaikum-Salaam" (And peace be upon you).

Be aware of local holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are significant and may affect business operations. It's advisable to avoid scheduling calls during these periods or during the daily prayer times, which occur five times a day.

While English is widely used in business settings, learning a few simple Arabic phrases can enhance your rapport with Saudi counterparts. Always address your contacts respectfully and be patient, as decision-making processes may take longer than in the U.S.

Lastly, be flexible and understanding, recognizing that the pace of business might differ from what you are accustomed to, ensuring a smooth and successful call.

Considerations for calling Saudi Arabia

When planning to make calls to Saudi Arabia, consider several factors that can influence the effectiveness of your communication. These include language barriers, cultural nuances, time zone differences, and call costs. Understanding these elements can help ensure smooth and respectful interactions with individuals in Saudi Arabia.

Language and culture

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, and while English is spoken by some, particularly in business settings, it's not universally understood. If you don't speak Arabic, consider using a translation service or learning a few basic Arabic phrases. Some common greetings include:

• As-salamu alaykum
  • Peace be upon you. (This is the standard Arabic greeting and is considered polite and respectful.)
• Wa alaykum as-salam
  • And upon you be peace. (This is the appropriate response to As-salamu alaykum.)
• Sabah al-khayr
  • Good morning.
• Masaa al-khayr
  • Good evening.

Beyond language, cultural sensitivity is another thing ot consider. Saudi Arabia is a conservative society with strong Islamic values. Be mindful of cultural norms and avoid topics that could be considered offensive, such as religion or politics.

Time zones

Saudi Arabia operates on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC/GMT+3. This means there's a significant time difference between Saudi Arabia and various U.S. time zones. To help you plan your calls effectively, here's a table illustrating the time difference:

How much does it cost to call Saudi Arabia?

Call costs to Saudi Arabia can vary significantly based on your service provider, the type of call (landline or mobile), and the duration. Traditional phone companies often have high international call rates, so exploring alternative options like VoIP services or international calling cards might be more cost-effective.

Comparing rates from different providers is essential to find the most economical option for your needs. Factors that can influence these rates include:

• Carrier rates: Different service providers offer varying tariffs for international calls.
• Calling plans: Consider specialized international calling plans or bundles that include a set number of international minutes.
• Peak vs. off-peak hours: Calls made during peak hours are often more expensive compared to off-peak times.
• Call duration: Longer calls will naturally incur higher charges.

To get a clearer picture of potential call costs, check with your service provider for detailed rates or explore pricing structures from VoIP providers.

By being mindful of these factors, you can ensure both clear communication and manage call expenses when connecting with individuals in Saudi Arabia.

Make affordable calls to Saudi Arabia with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Saudi Arabia with confidence.

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