Destinations › Saudi Arabia › Riyadh › Scams
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Riyadh, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Unlicensed labour brokers charging workers large recruitment fees for jobs whose terms differ substantially from what was agreed.
Advance-fee employment offers for Saudi work, requesting payment for visas, medicals and 'sponsorship transfer' that never materialise. Legitimate employers pay these costs.
Drivers refusing the meter and quoting fixed fares several times the metered rate, particularly from the airport. Ride apps publish the fare before departure.
Rental car operators applying large administrative fees for traffic fines and charging for pre-existing damage.
Unlicensed 'agents' offering to expedite government paperwork or residence procedures for a fee, providing nothing that is not free officially.
Apartment and short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or misrepresented on arrival.
Counterfeit electronics, perfumes and watches sold in market districts as genuine with fabricated warranty documents.
Shortchanging at unlicensed exchange counters and market stalls, particularly on large riyal notes.
Opportunistic theft from bags in crowded market districts during evening trading hours.
Restaurants adding undisclosed service charges and VAT presentation errors to bills.
