Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
Saudi Arabia Tourist Traps
Search:

Home » Travel Guides » Middle East » Saudi Arabia » Tourist Traps

Saudi Arabia Tourist Traps


traffic and horizon,a - Saudi Arabia
traffic and horizon,a
by Manyana
Tips and photos of Saudi Arabia tourist attractions and tourist traps, posted by real travelers and Saudi Arabia locals.
Map
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
I am often asked....
  • Tip Rating:
  • shelnlin
  • By shelnlin on September 1, 2004
  • Saudi Arabia Page by shelnlin
  • Locals - Saudi Arabia
    Locals
    by shelnlin
    While living in Saudi Arabia and while I have been living apart from the country itself, I have often been asked what it is like to live in the Kingdom.

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very unique, it is a place filled with lots of interesting quirks and sights and smells. It can be a great experience or it can be down right awful especially if you have never lived in a foreign country before.

    I suggest that in places such as this, is to respect the people, respect the culture, respect the values, traditions, beliefs and customs. I found that I befriended many a Muslim person by being myself because like them I do not like fakes. I listened to these people, allowed them to talk about themselves and I learnt alot about the people that the really were. Of course talk about yourself too but it is great to talk to another person and find out what is important to them and what makes them tick.

    The Muslims are very hospitable people and I cannot say that enough, they are generous and would give you their last slice of bread even if they were poor. They are thoughtful and caring souls and are not what people think they are when they watch the television.

    When you get to Saudia, take the time to get to know some of the people. Say hello even if you do not get a hello back. OK it can be a bit hard at times especially if you know a Muttawa is present... but even try to learn a bit of the language. I learnt through my Muslim friends and always asked them questions or could they translate what they were saying. The guys thought that it was great that I was taking an interest in their language and it helped out especially when I was taking a taxi or whatever sometimes.

    I advise everyone do not believe everything that they read or hear about. It is not always true. I was watching a News article on television awhile ago and before the translator started to speak for an Iraqi man I picked up a bit of what he was saying. When the translator translated his story it was not the same as what the Iraqi man had said at all. I was annoyed at this and although I am not fully fluent in Arabic, I am able to pick up a few things here and there.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Saudi Arabia?

    Read reviews about Saudi Arabia Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Hajj (Pilgrim)
  • Tip Rating:
  • redeagle
  • By redeagle on December 31, 2003
  • Saudi Arabia Page by redeagle
  • Jamarat in Mina - Saudi Arabia
    Jamarat in Mina
    by redeagle
    ok, dont get me wrong,,this is not a tourist trap definitly, but this is what most tourists in saudi arabia come from..over 2 million people come each year to spend two weeks performing their pilgrim in Makkah, Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifa, this picture of pilgrims throwing small stones in "Jamarat" in Mina as part of their hajj

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Negotiate with taxi drivers
  • Tip Rating:
  • Manyana
  • By Manyana on May 17, 2005
  • Saudi Arabia Page by Manyana
  • traffic and horizon,a - Saudi Arabia
    traffic and horizon,a
    by Manyana
    Taxi drivers are smart and can tell that you're new to the country. So they'd might drive you around and around until you reach your destination. So they'd claim, 'it's been a long journey', and then claim it to be worth SR70-SR100.

    Don't get deceived. Journeys start from SR10 and above. The longest ever within the city might cost up to SR60.
    So always negotiate with the driver upon the price before you get on the car

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    NONE. There is no such thing...
  • Tip Rating:
  • hjohnso4
  • By hjohnso4 on August 26, 2002
  • Saudi Arabia Page by hjohnso4
  • NONE. There is no such thing as a Tourist visa for Saudi America, though there are rumors of change. If you are working in the Kingdom however, the shoddiest 'traditional' trash you can find are framed, 'beduoin' knives. About as antique as a bic lighter, they are generally made from the cheapest metal, spraytpainted silver or wrapped in foil.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    DO NOT G OTO chop-chop square...
  • Tip Rating:
  • By Vilhelm on August 24, 2002
  • Saudi Arabia Page by Vilhelm
  • DO NOT G OTO chop-chop square on Thursdays!!! Unless you are interested in seeing people loose their heads and hands. If you are a foreigner do not be surprised to be invited to the front of the crowd to watch. (More for everyones else enjoyment rather than your own) You will be forced to sit throught the whole event. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Saudi Arabia?

    Read reviews about Saudi Arabia Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    In general, Saudi Arabia is a...
  • Tip Rating:
  • By Romanchik on August 24, 2002
  • Saudi Arabia Page by Romanchik
  • In general, Saudi Arabia is a very safe place around a clock.
    No drugs, no alcohol, no robbery.
    But due to strict Islamic norms of life you have to be very respectfull to Muslims customs. Five times a day the people are praying, within this time every public places are close for 15-20 minutes.
    Try to avoid the awaiting the untill prays end in the streets or squares, do it in the shopping centre. Because the religious police sometimes catch and imprison the people which are not praying. One time I and my partner waiting pray end in the city center siting on a bench, around us was 150-200 expatriates waiting the same. Suddenly the religious police is jumping from their 'Jeeps' and everybody are running out but we were surprised and shocked and stay where we are. After few seconds the square become empty, only we. But this police look at us, see we are europeans and went out.
    Don't even think to meet with Saudi girls, some of them have an open face and they are very beautifull. But don't even think about them.

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    More Saudi Arabia Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 27 - Photos: 19
    Things To Do
    Tips: 179 - Photos: 163
    Nightlife
    Tips: 25 - Photos: 10
    Transportation
    Tips: 31 - Photos: 16
    Restaurants
    Tips: 51 - Photos: 28
    Shopping
    Tips: 17 - Photos: 19
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 31 - Photos: 29
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 3
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 54 - Photos: 25
    Local Customs
    Tips: 106 - Photos: 83
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 15 - Photos: 4
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 4
    General Tips
    Tips: 230 - Photos: 205

    Best Saudi Arabia Travel Deals

    Luxury Hotels Dubai
    Book your luxury hotel stay in your favourite destination from $490

    Hotels in Saudi Arabia
    Experience a hassle-free hotel stay Book Holiday Inn online now!

    Cheap Saudi Arabia Hotels
    Save Time & Money With Easy Booking & Great Deals. Search Bing ™ Travel

    Dubai Hotels
    Find the Perfect Hotel! Book Online for the Lowest Prices Guaranteed.

    15 Hotels in Jeddah
    Book your Hotel in Jeddah online. No reservation costs. Great rates!

    Sponsored Links

    More Saudi Arabia Travel Deals

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
    Book Your Jeddah Hotel at Expedia Save with Our Best Price Guarantee.

    Riyadh Hotels
    Find Rooms at Top Hotels - Cheap with Orbitz Low Price Guarantee!

    Dubai Hotels
    Up to 70% Off Top Dubai Hotels. Prices Include Breakfast & Taxes!

    Sponsored Links





    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.