Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The country’s booming international trade, friendly taxation, employment opportunities, and hospitality make Saudi Arabia a growing destination for digital nomads, businesspeople, and professionals (including healthcare workers and footballers).

This teeming population often require transacting in British pounds (GBP). Unfortunately, they have to deal with poor exchange rates, high fees, stressful paperwork, and forced conversions to Saudi riyal (SAR).

Whether you’re an expat, a remote worker with international clients, or just receiving money from friends or family in the UK, you want a fast, affordable, and flexible international payment solution like Grey.

This guide breaks down all the best options so you can confidently choose how to receive GBP in Saudi Arabia.

Also read: How to get an instant USD debit card in Saudi Arabia

Top things to consider before choosing a GBP transfer method

Here are the most important factors that influence how you receive GBP in Saudi Arabia:

• Exchange rates: Mid-market rates save you more money than inflated bank rates.
• Transfer fees: Low or no fees are better, and watch for hidden markups.
• Currency conversion: Some platforms let you hold GBP instead of forcing SAR conversion.
• Transfer speed: Immediate payments are ideal for urgent needs.
• Withdrawal options: Can you withdraw in SAR to your Saudi bank account?
• Licensing and security: Stick to regulated platforms only with a robust security infrastructure.

Best ways to receive British pounds in Saudi Arabia

Now that you know what to look out for, we curated some great platforms for you to choose from to receive GBP in Saudi.

1. Grey — Best multi-currency account for GBP transactions in Saudi Arabia

Grey provides a digital solution that offers international payments, including GBP transactions, in Saudi Arabia. Grey offers virtual accounts in multiple currencies, including GBP, allowing users to receive payments from global clients and platforms. Users can open virtual accounts in USD, EUR, and GBP from Saudi and share their details to receive money from anywhere.

How it works:

Users can create a Grey account, complete identity verification (KYC), and request foreign currency accounts (including GBP). Once the GBP account is set up, they can share their account details with clients or platforms to receive payments directly.

Why choose Grey:

• Free UK GBP account
• Save in GBP
• Fast onboarding and mobile-friendly
• Robust security infrastructure

2. Remitly

Remitly supports GBP to SAR transfers into local bank accounts. It also offers cash delivery to Saudi bank accounts and home delivery in some cities. The sender can fund their Remitly account with GBP and send to your local Saudi bank account. You will receive the money in SAR at low fees and competitive exchange rates.

3. Payoneer

Payoneer gives you access to a UK receiving account for GBP, which is especially useful if you work with freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour. You can then withdraw to your Saudi account in SAR. ****The downsides of Payoneer include higher withdrawal and conversion fees and slow processing speed for direct client payments.

4. Western Union

Western Union allows senders to send GBP, which you can pick up as SAR at agent locations across Saudi Arabia. It doesn’t require a bank account, and Saudi has many pickup locations. The fees are, however, high, and you can only receive cash in SAR. The sender doesn’t have to visit a physical Western Union location, as they offer online transfers.

5. MoneyGram

MoneyGram is another cash pickup service that allows UK senders to send GBP for cash pickup in Saudi Arabia. It is fast and easily accessible across Saudi cities. MoneyGram will enable users to send money from the UK to Saudi Arabia online via their website, mobile app or agent locations. With flexible payment options, senders can use a bank transfer, debit card, or credit card to fund the transfer. The recipient in Saudi Arabia can receive the money as a bank deposit or as cash at a MoneyGram agent location.

6. Wise

Wise lets you open a multi-currency account, including GBP. You get real UK bank details and can hold your GBP balance or convert it to SAR at the mid-market rate. Wise offers transparent and low fees

7. Skrill

Skrill allows you to receive GBP from UK-based platforms or users. You can hold GBP or transfer to your Saudi bank account. Skrill-to-Skrill transfers are even more seamless and swift. However, account verification could be somewhat strict.

8. Saudi banks (via SWIFT transfer)

You can receive GBP directly into your Saudi bank account via SWIFT. Banks like Al Rajhi, SNB (National Bank), Riyad Bank, and SABB all support GBP receipts.

What you need:

• IBAN
• SWIFT/BIC code
• Sender pays international wire fees

The downsides of traditional banks include high fees, delays, and paperwork. It is, however, an excellent option for large payments or when legally required.

Also read: The best international bank accounts for freelancers and remote workers

How to get started with Grey (recommended)

Grey offers a user-friendly platform for managing multiple currencies. By following these steps, you can sign up and get your GBP account within minutes.

1. Create an account on Grey’s website or by downloading the mobile app.
2. Verify your identity with your ID, proof of address and selfie

Tip: If you are experiencing challenges with your verification, check out Grey’s guide on solving KYC challenges.

1. Activate your GBP wallet and get virtual UK account details
2. Share with sender (client, employer, or family)
3. Receive and hold GBP

Seamless international transactions with Grey

You can now be less bothered by delayed transactions, unfavourable conversion rates, hidden fees, extensive paperwork and high transaction charges.

Grey simplifies cross-border payments, offers competitive exchange rates, and allows easy currency conversion. You will receive a UK virtual account number and sort code, making it seamless to collect GBP from clients, employers, or platforms.

Open a Grey account today and simplify your GBP transactions.

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