Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's port city on the Red Sea, more relaxed than Riyadh. Women can travel here without a male guardian, stay in hotels alone, and move around independently. You still need to dress modestly (loose clothing covering shoulders and knees), but abayas aren't required for foreign women. The UNESCO old town of Al-Balad sits next to modern malls and waterfront developments.
• The Corniche runs 30 kilometers along the coast with King Fahd's Fountain (312 meters high, runs most evenings). Northern neighborhoods like Al Rawdah and Al Hamra have newer infrastructure and more English speakers. The Red Sea Mall area gets busy with Saudi families and young people, especially late at night when it's cooler. Some restaurants have separate family and single sections - you'll usually be seated in the family area.
• Saudi Arabia has low crime rates and you'll see police around tourist areas. The cultural adjustment is bigger than the safety concern - no physical contact with strangers (even handshakes can be awkward), modest dress always, and some conservative reactions in less touristy areas. The legal system is different from Western countries, so understand local laws before visiting.
• Uber and Careem work well throughout the city. Public buses run 18 hours daily but ride apps are easier for visitors who don't know the routes. The city functions on a late schedule - nothing much happens during the hot afternoons, then everything picks up from evening through midnight.

Arabic is the main language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, tourist areas, and northern neighborhoods like Al Rawdah and Al Hamra. Emergency services (112) have English-speaking operators available upon request. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem have English interfaces.

• Loose, full-length clothing covering shoulders and knees - this is non-negotiable. Foreign women don't have to wear abayas anymore, but you still need to dress conservatively. Jeddah is more relaxed than other Saudi cities (you'll see different styles in upscale areas), but don't push it. Bring a scarf for mosques or very traditional areas, though you won't need it most places.
• No public displays of affection - not even holding hands. Physical contact with strangers is awkward here, so skip handshakes unless someone offers first. Just nod or smile. Basic Arabic: 'Marhaba' (hello), 'Shukran' (thank you). Restaurants often have family and single sections - women usually get seated in the family section.
• Don't photograph people (especially women) without asking. Government buildings, military sites, and religious sites during prayer are off-limits for photos. Prayer times happen five times daily and some shops close briefly - not all, but enough that you might notice.
• Hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas have English speakers, particularly in northern neighborhoods. Emergency services (112) can get you English operators. Get a local SIM from STC, Mobily, or Zain for data and calls - you'll need it for ride apps. Weekend is Friday-Saturday here, not Saturday-Sunday.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Unified emergency number: 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Uber and Careem are the standard way to get around. Both have English interfaces and reasonable fares. Women use them alone regularly - the apps have trip sharing features if you want someone to track your ride.
• Public buses exist (SAPTCO system with 6 routes, runs 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM) and they have women-only sections, but tourists mostly stick with ride apps. Buses cost 4-6 SAR versus variable Uber pricing. If you don't know the city, the apps are more straightforward.
• Jeddah has no metro. The Haramain High-Speed Railway goes to Mecca and Medina (useful if you're visiting those cities). You can walk along the Corniche and in areas like Al Rawdah during winter months, but you'll need rides to get between neighborhoods since the city is spread out.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Jeddah with local guides and curated experiences.