General Umrah and Hajj tips

General Travel Tips

• Make copies of your passport and try and certify them if possible. Keep it in your bag incase originals get lost. Keep scanned copies on your phone (or Dropbox)

• Give a copy of your tickets, itenary and passport to a relative or friend back home so they can assist incase of an emergency

• Check you itenary again and confirm against a calendar one more time before you leave. Just incase. Download skyscanner or other apps to your phone to check flight delays or updates

• Do an online check in (if possible) 24 hours before the flight to choose your seats. If possible get your agent to choose good seats at booking. 

• Choose your airline meals when booking the flight. You will not be able to do this close to the flight

• Ensure you go to the correct airport in Jeddah (especially if using your own taxi) as there are different airports for Saudi vs other airlines

• In Makkah the roads around the haram are often closed off especially during salalaah and Jummah times (early on Friday). If you need to get to the airport take this into consideration. If possible avoid any travel in the holy cities on a Friday!

• It may help to register with the airine loylaty program to benefit from additional benefits etc. (Voyager, al fursaan etc)

• Shopping is generally cheaper a few streets further away from the harams or on outlying areas (Azizia etc)

• Sunglasses  to the Haram (white marble reflection during the day) is a good idea. Alternatively use a scarf

• Saudi simcards can be an issue to get. Try and get it at the airport. You will need your passport. Also remember to get the simcard ID as you will need it everytime you recharge

• WIFI in many hotels are free. Check with the reception

• Know you medical aid/travel insurance rules for international cover

• If you plan on using your bank card overseas, ensure you have activated it for overseas use with your bank before you travel

• Know the hand luggage rules regarding liquids. Generally maximum 50ml liquid in clear bottle. Important for medication

• Many Quran apps are available on your cellphone. Download one if you prefer to have ease of reading/following where you stopped.

• Make a note of important numbers such as Embassy, emergency evacuation, travel agent, your bank, etc

• Most hotels do not have any cutlery. If you plan on eating in the room take the basics with you (plates, mugs, spoons, Tea/sugar etc). 

• If you have a meal plan at your hotel- check the times these meals are offered. Its may co incide with your sleep time :)

• Packing an extra set of clothes in your hand luggage is a great idea, if not a must

• Don’t forget to prepare your traveller's will to take with you.

• Know your airline luggage rules - carry along a light weigh bag scale to ensure your not overweight.