Throughout the past twenty-five years, PayPal has continued to be an immensely reliable and valuable online payment service used internationally. For users, it offers the unique capability of swiftly and easily sending and receiving payments, shopping online safely, and managing e-commerce businesses around the globe.
Nevertheless, residents in Saudi Arabia tend to have uncertainty about whether they can open and verify a PayPal account based on the country’s strict regulations concerning finances and related business practices.
The positive news is that—yes!—PayPal is accessible to Saudi Arabian customers.
In this guide, Asmar Azam Khan from HoorInfoPro will guide you on important information to know about creating and verifying a PayPal account in Saudi Arabia, including registration requirements, the steps to open an account, verification methods, and common challenges encountered (and solutions) that users face on PayPal.
1. Understanding PayPal in Saudi Arabia (2025 Update)
PayPal operates in over 200 countries, including Saudi Arabia. However, there are some limitations depending on your account type and the bank you use.
In Saudi Arabia, users can:
- Create a PayPal account using their Saudi email address.
- Link a debit or credit card issued by a local bank.
- Make online purchases from international websites.
- Send money to other PayPal users globally.
However, receiving money into your PayPal account can sometimes be limited based on your account verification level and the bank you connect.
Key Point:
To fully enjoy all PayPal features, your account must be verified—which we’ll cover in detail later in this article.
2. Why You Should Use PayPal in Saudi Arabia
Using PayPal in Saudi Arabia brings a lot of convenience, especially for freelancers, online shoppers, and small business owners.
Main Benefits:
- Global Acceptance: Accepted on thousands of international websites.
- Secure Payments: PayPal protects your financial data through advanced encryption.
- Easy Refunds: You can dispute unauthorized transactions.
- Fast Transfers: Send and receive money within seconds.
- Multiple Currencies: PayPal supports SAR, USD, EUR, and more.
Whether you’re buying from Amazon, eBay, or AliExpress, or working with clients abroad, PayPal makes online transactions safe and smooth.
3. Requirements to Create a PayPal Account in Saudi Arabia
Before starting the registration process, make sure you have the following:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Email Address | Use a personal or business email that you can verify. |
| National ID / Iqama | For identity verification if requested. |
| Saudi Mobile Number | Required for two-step authentication. |
| Debit/Credit Card | Must support online transactions (Visa, MasterCard). |
| Bank Account (Optional) | For withdrawals or deposits. |
Having all these items ready will make the sign-up and verification process smooth and quick.
4. How to Create a PayPal Account in Saudi Arabia
Follow these simple steps to set up your account:
Step 1: Visit the Official PayPal Website
Go to www.paypal.com/sa (the Saudi Arabia version of PayPal).
Step 2: Choose Account Type
You’ll be asked to select between:
- Personal Account (best for online shopping and freelancers)
- Business Account (best for merchants and e-commerce stores)
For most individuals, a personal account is sufficient.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
Fill in the required information:
- Full name (as on your ID or bank card)
- Email address
- Strong password
Click “Next.”
Step 4: Add Your Address and Mobile Number
Enter your Saudi address, city, postal code, and phone number. PayPal will send a verification code via SMS.
Step 5: Confirm Your Email
You’ll receive a confirmation link in your email. Click it to verify your PayPal account.
Once confirmed, your PayPal account will be successfully created.
5. Linking a Debit or Credit Card
To start making payments or verifying your account, you need to link a valid card.
How to Link Your Card:
- Log into your PayPal account.
- Click “Wallet” at the top menu.
- Select “Link a Card.”
- Enter your card details—card number, expiry date, and CVV.
- Click “Link Card.”
PayPal will make a temporary small charge (around $1 USD or 5 SAR) to confirm your card. This amount will be refunded later.
6. How to Verify Your PayPal Account in Saudi Arabia
Verification is crucial because it unlocks your account’s full potential.
Here’s how you can verify it:
Step 1: Log In to Your Account
Go to your PayPal Dashboard and click on “Get Verified.”
Step 2: Verify Your Email and Mobile
Make sure your email and phone number are verified.
Step 3: Confirm Your Linked Card
- PayPal will charge your card with a small amount.
- The transaction details will include a 4-digit PayPal code (e.g., PP*1234CODE).
- Enter this code on PayPal to confirm your card.
Once confirmed, your account will show a “Verified” badge.
7. Banks and Cards Compatible with PayPal in Saudi Arabia
Not all banks in Saudi Arabia support PayPal transactions. Here are the most compatible ones in 2025:
| Bank Name | Supported Card Type | PayPal Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Al Rajhi Bank | Visa/MasterCard | ✅ Works for payments & linking |
| SABB (Saudi British Bank) | Visa/MasterCard | ✅ Works for verification |
| NCB (National Commercial Bank) | Visa | ✅ Works for payments |
| Riyad Bank | MasterCard | ✅ Works for shopping |
| ANB (Arab National Bank) | Visa | ✅ Works for withdrawals |
| SNB (Saudi National Bank) | Visa | ✅ Works smoothly |
Tip: Always enable international transactions in your banking app before linking your card to PayPal.
8. How to Add a Bank Account (Optional)
While not mandatory, linking your Saudi bank account allows you to withdraw funds from PayPal.
Steps to Add Bank Account:
- Go to “Wallet.”
- Click “Link a Bank Account.”
- Enter your IBAN and bank name.
- Confirm and save changes.
Note: Withdrawals to Saudi banks can take 3–5 business days.
9. How to Receive Money on PayPal in Saudi Arabia
Receiving payments works similarly to other countries.
To Receive Money:
- Share your PayPal email address with the sender.
- Once they send funds, you’ll get an instant email notification.
- The amount will appear in your PayPal balance.
You can then use it for online purchases or withdraw to your linked bank account.
10. Common Issues When Creating a PayPal Account in Saudi Arabia
| Issue | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t link card | Bank restrictions | Contact bank to enable online payments |
| Verification failed | Incorrect details | Ensure your name matches your card |
| Payment declined | Card not activated for international use | Enable international transactions |
| Unable to receive funds | Limited account type | Verify your account or upgrade to a business account |
Always make sure your PayPal name matches your bank/card name exactly to avoid rejections.
11. PayPal Fees in Saudi Arabia
PayPal is mostly free for account creation and purchases, but fees apply for business transactions or currency conversions.
| Transaction Type | Fee (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Sending money (same currency) | Free |
| Currency conversion | 2.5% – 4% |
| Receiving international payments | 3.4% + fixed fee |
| Withdrawal to bank | Free (for most banks) |
| Refunds | Free within PayPal policies |
Always review your transaction summary before confirming payments.
12. PayPal Alternatives in Saudi Arabia (If You Face Issues)
While PayPal is the global leader, a few alternatives exist in Saudi Arabia for digital payments and international transfers:
| Platform | Use Case | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Wise (TransferWise) | Global money transfers | ✅ Active in KSA |
| Skrill | Freelance payments | ✅ Available |
| Payoneer | Business payments | ✅ Supports Saudi accounts |
| Apple Pay / STC Pay | Local digital wallets | ✅ For domestic use |
These can serve as backup options if your PayPal account faces regional limitations.
13. Security Tips for PayPal Users in Saudi Arabia
At HoorInfoPro, I, Asmar Azam Khan, always stress online safety. When using PayPal, follow these steps:
- Enable two-step verification via SMS or app.
- Never share your password or OTP with anyone.
- Use a strong, unique password.
- Always access PayPal via the official website or app.
- Check your transaction history regularly.
These measures protect you from phishing scams and unauthorized access.
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is PayPal available in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
Yes, PayPal fully operates in Saudi Arabia, allowing users to send, receive, and withdraw money securely.
2. Can I withdraw PayPal funds to my Saudi bank account?
Yes, but your account must be verified, and your bank must support PayPal transactions.
3. How do I verify my PayPal account in Saudi Arabia?
Link your debit or credit card, confirm it using the PayPal 4-digit code, and verify your email and phone number.
4. Can I use PayPal for online shopping in Saudi Arabia?
Absolutely. PayPal works with Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and most global retailers.
5. What if my Saudi bank card is not linking to PayPal?
Contact your bank to activate online and international transactions, or try using another Visa/MasterCard.
15. Final Thoughts
Creating and verifying a PayPal account in Saudi Arabia in 2025 is simple if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re a freelancer, business owner, or online shopper, PayPal offers safe, fast, and reliable financial transactions worldwide.
At HoorInfoPro, I, Asmar Azam Khan, encourage everyone in Saudi Arabia to use PayPal responsibly—it’s your gateway to global e-commerce and digital finance.
So, take a few minutes, create your account, verify it properly, and unlock the world of international online payments!
Written by: Asmar Azam Khan
Website: HoorInfoPro
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