If you've been keeping an eye on the SAR to TND rate lately, you know it's a bit of a rollercoaster. Honestly, trying to time the exchange between the Saudi Riyal and the Tunisian Dinar feels like trying to catch a falling knife sometimes. One day you're getting a decent return for your riyals, and the next, the Dinar strengthens just enough to make you wish you’d sent that transfer yesterday.
As of today, January 18, 2026, the market is showing some interesting movement. We are looking at a rate hovering around 0.7736. Basically, 1 Saudi Riyal gets you about 0.77 Tunisian Dinars.
But here’s the thing: that number you see on Google? It’s the mid-market rate. It’s what banks use to trade with each other. It’s definitely not what you’re going to get at a kiosk in a mall in Riyadh or through a standard bank transfer.
The Reality of the SAR to TND Rate Right Now
The SAR is pegged to the US Dollar ($1 = 3.75 SAR$). This means the Riyal is incredibly stable on the global stage. The Tunisian Dinar, however, is a different story. It’s a "managed float," meaning the Central Bank of Tunisia steps in to keep things from getting too wild.
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Because the TND is tied to a basket of currencies (mostly the Euro and the Dollar), any shift in the Eurozone or US interest rates ripples through to the SAR to TND rate.
Look at the trend over the last year. Back in early 2025, we saw rates as high as 0.8545. Since then, it’s been a steady slide. We hit some lows near 0.7625 in late 2025. Now, in the first few weeks of 2026, we're seeing a slight correction. It’s hovering in that 0.77 range.
Why does this matter? Well, if you’re an expat sending 5,000 SAR home, a difference of 0.05 in the rate is 250 TND. That’s not pocket change. That’s a grocery bill.
Why the Dinar is Acting This Way
Tunisia’s economy has been through the wringer. Inflation is the big ghost in the room. When inflation in Tunis stays high, the purchasing power of the Dinar drops, and the Central Bank usually has to let the currency devalue slightly to stay competitive.
On the flip side, Saudi Arabia is currently flush with "Vision 2030" momentum. The Riyal is backed by massive reserves. When you pair a rock-solid currency (SAR) with a struggling one (TND), the Riyal almost always has the upper hand in the long run.
The Hidden Fees You're Probably Paying
Most people focus on the SAR to TND rate and forget about the "spread."
The spread is the difference between the "buy" and "sell" price.
- Banks: Usually the worst. They might offer you a rate of 0.74 when the market is at 0.77. That’s a 3% hidden fee right there.
- Western Union/MoneyGram: Great for cash pickup, but the exchange rate is often "padded."
- Digital Apps (Remitly, Moneycorp): These are usually your best bet for the closest thing to the real rate.
I’ve seen people lose hundreds of Dinars just because they went to a physical exchange house instead of using an app. Kinda crazy when you think about it.
How to Get the Best SAR to TND Rate
You can’t control the global economy, but you can control where you click. If you’re sending money from Saudi to Tunisia, don't just walk into the first bank you see.
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Honestly, the "cheapest" way is rarely the fastest.
Moneycorp has been a top performer lately, often beating out the competition on the total cost (fees + exchange rate). Over the last few months, the total cost for a SAR-TND transfer has averaged about 3.6% of the total amount. If you’re paying more than 4%, you’re getting fleeced.
Strategies for 2026
- Watch the 0.78 Resistance: Historically, when the rate hits 0.78, it tends to bounce back down. If you see it hit 0.78 or 0.79, that’s usually a "buy" signal for Dinars.
- Use Limit Orders: Some platforms like Wise or specialized brokers let you set a target rate. You can say, "Only send my money if the rate hits 0.785." It’s a set-it-and-forget-it way to beat the market.
- Check the "First Transfer" Promos: Apps like MoneyGram often give you a killer rate for your very first transaction. It’s worth hopping between apps once in a while to snag those deals.
What to Expect for the Rest of 2026
The forecast is... messy.
Most analysts suggest the TND will continue to face downward pressure. Tunisia’s debt levels are high, and unless there’s a massive surge in tourism or phosphate exports, the Dinar isn't going to suddenly become a powerhouse.
For those holding Riyals, this is actually good news. Your SAR will likely buy more TND in six months than it does today. We might see the rate drift back toward the 0.80 mark if Tunisian inflation doesn't cool down.
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Actionable Steps to Take Today
Stop checking the rate every hour. It’ll drive you nuts.
Instead, do this:
- Compare at least two providers. Use a tool like Monito to see who is winning the price war today.
- Send larger amounts less often. Fixed fees (like a 15 SAR flat fee) eat into small transfers much more than large ones. Sending 5,000 SAR once is cheaper than sending 1,000 SAR five times.
- Verify the recipient method. Bank deposits in Tunisia are usually cheaper but can take 2-3 days. Cash pickup is instant but costs more. Choose based on how "emergency" the situation is.
The SAR to TND rate is a tool. Use it wisely, and you'll keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs—in your pocket or with your family.