First Time Going Abroad for Umrah? A Complete Guide You Should Know

Stepping foot abroad for the very first time is a thrilling experience, even more so when your maiden trip is to perform the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah in the Holy Land. Feeling nervous, afraid of making mistakes, or confused by airport procedures is completely natural and normal.

Rest assured, there is no need to panic. With thoughtful preparation, your worship journey in Makkah and Madinah will feel peaceful, comfortable, and full of devotion.

Here is a practical, step-by-step guide for first-time overseas travelers heading for Umrah, complete with tips on managing your finances and making cashless payments in Saudi Arabia using your Jago or Jago Syariah debit card.

1. Essential Preparations: What to Handle Before You Go

Before thinking about anything else, make sure you finalize these most vital items well in advance:

• Original Passport with a Safe Validity Period: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.
• Umrah Visa & Health Requirements: Ensure your Umrah visa documents are fully processed. Complete all health requirements as well, such as the meningitis vaccination according to government regulations.
• Internet & Communication Access: To stay connected with family and your group leader (mutawwif), you can purchase an international roaming data package in Indonesia.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather forecast for Makkah and Madinah. Pack enough ihram garments for men, modest Islamic attire (syar'i) for women, as well as skin moisturizer and lip balm to counter the dry weather.

2. Managing & Saving Your Umrah Fund with the Jago/Jago Syariah Pockets

 

 

 

 

 

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To keep your Umrah finances neatly organized without disrupting your daily household expenses, you can use the Pocket feature.

Create an Umrah Preparation Pocket to hold all your pilgrimage funds. This Pocket can later be linked directly to your Jago or Jago Syariah Debit Card. That way, every transaction you make in Saudi Arabia will automatically deduct funds from your Umrah Preparation Pocket.

Tips for saving your Umrah fund

1. Create an Umrah Preparation Pocket: Open the application, select Create Pocket, and set up an Umrah Preparation Pocket.
2. 0% Interest for Peace of Mind: For Jago users, the Umrah Preparation Pocket is specially designed as a 0% interest Pocket to keep your sacred funds pure. For Jago Syariah users, savings are managed under Wadiah Yad Dhamanah akad, just like your other Spending and Saving Pockets.
3. Enable Auto-Budgeting: Set a savings target and an automatic monthly transfer date so your Umrah savings grow consistently over time.

3. How to Link Your Jago/Jago Syariah Debit Card to Your Umrah Pocket

While in Saudi Arabia, you won't need to hassle with converting large amounts of rupiah into Saudi riyals at money changers. Your Jago/Jago Syariah Visa Debit Card can be used directly for international transactions.

How to activate your card before departure

1. Open the application.
2. Go to the Cards menu and select your physical Visa debit card.
3. Select Link Pocket, then choose your Umrah Preparation Pocket.
4. Make sure the International Payments feature is switched ON.
5. Set your daily transaction limit based on your estimated spending to keep your budget under control.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Transacting in Saudi Arabia Using Your Jago/Jago Syariah Card

Using your Jago/Jago Syariah Visa Debit Card in Saudi Arabia is incredibly convenient. The system automatically converts transactions priced in Saudi Riyals (SAR) from your Rupiah balance in your Umrah Preparation Pocket.

Example 1: Buying High-Speed Train Tickets (Makkah – Madinah)

The Haramain High Speed Railway is the preferred mode of transportation to travel between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

• Online Purchase via Haramain App / Website:
1. Open the official Haramain High Speed Railway app or website.
2. Select your route (e.g., Makkah Railway Station to Madinah Railway Station), date, and seat class. Enter any required details.
3. On the payment page, select Credit/Debit Card (Visa).
4. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV code (viewable in your app).
5. Verify the payment to complete your booking.
• Direct Purchase at Station Machines:
1. Select your ticket on the self-service screen at the station.
2. Choose a debit card as your payment method.
3. Insert your Jago / Jago Syariah debit card into the card reader, or tap it on the contactless sensor.
4. Enter your card PIN if prompted.

Example 2: Shopping for Souvenirs & Essentials at Supermarkets

Major supermarkets around Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi support Visa card payments.

• Transaction Steps:
1. Pick out your items (such as dates, prayer mats, Zamzam water, or snacks).
2. At the checkout counter, tell the cashier you wish to pay by Card.
3. If your total supports contactless payment: Simply tap your Jago/Jago Syariah Debit Card on the POS screen until you hear a beep.
4. For larger amounts: Insert (dip) your debit card into the machine and enter your PIN.
5. Request your receipt and check real-time debit notifications directly in your application.

Example 3: Paying for Meals at Restaurants or Cafes

Many fast-food chains and local eateries in Makkah and Madinah are equipped with modern POS terminals.

• Transaction Steps:
1. Order your meal at the counter or self-service kiosk.
2. Show your card to the cashier.
3. Tap your card on the payment terminal.
4. The transaction is complete in seconds, no need to worry about holding onto loose physical change.

FAQ About Transactions in Saudi Arabia

1. Do I still need to bring cash Riyals from home?

Bringing a small amount of cash Riyals (around 200–500 SAR) is recommended for small emergencies, such as giving sadaqah in mosque donation boxes or buying from street vendors. For daily shopping, dining, and transit, you can fully rely on your Jago/Jago Syariah Debit Card.

2. What if my Jago/Jago Syariah Card gets lost in Makkah or Madinah?

Don't panic. You can instantly lock your card by going to the Cards menu in the application and selecting Block Card.

3. Can I use myJago/Jago Syariah debit card to withdraw cash at ATMs in Saudi Arabia?

Yes! You can withdraw Saudi Riyal banknotes at any ATM displaying the Visa logo throughout Makkah, Madinah, and the airports.