Oman (OM)
Oman is one of the most welcoming and stable expat destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique blend of ancient Arabian heritage, dramatic natural landscapes, and a rapidly modernising economy.
Currency & Money
Practical money tips for living in Oman.
Denominations
Notes: 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 OMR and 500 baisa. Coins: 50, 25, 10, 5 baisa. 1 OMR = 1000 baisa. The rial is subdivided into 1000 baisa, making it one of the highest-valued currency units in the world.
Payment Culture
Cash remains king outside of malls and major supermarkets. Smaller restaurants, local souqs, and taxis often prefer cash. Debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at malls, hotels, and chain outlets. Contactless payments are growing in Muscat but rare in rural areas. Always carry small denominations of cash for daily transactions.
ATM Tips
ATMs are widely available in Muscat and major towns (BankMuscat, HSBC, Standard Chartered, NBO). Most ATMs dispense OMR 10 and OMR 20 notes. International debit/credit cards work at most ATMs. Inform your home bank before arrival to avoid card blocks. Fees may apply for foreign cards — check with your provider.
Exchange Tips
The Omani Rial is pegged to the USD at a fixed rate of 0.385 OMR per 1 USD (1 OMR ≈ 2.60 USD). This peg means exchange rates are stable and predictable. Use Wise or Revolut to send money internationally — they offer far better rates than local banks. Local licensed exchange houses (e.g., Al Fardan Exchange, Lari Exchange) in Muscat offer competitive rates for USD, EUR, GBP, and Indian Rupee. Avoid exchanging at the airport, where rates are worse.
Pro tip: Best apps for expats
- • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
- • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
- • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents