Money & Currency
Omani Rial (OMR)
The Omani Rial is one of the strongest currencies in the world — pegged to the US dollar: 1 OMR = 2.60 USD ≈ €2.40. This means: The numbers on the price tags look small, but a dinner for "8 OMR" will cost you almost €20.
1 Rial = 1,000 Baisa. Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 Baisa. Notes: 100, 200 Baisa, ½, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 Rial.
Exchanging Money
- ATMs: Everywhere in cities. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Limit usually 200–500 OMR. Fees: 1–2 OMR + your home bank's fees
- Exchange offices: At the airport and in Muscat/Ruwi. The airport rate is fair (due to fixed exchange rate)
- Credit cards: Accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. In local restaurants, souks, and rural areas: cash only!
- Contactless payment: Increasingly common in larger stores and supermarkets
💡 Tipp
Be careful with conversion: One Rial may seem like little, but it's €2.40. A "cheap" dinner for 3 OMR costs €7.20, a hotel room for 40 OMR costs €96. Always keep in mind: OMR × 2.4 = Euro. And: Always have Baisa coins (100 Baisa = 1/10 Rial) for parking fees, juice shops, and tips.
