Travel Money Guides

Travel Money in Oman

Written by Chloe Stevens | 18 Nov 2019

What is the local currency in Oman?

The local currency is Omani Rial. One Omani Rial is worth approximately 45pence.

 

History of the Omani Rial

  • Until 1940, the Indian rupee and the Maria Theresa thaler (known locally as the rial) were the main currencies circulating in Muscat and Oman, as the state was then known, with Indian rupees circulating on the coast and thaler in the interior. 
  • In 1940, coins were introduced for use in Dhofar, followed, in 1946, by coins for use in Oman. Both coinages were denominated in baisa (equivalent to the paisa), with 200 baisa = 1 rial.
  • From 1959, the Indian rupee and Gulf rupee continued to circulate.
  • On 6 June 1966, India devalued the Gulf rupee against the Indian rupee. Following the devaluation, several of the states still using the Gulf rupee adopted their own currencies. Oman continued to use the Gulf rupee until 1970, when it adopted the rial Saidi. It was equal to the British pound sterling and 1 rial Saidi = 21 Gulf rupees. The rial Saidi was subdivided into 1000 baisa. The Omani rial replaced the rial Saidi at par in 1973. 

 

Tipping in the UAE

Tipping is accepted in the UAE but not as a general rule. It tends to relate to good service in hotel and restaurant but is discouraged in bars and on guided tours. Its normal to tip between 15-20% in a restaurant and to leave a tip of equivalent to between £1 and £10 in local currency as a tip in hotels.

View our tipping guide for help on tipping abroad: Caxton tipping guide

 

Using cash in Oman

When travelling, our experts would recommend always bringing a small amount of cash with you on every trip, for initial taxi transfers or hotel deposits etc. The rest of your travel money should be put onto a prepaid multi-currency card, for safe and secure spending.

There are several ATM’s on the arrival’s concourse at Muscat airport – provided by both banks and currency exchange companies. Most international banks and money outlets now charge a fee for using ATM machines, as do most card providers.

Taking a travel pre-paid card and a credit card is recommended as Caxton do not charge for international ATM use regardless of sum or number of times, (but check with your card provider about charges.) Use a pre-paid card as you would cash and keep credit cards for reservations. Pay using a pre-paid card when you can as it will save you money and as it is not linked to your bank card, it is ultimately more secure.

Take your bank card details but be wary of using a bank card. Tell your bank you are travelling before you go so as not to have your transaction identified as fraudulent but be prepared for fees and high exchange rates.

All major cards are accepted widely in Oman at key tourist hubs.

 

What happens if I have my wallet stolen whilst in Oman?

Oman is known to be a relatively safe country with friendly and helpful people, but this shouldn’t stop you from being head smart. If the majority of your cash is on a prepaid card, this will be automatically protected. However, in case the worse happens, here are the list of major debit/credit card ‘lost and stolen’ numbers:

HSBC/First Direct - +44 1442 422929

Natwest - +44 1268 500 813

Lloyds - +44 1702 278270

Barclays - +44 162 468 4444

Santander +44 1908 237 963

 

What can I do with spare Rials?
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