Money & duty free for Oman
Exchange rates:
Omani RialC$1 = OMR0.29
€1 = OMR0.4
£1 = OMR0.48
US$1 = OMR0.39
Currency & Money
Omani Rial (OMR) = 1,000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OMR50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10 and 5 baiza.
All major credit cards are accepted here, including to a lesser extent American Express. ATMs are widely available throughout the county.
Travellers should be wary of using traveller's cheques in Oman as they are difficult to exchange. International hotel chains are more likely to accept them, but smaller hotels, shops and banks are likely to refuse. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding OMR6,000 or equivalent must be declared by all travellers. Monetary instruments and precious belongings can be declared online.
Oman duty free
The following items may be imported into Oman without incurring customs duty:
• Up to 2L of wine and 48 cans of beer (non-Muslims over the age of 21 only).
• 400 cigarettes (over the age of 21).
• Electronic goods and household appliances in non-commercial quantities.
• Gifts with a value of up to OMR300.
Meat products officially require an Islamic slaughter certificate and import licence. Medicines in their original packaging and with the original label should be accompanied by a prescription or medical certificate. Certain medicines may be illegal in Oman and may be treated as narcotics, so you should check with your nearest embassy before you go.
Please note: The customs declaration can be made online.
The import and use of narcotics and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. There are severe penalties for drug offences including, in some cases, the death penalty. 'Soft' drugs are treated as seriously as 'hard' drugs. The possession of small quantities of cannabis can lead to a 12-month prison sentence and deportation.
The list of banned imports also includes leaves, flowers, seeds and stems of cannabis, raw or prepared opium, weapons, firearms and ammunition, fireworks, and alcoholic drinks (unless you are a non-Muslim).
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