The newly expanded Muscat City Center mall boasts over 140 shops, with many designer goods for sale. Other malls include Markaz Al-Bahjah and the Lulu complexes. More modern shops are centered around Shatti Al-Qurum. Qurum itself was hit badly by the 2007 cyclone Gonu, and may take some time to return to full capacity. The two main traditional
souks (markets) are located in Muttrah and Nizwa, although most towns have a souk of some description. Traditional crafts include silver and gold jewelry,
khanjars (Omani daggers), coffeepots, saddles, frankincense (the sap of a tree
that grows in Dhofar in the south of Oman), handwoven textiles, goat hair carpets, baskets and camel straps. Antique khanjars (over 50 years old) may not be exported. It is wise to check with the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for the necessary documentation before purchasing.
Shopping hoursSat-Thurs 0800-1300 and 1600-2000. Souks open 0800-1100 and 1600-1900. Many shops close on Friday. Opening hours vary during Ramadan with many shops closing all afternoon but opening until late (about 1000) in the evening.
Currency Information:CurrencyOmani 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.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAll major credit cards are accepted here, including to a lesser extent American Express. ATMs are widely available throughout the county.
Traveller's ChequesEasily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursSat-Wed 0800-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | OMR0.57 |
| $1.00= | OMR0.38 |
| €1.00= | OMR0.52 |
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