Oman — Shopping
Shopping
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 centerd 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 hours: Sat-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
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.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
All major credit cards are accepted here, including to a lesser extent American Express. ATMs are widely available throughout the county.
Travelers Checks
Easily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Banking Hours
Sat-Wed 0800-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 0.61 OMR |
| 1.00 USD = 0.38 OMR |
| 1.00 EUR = 0.54 OMR |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
