Oman is an Arabian jewel combining ancient forts, pristine wadis, and dramatic desert landscapes. From the bustling souqs of Muscat to the frankincense trails of Salalah, this sultanate offers authentic Arabian experiences with world-class hospitality.
Local currency: Omani Rial (OMR) — 1 OMR = approximately $2.60 USD. One of the world's highest-valued currencies. Divided into 1000 baisa..
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Oman.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- OMR 7-12 (hostel dorm, limited options)
- Budget
- OMR 15-25 (budget hotel/guesthouse)
- Midrange
- OMR 45-80 (3-star hotel)
- Luxury
- OMR 120-400+ (5-star resort)
Food
- Street
- OMR 1-2 (Indian canteen meal or shawarma)
- Local
- OMR 3-6 (local Omani restaurant)
- Midrange
- OMR 8-18 (international restaurant)
- Fine
- OMR 30-80+ (hotel fine dining)
Transport
- Bus
- OMR 0.5-1 (city Mwasalat bus)
- Taxi
- OMR 3-8 (city taxi ride)
- Airport
- OMR 8-12 (airport to center taxi)
- Daytrip
- OMR 25-50 (rental car day including fuel)
Activities
- Museum
- OMR 1-5 (National Museum, forts)
- Sites
- OMR 5 (most forts and attractions)
- Tour
- OMR 25-50 (day tour from Muscat)
- Excursion
- OMR 40-80 (Wahiba Sands, Musandam)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Oman costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
OMR 250-350/week (hostels, local food, self-driving, free attractions)
Midrange traveller
OMR 600-1000/week (mid-range hotels, mix of eating, some tours)
Luxury traveller
OMR 2000+/week (luxury resorts, fine dining, private tours)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Rent a car rather than taking tours — most Omani attractions are easily self-driven and a rental 4WD costs less than a guided tour for two or more people
Stay in budget hotels in Ruwi or old Muscat rather than tourist areas — quality is decent and prices are 40-60% lower
Eat at Indian and Pakistani canteen restaurants in Ruwi for excellent meals under OMR 2
Buy a local SIM card at the airport (Omantel or Ooredoo) rather than using roaming for considerable savings
Visit forts and museums early morning to avoid joining an expensive guided tour — most have good English signage
Self-cater with supermarket supplies from Lulu Hypermarket or Carrefour for breakfast and packed lunches on wadi days
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Mutrah Corniche Walk
Stroll the beautiful waterfront promenade alongside the harbor watching traditional dhows and enjoying views of Mutrah Fort illuminated at night — completely free and one of Muscat's best experiences.
Al Alam Palace Exterior
View and photograph the Sultan's colorful ceremonial palace flanked by 16th-century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali without any admission charge.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Non-Muslims can enter this architectural masterpiece free of charge Saturday to Thursday mornings until 11 AM, marveling at the world's second-largest carpet.
Qurum Natural Park
Green park with walking paths, paddle boats on the artificial lake, and children's playgrounds — a free family outing popular with Muscat residents on weekends.
Wahiba Sands Desert Viewpoint
Drive to the edge of the Wahiba Sands and walk among the dunes at sunset without paying for a tour — brings your own 4WD and simply explore the desert perimeter.
Mutrah Souq Browsing
Wander the atmospheric covered lanes of Oman's oldest market experiencing the sights, sounds, and aromas for free — purchasing is optional.
Wadi Bani Khalid Swimming
One of Oman's most beautiful wadi swimming spots with year-round water and no admission charge — just bring your own snacks and swimwear.
Muttrah Fort Views
The 16th-century fort offers spectacular 360-degree harbor views and is free to enter, providing some of the best photography vantage points in Muscat.