Is Oman really that expensive?
Before we traveled to Oman, the costs of traveling in Oman was one of the biggest questions we had, and it is a question we get asked a lot by others now. True, Oman is located in the Middle East. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an expensive destination. Of course, Oman isn’t the backpacker heaven like some countries or parts in Asia, but we were pleasantly surprised that our trip turned out to be relatively budget-friendly.
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To be honest, the budget will depend on how you plan your trip. What is great about Oman is that you can adjust your trip to suit your budget. If you’re into luxury resorts and guided tours, Oman is a great destination. But if you’re a lover of camping and self-driven adventures, Oman is a great destination as well. You have plenty of options for every type of traveler. In general, for what we spent, we felt the experiences and beauty of the country was worth every euro.
In this post, we’ll give an overview of the costs of traveling to Oman. We’ll also share some practical tips on how to budget and save along the way. That way, you’ll be able to explore Oman free and independently, without breaking the piggy bank.
Table of Contents
Read more: The 20 best things to do in Oman
Some general budget information for Oman
The currency in Oman
The official currency in Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR). It’s a strong currency: 1 OMR corresponds to 2.60 USD or 2.50 EUR. The Rial is divided into 1.000 baisa.
Card versus cash
Oman is a card-friendly country. From gas stations to malls and even many restaurants, almost everywhere you can pay with the card. So we never felt the need to carry large amounts of cash with us. Having some cash however, can still come in handy. For example for buying smaller items at local shops or tips for guides.
If you do need cash, you’ll find plenty of ATMs in the larger cities like Muscat. Just keep in mind that most ATMs charge a withdrawal fee, which can add up if you withdraw several times. To save money, we always try to estimate how much cash we’ll need for the entire trip. This way, we can limit our ATM withdrawals, avoiding unnecessary fees. Before you depart to Oman, make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans, so you don’t experience any problems when withdrawing money.
How much does traveling in Oman costs?
Getting around: The costs for renting a car an gasoline in Oman
The easiest way to get around in Oman is by renting a car. There are plenty of rental car companies to choose from in Oman. To make sure we always have the best deal, we always book rental cars for our travels through discovercars.com. Free cancellation and insurance is included and discovercars.com is a world leader in comparing prices and offering great deals.
The costs for renting a car highly depends on the type of car. As you might expect, renting a 4WD car will be more expensive than renting a 2WD car. To give an indication, expect to pay about €400 for a standard 2WD for a week. A 4WD will cost double and start around €800 for one week. Other factors might impact the price, like the season, the insurance, etc.
During our trip in Oman, we hired a 2WD with a high clearance and were able to see all the highlights of the country without any problems. So if you want to save on money, do rent a 2WD car. If you want to read more about driving and renting a car in Oman, we wrote a detailed blogpost about this topic.
Fuel costs in Oman are cheap, especially compared to European standards. At the moment we wrote this post (the beginning of 2025), one liter petrol costs 0.26 OMR (0.65 EUR/ 0.68 USD).
Costs for accommodation in Oman
The costs for accommodation in Oman vary widely depending on the type of accommodation you are looking for. If you want to splurge, you’ll find some incredible luxury resorts in Oman. During our trip in Oman, we did treat ourselves with a luxury stay in the Wahiba Sands, where we spend a night in the Starry Domes Desert Camp. We paid around 190 EUR (196 USD) for a two-persons room, but it was totally worth it!
On the other hand, if you’re on a tighter budget, there are plenty of decent budget-friendly options. You can find guesthouses and smaller hotels for around 30 EUR per night. We experienced that the accommodation in Oman has high standards: rooms are comfortable and clean.
One thing to keep in mind is that in more remote locations, accommodation options can be limited. To avoid surprises, we recommend booking in advance, especially during the high season.
Check accommodation, prices and availability on BOOKING.COM
The most budget-friendly option: wild camping in Oman
If you’re really looking to save on accommodation, wild camping is the most budget-friendly option in Oman. Camping in Oman is completely free, perfectly legal and safe. During our two weeks in Oman, we brought our tent with us and we camped most of the time. And we loved it! Oman’s landscapes are the perfect place to pitch up your tent. Waking up to a sunrise at the beach or falling asleep under the starry sky at Jebel Shams made our time in Oman an unforgettable experience. Still need some convincing? Make sure to read our blogpost about camping in Oman.
A great option when you consider camping in Oman is to rent a 4WD car with rooftop tent. We have excellent connections with iDrive4x4 who offer quality 4WD cars with rooftop tents in different parts of the world, including Oman.
The costs for food and drinks in Oman
When it comes to food in Oman, again costs can vary depending on where and what you eat. If you stick to local eateries, it’s amazing how affordable and delicious the food can be. Expect to pay between 2-4 EUR for a meal. We remember stopping at a little roadside spot on our way to Jebel Shams, a place that looked a bit shabby at first glance. But this place served us the most incredible egg sandwich for less than 1 EUR. It was simple, fresh, and delicious!
For more upscale dining experience, expect to pay a little bit more: prices can range from 10-20 EUR per person.
How to budget on food in Oman
- Try the food in local supermarkets: One of our favorite discoveries was Lulu Hypermarkets, which are found in most larger cities in Oman. These supermarkets have an impressive selection of prepared meals at affordable prices. If you’re camping or just looking for a quick, budget-friendly meal, this is the perfect place. Nothing beats freshly made naan bread, creamy hummus, baba ganoush, and a fresh salads.
- Streetfood and small cafes: They might not look like much, but they often serve the most flavorful Omani dishes at very affordable prices.
What to budget for activities and sightseeing in Oman
One of the best things about traveling in Oman is that many attractions are completely free. For instance, Oman’s wadis are free to visit, and many allow swimming at no extra cost. Another must-visit, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, is also free to enter.
Of course, there are some attractions that do charge entrance fees, but still, prices are very reasonable. For example, the entrance to the stunning Nizwa Fort or Jabreen Castle will only cost around 5 EUR per person. And these fees help maintain these historic sites so they are well worth the price.
Some tips for budget-friendly activities in Oman
- Hiking: Many trails, like the ones in Misfat Al Abriyeen and Jebel Shams are completely free to explore. Even though the views are priceless!
- Free Beaches: Oman’s coastline has stunning beaches where you can relax, swim, or even wild camp. Again, totally free!
There are some splurge-worthy experiences in Oman, but they are totally worth the bucks for the unique experience they offer. Here you can find two of our favorite activities that are a little bit more expensive:
- Snorkeling at the Daymaniyat Islands: The price for this snorkeling tour around 80 EUR per person. But the crystal-clear ocean, colorful fish and the chance to meet the turtles and reef sharks make totally up for this.
- Turtle watching at Ras Al Jinz: See the green turtles nesting or see the eggs hatching.
If you’re planning to include some more expensive activities, booking them in advance can help you stick to your budget. By planning ahead, you can prioritize and avoid overspending during your trip.
Some extra costs to keep in mind
When planning your trip to Oman, it’s important to keep in mind some additional costs beyond flights, accommodation, transportation and activities.
Visa for Oman
Most travelers will need a visa to enter Oman. To get the visa, the process is straightforward and can be done online. The cost of a single-entry tourist visa is approximately 20 EUR (or 5 OMR) for up to 10 days, and around 45 EUR (or 20 OMR) for longer stays.
Mobile Data
Having access to mobile data is useful in Oman, especially for navigation in more remote areas. We highly recommend buying a local SIM card upon arrival. Expect to pay around 5 OMR for 8-10 GB data.
Some other tips for managing costs
- Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to budget for travel insurance. We highly recommend Safety Wing. They’ve got you covered for global travels outside your home country and offer decent prices and coverages.
- Tips and Extras: Tipping is not mandatory in Oman, but it’s appreciated. Budget a small amount for tips, particularly for guides or drivers.
Our conclusion: Is Oman worth a visit?
Is Oman worth a visit? In our opinion: absolutely! Maybe it’s not the cheapest destination in the world, but the price-quality ratio is optimal! And many of Oman’s best attractions, like the wadis and the hikes are free. If you have to pay for attractions, the value you get for your money is totally worth it. And keeping in mind our budgeting tips, you can explore this incredible country without breaking the bank!
To conclude, for us, it was worth every euro (and more), and we’d go back in a heartbeat.
Happy travels!
Matthias & Mieke
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