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The Omani rial is the official currency of Oman, and it's essential to have a good understanding of its basics before traveling or doing business in the country. The rial is subdivided into 1,000 baisa.
One of the unique features of the Omani rial is that it's pegged to the US dollar, which means its value is directly tied to the dollar's value. This makes it easier for tourists and businesses to navigate the currency exchange.
The Omani rial is available in both coins and banknotes, with denominations ranging from 5 baisa to 1 rial.
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Currency Basics
The Omani rial is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of $2.6008.
The Omani rial is made up of 1,000 baisa, with banknote denominations ranging from 100 to 50 rials and coin denominations ranging from 5 to 100 baisas.
The Central Bank of Oman issues the Omani rial in banknotes and coins, with a focus on stability and protection against economic volatility.
The Omani rial is a stable currency, thanks to its peg to the U.S. dollar, which has remained fixed since 1986.
Oman's economy is heavily influenced by the price of oil, but the government is working to diversify its economy through manufacturing, tourism, and logistics.
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What Is Oman?
Oman is a country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Sultanate of Oman is the official name of the country.
The Central Bank of Oman is responsible for managing the country's economy and currency.
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Banknotes
The Omani rial has a variety of banknote denominations.
Banknotes in Oman come in denominations of 100 and 200 baisas, and 1/2, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 rials.
You can use these banknotes to pay for goods and services in Oman.
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Understanding the OMR
The Omani rial, or OMR, is the national currency of Oman. It's pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of $2.6008 per rial.
The Central Bank of Oman issues and manages the OMR, which is circulated in banknotes and coins. Banknote denominations range from 100 baisas to 50 rials, and coins have denominations from 5 baisas to 1 rial.
The OMR is heavily influenced by the price of oil, which is Oman's main export. As a result, the economy and the currency are closely tied to the global oil market.
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Currency Types
The Omani rial is a fiat currency, which means its value is not backed by any physical commodity like gold or silver.
The Omani rial is subdivided into 1,000 baisa, making it a convenient unit of exchange for everyday transactions.
In Oman, you can exchange your currency for Omani rials at banks, currency exchange offices, or even some hotels.
The Omani rial is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 1 OMR = 2.60 USD.
You can also use credit and debit cards in Oman, but be aware that some merchants may not accept foreign cards.
The Omani rial is available in various denominations, including 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 rials.
In Oman, it's customary to round up the bill to the nearest 100 baisa when paying with cash.
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Currency Information
The Omani rial is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of 1 rial equals US$2.6008.
This means that the exchange rate of the OMR versus the USD is very stable, with little fluctuation. However, the rate against other currencies will fluctuate because the OMR is not pegged to those currencies.
If you're planning a trip to Oman from Canada, for example, you should be aware that the OMR/CAD rate can fluctuate over time. In 2014, the rate was around 2.80, but it rose to above 3.70 in early 2016. As of July 12, 2022, one Omani rial equals C$3.38.
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OMR History
The Omani rial, or OMR, has a rich history that dates back to the 1970s. Oman, a country in the Middle East, used to circulate different currencies, including the Indian rupee and the Maria Theresa thaler.
Before 1970, Oman did not have a national currency. The Indian rupee and Maria Theresa thaler were widely used, with the Indian rupee circulating on the coast and the Maria Theresa thaler in the interior.
In 1970, the rial Saidi was introduced, with a value equal to the British pound. This currency became popular and replaced the Indian rupee in coastal regions.
The rial Saidi was later replaced by the rial Omani in 1973, at par, and became the predominant form of money in Oman. The Omani rial was subdivided into 1000 baisa.
The Omani rial became the currency of Oman after Sultan Qaboos bin Said officially changed the name of the country to the Sultanate of Oman. The Central Bank of Oman was established in 1974 to issue and manage the Omani rial.
In 1975, new coins were issued with the country's name given as Oman, marking a significant change in the currency's design.
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Top 6 Facts
The Omani Rial is the official currency of the Sultanate of Oman, abbreviated as OMR.
The Saidi Rial was introduced in May 1970 to replace the Gulf rupee, which was later replaced by Omani Rials at par on 11 November 1972.
The Omani Rial is pegged with the USD at an exchange rate of 1 rial equals US$2.6008.
The Central Bank of Oman is the sole entity that controls and manages Omani Rials.
Since Omani Rials is pegged to the U.S. Dollar, the exchange rate fluctuates very little.
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Exchange Rates
The Omani rial has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar, pegged at 1 OMR = $2.6008 as of 1986.
The Central Bank of Oman buys US dollars at 0.384 OMR and sells them at 0.385 OMR as of 2023, making it one of the highest-valued currency units in the world.
You can check the current exchange rate for the Omani rial against other currencies, such as the British pound, which is approximately 1 GBP = 0.469868 OMR.
Here's a breakdown of the Omani rial's exchange rates against various currencies:
The exchange rate of OMR to USD has been relatively stable, with a 30-day average of $2.5975 and a 90-day average of $2.5974 as of 2024.
Keep in mind that the Omani rial's exchange rate against other currencies, such as the Canadian dollar, can fluctuate. For example, as of July 12, 2022, one Omani rial equals C$3.38.
Currency Pairings
The Omani rial is a widely traded currency, and understanding its pairings can be super helpful for travelers and businesspeople alike. The exchange rate of OMR versus the USD is pegged at $2.6008 per rial, but the rate against other currencies will fluctuate.
The OMR is pegged to the USD, which means the exchange rate between OMR and USD is relatively stable. However, the rate against other currencies like CAD, EUR, and GBP can fluctuate significantly.
For instance, in 2014, the OMR/CAD rate was around 2.80, meaning it cost C$2.80 to buy one rial. As of July 12, 2022, the rate has risen to C$3.38.
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If you're planning a trip to Oman from Canada, you'll want to keep an eye on the OMR/CAD exchange rate. The rate has fluctuated between C$3.70 and C$3.10 between 2016 and 2018, but has stabilized slightly since then.
The Omani rial is also traded against other popular currencies like the EUR, GBP, INR, JPY, RUB, and AUD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Oman currency higher?
The Omani Rial is a strong currency due to Oman's oil wealth, which has driven its economic growth and stability. This wealth has contributed to the currency's high value and stability over the years.
Does Oman accept US dollars?
Oman's official currency is the Omani Riyal, but some businesses may accept US dollars; however, relying on this is not recommended
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