Capital city in Muscat Governorate, Oman
Muscat
Low-rise capital between mountains and sea, with Muttrah Souq, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and quiet beaches. Safe and friendly, but spread out and best with a car or taxis.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,340–3,900Comfortable, one person · RO900–1,500Details
- Value for money9/100Better value than 8% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Jun, 42°CDetails
- Internet96 MbpsFixed broadband, Oman medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water is treated, but storage tanks vary; most people drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$26–78Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundOTaxiYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in malls, hotels and restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Muscat
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Muttrah | Souq, corniche and harbour; walkable, older hotels and guesthouses |
| Qurum / Shatti Al Qurum | Beach, cafés, malls, mid-range hotels and apartments |
| Al Khuwair / Ghubra | Business area, restaurants and longer stays |
| Old Muscat | Palace, forts and quiet; few places to stay |
Apps that work in Muscat
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| OTaxi | Local app, fixed fare shown before booking |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Talabat | Widest restaurant choice |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis often skip the meter; agree the fare first. OTaxi gives a fixed price.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Oman.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in malls, hotels and restaurants. Carry cash for Muttrah Souq, small cafés and taxis.
- Currency: Rial (OMR). US$1 ≈ RO0.38 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in all towns but sparse in the interior; some charge foreign-card fees. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated, and many hotel bills include a service charge.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work on contactless terminals in cities.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities can visit visa-free for short stays; others apply for an unsponsored visit visa on the ROP eVisa portal.
- Border officers may ask for a return ticket, hotel booking and travel health insurance.
- Passport must be valid six months; overstays cost up to OMR 10 a day.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 9999
Plugs
Type G · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Omantel, Ooredoo and Vodafone sell visitor SIMs at Muscat airport arrivals and malls; passport needed. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Oman
Going to Muscat solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.