Saving Tips for Oman
Oman is not cheap — but with the right strategies, you can save a lot without compromising on quality:
Accommodation
- Travel in the off-season (Oct or Mar–Apr): Hotels are 30–50% cheaper than in the high season (Dec–Feb). The weather is still excellent
- Apartments instead of hotels: On Airbnb and Booking, you can find apartments with kitchens from 15 OMR — significantly cheaper than hotels, and you can cook for yourself
- Guesthouses in the villages: In Nizwa, Bahla, and on Jebel Akhdar, there are simple but clean guesthouses from 10 OMR
- Wild camping: In Oman, wild camping is tolerated in many places — on the beach, in the desert, on Jebel Shams. Taking your trash with you is a matter of honor. Saves the most expensive overnight stays
Food
- Local restaurants instead of hotel: A complete meal in a local restaurant costs 1.5–3 OMR. The same dish in a hotel: 8–15 OMR
- Street food in Ruwi: The cheapest meal in Muscat. Shawarma from 0.30 OMR, Biryani from 1 OMR
- Shop at the supermarket: Lulu Hypermarket and Al Fair have everything — flatbread, hummus, cheese, and fruit for a cheap picnic on the beach or in the wadi
- Water in large canisters: Buy 5-liter canisters (0.30 OMR) instead of 0.5-liter bottles (0.15 OMR) — saves money and plastic
Transport
- Local car rental companies: Al Marwan, Apex, and other local firms are 30–40% cheaper than Hertz/Avis. Ask via Google Maps or at the hotel reception
- Gasoline: At 0.22 OMR/liter (0.53€), gasoline is practically a gift. 2-week round trip: about 30–50 OMR fuel costs
- Mwasalat buses: Cheap intercity buses run between Muscat, Nizwa, and Sur (3–4 OMR). An option for budget travelers without a rental car
- OTaxi / InDrive: Always cheaper than street taxis. In Muscat: 2–5 OMR for rides within the city
Activities
- Free highlights: Wadis (except for parking fees), beaches, Corniche, fish market, Old Muscat, most forts (under 5 OMR), sunset everywhere
- Turtle tour Ras al Jinz: 7 OMR — one of the cheapest world-class nature experiences ever
- Form groups: Dhow tours, desert trips, and diving excursions are cheaper per person if you book as a group of four or six
Example Budget: 10 Days in Oman for 2 People
| Item | Budget Style | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (per person) | 400€ | 500€ | 700€ |
| Rental car (10 days) | 250€ (compact) | 450€ (SUV) | 700€ (4x4) |
| Gasoline | 40€ | 50€ | 60€ |
| Accommodation (10 nights) | 400€ | 900€ | 2,000€ |
| Food (10 days) | 200€ | 500€ | 1,000€ |
| Activities | 100€ | 250€ | 500€ |
| TOTAL (2 people) | ~2,200€ | ~4,100€ | ~7,600€ |
| Per person/day | ~110€ | ~205€ | ~380€ |
