Omani Rial (OMR) = 1,000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OMR50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10 and 5 baiza.

American Express is accepted, as are other major credit cards. There are over 70 ATMs in Oman.

Easily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Sat-Wed 0800-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	OMR0.76
$1.00=	OMR0.39
Eur;1.00=	OMR0.51

The following items may be imported per family into Oman without incurring customs duty:

• Up to 2l of alcoholic beverages (non-Muslims only).
• A reasonable quantity of tobacco products.
• 227ml perfume.
• Eight video tapes for personal use.

Restricted items: Meat and meat products have the same regulations as when importing pets; an Islamic slaughter certificate is required.

Narcotics, non-canned food products (including vegetables, fruit and non-alcoholic beverages), bees (unless clearance is given), dates (including shoots of palm date, coconut and ornamental palm trees), firearms (including toys and replicas) and obscene films/literature. Videos are subject to censorship.

The import and use of narcotics and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. There are severe penalties for drug offences including, in some cases, the death penalty. ";Soft"; drugs are treated as seriously as ";hard"; drugs. The possession of small quantities of cannabis can lead to a 12-month prison sentence and deportation.