Is Oman cashless?
Mostly cashless#56 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #8 of 17 in Middle East
Short answer: Pay by card, but carry a little local cash for small places.
Cards are widely accepted in Muscat and at hotels. Souqs, rural petrol stations and small cafes are often cash only.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Oman, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Oman, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Omani rial (OMR)
How does tipping work?
Around 10% in restaurants.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oman cashless?
Oman scores 68/100 on Cashlessy (mostly cashless), ranking #56 of 197 countries. Cards are widely accepted in Muscat and at hotels. Souqs, rural petrol stations and small cafes are often cash only.
Do I need cash in Oman?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Oman, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Oman?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Oman, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Oman?
Around 10% in restaurants.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Oman?
Yes. Phone wallets work at most terminals that accept contactless cards in Oman.
Compare with Middle East
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.