Muscat - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes. - Jan 2022
Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. - Dec 2018
Yes they are to both. Plenty of ATMS around. Omanis LOVE their debit cards - I rarely see people use cash anywhere. - Feb 2018
Grocery stores and most restaurants have a credit card option. We use our credit cards at all grocery stores and have never had any issues. Our USAA card does not work on the machines where you pay your phone bill (weirdly enough you can only pay your bill using the machine and not with a representative) The machines do take cash though, you just have to have enough prepared in advance. Baskin Robbins also only takes cash. As far as ATMs we have found only 1 which will accept our USAA card. I am not familiar with any other bank's credit cards. - Aug 2017
Most major restaurants and stores accept credit cards. We have had no problems. ATMs are everywhere and run by the major banks in country. Again, no problems. - Oct 2014
Safe and available. - Jun 2012
You can pay for groceries with a credit or debit card. ATMs are everywhere. Outside of town you should ask first and not assume they take credit. - May 2012
Plenty, and most stores and vendors have them. - Aug 2011
I have had no problem using my debit card at the local ATM's or stores. - Feb 2011
The sometimes print your complete number on your receipts, so don't throw those down, make sure to take care of them properly. - Apr 2010
Be careful one family used theirs at a local store and by the time they returned home a few hours later an email was waiting for them from their bank with a maxed out card all with purchases from the area where this store was located. I used one or two reliable machines and that was it. When making purchases the receipt will have your full card number on it,......its your call. - Feb 2010
No problems using credit cards, though the smaller shops and restaurants won't take them especiall in the souk. We didn't use the ATMs since we had embassy cashier services, but once in a pinch I used my U.S. debit card at a Bank Muscat ATM with no problems but a huge fee. - Jan 2010
There have been some ATM scams; find the reliable ones through work acquaintances. We have had no problems with this. Credit cards can be used in major stores & for groceries, but there have been thefts of credit card info. We just don't use them as a rule. - Mar 2009
Credit cards are widely used in Muscat, although less so outside the capital. There are ATMs throughout Muscat and at least a few in all the bigger towns and cities; they give a very competitive exchange rate (better than hotels and most forex desks). - Feb 2008
