Job Discussion Forums

pooroldedgar · Joined: 07 Oct 2010 Posts: 181

Greetings. I'm going to America in July, and I was wondering about converting rials to dollars in America. This would be in a major bank like Citibank or Bank of America, but in a small town.

I remember trying to convert Korean and Thai currency. They got it done, but it was clearly a new thing for the bank employees. They had to get the manager who had to check to see if they took it or not. They would not take my Cambodian or Lao currency.

Anyone tried rials?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

To avoid similar issues, simply convert your riyals in KSA before you leave for your trip. Additionally, if you have a layover in the Gulf, you can also easily convert your money at the airport.

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 7:45 am Post subject:

pooroldedgar · Joined: 07 Oct 2010 Posts: 181

I'm in Oman, with no middle east stopover. Will the local banks have dollars? I was worried that it'd be a terrible exchange rate.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

You'll get a better rate exchanging your money in the Gulf than you would in the US. The banks and currency exchange agencies in Oman should have dollars; ask around for the location of an exchange near you. In fact, there are usually money changers near souks. Otherwise, get your dollars at one of the 24 hour currency exchange bureaus at Muscat International Airport.

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

The exchange rate between the Omani Rial and the US Dollar is fixed at 1 OMR = 2.60 USD. Go to any exchange house and change your Rials before you leave Oman. Airport money exchanges always charge a higher commission, so avoid them. Alternatively, you can send money by bank transfer.

pooroldedgar · Joined: 07 Oct 2010 Posts: 181

Thanks guys. I'll change them here.

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 2:00 pm Post subject:

There are two money exchange places inside City Centre Seeb in Muscat, just near the big Carrefour. You must have your residence card with you (or your passport).

cfaulkner · Joined: 01 Jun 2012 Posts: 42

There's a pretty good exchange shop in the area of where the minibuses and taxis converge, the corral for transport vehicles, in Muscat. It's near the bus station and Samsung building. I can't remember the name of the neighborhood. Somebody help me out here.

cfaulkner · Joined: 01 Jun 2012 Posts: 42

Ruwi. I remember it now. It's near the Samsung building, facing the main drag.

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

My favourite was the Faiq money exchange near the Sabco centre. When I first saw it, I thought it was pronounced "fake". Fake money. Wonderful.