Blog Single

Expatriates in Oman work tirelessly to provide better lives for their families back home. Whether it’s sending money to support a child’s education, helping parents in your country, or assisting with medical expenses, each Omani Rial represents hours of dedication and sacrifice. This guide is written for you — to make sure your remittances reach your loved ones efficiently, securely, and with the best value.

In this remittance guide for 2025, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sending money from Oman. From understanding exchange rate margins and hidden fees to choosing the best method and provider, our goal is simple: help you send more, spend less.

We’ll provide you with practical tips to optimise every transfer. Let’s begin with the basics.

Before You Send a Single Rial: The Two Numbers That Really Matter

The “Google Rate” vs. The Rate You Actually Get

When you search for currency exchange rates online — on Google, XE, or similar platforms — you see what’s called the mid-market rate. This is the “true” exchange rate that financial institutions use when trading currency amongst themselves. Think of it as the wholesale price of currency.

However, when you go to send money, you’ll often receive a customer rate — a slightly less favorable rate that includes the service provider’s profit margin. It’s like buying mangoes from a farmer (mid-market rate) vs. a supermarket (customer rate) — the supermarket adds their markup to make a profit.

This difference, known as the exchange rate margin, is one part of the cost of your transfer.

Uncovering the True Cost: Your Simple Formula for Comparison

To figure out which service offers the best deal, use this formula:

Total Cost = Exchange Rate Margin + Upfront Transfer Fee

Choose a provider that offers the lowest fees and ensures your family receives the highest possible amount.

Your Pre-Transfer Checklist: 7 Essential Tips to Maximize Every Rial

Tip 1: Always Check the Final Amount
Use the provider’s calculator — don’t rely on the rate alone. Confirm exactly how much the recipient gets.

Tip 2: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need your valid Resident Card (Bataka). First-time users may also need to show a passport.

Tip 3: Understand Oman’s Wage Protection System (WPS)
All companies in Oman are required to pay salaries through the WPS into an employee’s Omani bank account. This is a positive step for transparency. Salaries are paid into Omani bank accounts. Once received, you’re free to transfer funds.

Tip 4: Avoid Sending on Weekends
Omani weekends are Friday–Saturday. Transfers initiated on Thursday afternoon may only reach by Sunday.

Tip 5: Send Larger Amounts, Less Frequently
Avoid paying multiple fixed fees. For example, one 300 OMR transfer is cheaper than three 100 OMR transfers.

Tip 6: Look for Promotional Offers
Watch for zero-fee or bonus rate campaigns, especially during festivals like Eid, Onam, and Christmas. Timing your transfer can save you money.

Tip 7: Double-Check Recipient Details
This sounds simple, but it’s the most common cause of delays. Incorrect names, IBANs, or mobile numbers cause delays. Always verify before sending.

Making Your Hard-Earned Money Go Further

Whether you’re sending to India, Pakistan, or the Philippines, the best remittance method depends on your priorities — whether that’s getting the highest rate, fastest delivery, or most convenience. Always compare total value: exchange rate + fees.
At First Exchange, we believe in transparency and fairness. We offer live OMR rates, zero hidden fees, and fast, secure transfers. Visit our branches across Oman or check our website to see how much more your loved ones could receive.