SWIFT/BIC codes in Oman

Finding a SWIFT code in Oman

In Oman we have 65 SWIFT/BIC codes, spread over 50 institutions. A SWIFT code shows the banks handling a transfer which institution is meant to get an international payment.

Choose the bank from the list to see its head office code and its other codes. The sections below explain the structure of the codes, what transfers cost and how to avoid mistakes before a payment.

How reliable is this list?

The best place to find the right code is paperwork issued by the bank. An incorrect BIC may lead to a delay, a returned payment or additional charges, so compare it with the list on this page.

We gather bank codes using public sources and update them from time to time. Institutions merge, close branches and retire codes – a directory can be a step behind. Before any payment of any size, check the code with the recipient. GoldexPay is not a bank and is not affiliated with the banks listed.

Fraudsters often send payment requests carrying new bank details that look completely genuine. A real SWIFT code tells you nothing about whether a request is genuine: criminals use real codes too.

Which bank in Oman has the most codes?

Of the 50 banks in Oman, Bank of Baroda, Greater Muttrah Branch has the most codes. Its main office has BARBOMMXXXX.

Banks differ in whether they register branch codes – a high count is not a measure of size. Making a payment to Bank of Baroda, Greater Muttrah Branch? Use BARBOMMXXXX except when the recipient gives you a branch code.

International payments to Oman and the BIC

Because Oman does not belong to SEPA, a transfer from abroad is usually sent as a SWIFT payment. This means the payment always needs the SWIFT/BIC code of the recipient’s bank.

Not all countries use the IBAN; in that case the local account number is used instead. Check with the recipient exactly which details their bank needs for incoming international payments. SWIFT payments sometimes go via one or more intermediary banks.

Bank or transfer service for Oman?

If you transfer money to Oman via a regular bank, the stated fee is rarely all of the cost. Besides a fixed fee, intermediary banks can take a cut and, if currencies are converted, the bank often applies a rate below the actual market rate.

The real cost is often in the rate. A simple test: set the rate you get against the mid-market rate and look at the difference.

Money transfer services often offer a rate near the mid-market rate and lower fees. On GoldexPay you can compare what recipients in Oman receive across services, which makes the cheapest option easy to spot.

Incoming international payments in Oman

Someone abroad who wants to pay you will ask for several details about your account. In practice that means: your name exactly as it appears on the account, your account number or IBAN, the BIC of your bank and, often, your address.

Find the bank in the list above to check its code – your bank statement is the final word. You can include your bank’s name and city.

The amount you receive is often less than the amount sent. Charges on incoming payments vary from bank to bank; check the price list of your bank. For business payments, state who bears the costs to avoid a shortfall.

The structure of a Oman SWIFT/BIC code

A SWIFT code is either 8 or 11 characters long. It starts with a four-letter bank code, then a two-letter country code and two characters for the location.

You can recognise a bank code from Oman by letters five and six: they always show the ISO country code of Oman. Codes with other letters in that position belong to another country, even if the bank name looks familiar.

When a code ends in XXX, it refers to the head office, and the 8-character version leads to the same place. Choose a branch code only when the recipient’s bank asks for it – otherwise stick with the head office.

When does money sent to Oman arrive?

A SWIFT payment to Oman usually takes anywhere from one to several business days, depending on the currency, the route and the banks involved. Bank holidays in either country can add extra days to the journey.

A growing number of banks use SWIFT gpi. Every payment gets a unique transaction reference, the UETR. Keep your transfer receipt until the recipient confirms.