Oman, the country of Sinbad: Oman is the oldest independent country in the Arab world. It’s embraced modernization and progress while keeping up with key parts of its way of life and legacy, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Arabian experience. Oman is the only country in the world composed mostly of rocks derived from the oceanic crust and Earth’s mantle. The fact that the continents have shifted can be seen in the many unusual rock formations and landforms around Oman, including the coastline around Muscat. It’s also where the mysterious desert meets the azure sea, and its unique natural landscapes and Arabian culture fascinate travelers.
1. Oman: Quick Facts
Language Arabic
Religion Islam
Currency: Omani Riyal (OMR)
Visa: 30 days visa-free (single-entry visa not extendable)
Power Plugs: 240V, 50Hz (G Type)
Capital Muscat
ATMs are also readily available, allowing you to withdraw local currency using your credit or debit card.
Use card Paying in local currency rather than dollars means lower fees. You can pay with credit cards from most card companies, including Visa and MasterCard.
Useful APP
Google Maps
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
new member once can use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around.
3. Transportation
3-1 Buses
Buses operate within Muscat and intercity buses between major cities.
The fare for city buses is 0.5 OMR
Bus information
3-2 Taxi
While the number of metered taxis is increasing, there are still a number of unmetered taxis, and if you use an unmetered taxi, you should announce your destination before boarding and negotiate the fare with the driver. Metered taxis have a base fare of 1.50 ﷼OMR, with a charge of 0.30 ﷼OMR for each additional kilometer.
4. Safety
Public safety is good, with few violent crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and murder, and a low crime rate for other misdemeanors, but general precautions should be taken.
Taxis are preferably shared rather than used by women alone, and women should take extra care if they are out alone at night, as they may experience difficulties in taxis and on the roads
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Emergency number for police and fire: 9999
5. Climate
Desert climate.
Summer (April-October): Hot and humid (coast), hot and dry (inland), June averages 31-48°C
Winter (November-March): relatively mild, but daytime temperatures can be above 30°C, January averages 20-25°C
The average annual rainfall is 80 mm, but it falls irregularly and varies by location (40-250 mm).
There is no separate rainy season, so it is difficult to predict, but rainfall is usually concentrated from November through February.
6. price
The cost of living in Oman is reasonable prices.
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 2.80 ﷼ OMR
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 0.20 ﷼ OMR
Milk (regular), (1 liter) 0.66 ﷼ OMR
Eggs (regular) (12) 0.84 ﷼ OMR
Gasoline (1 liter) 0.24 ﷼ OMR
7. Travel precautions
Traffic accidents in Oman are very serious, with an annual traffic fatality rate of 30 to 35 per 100,000 people, which is still well above the international average, so you should take extra care when driving.
When meeting Omanis, a few words of greeting in Arabic will help open up a conversation.
During Ramadan (the fasting month), all restaurants are closed before sunset, and foreigners should refrain from drinking, eating, or smoking in public and indoors, although hotels do have foreign-only restaurants.
As Oman is a Muslim country, alcohol, pork, and gambling are taboo. However, foreigners are allowed to drink alcohol in authorized places.
Do not discuss religion or the other person’s wife, or take pictures of women on the street unless you are intimate with them.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
There are no restrictions on taking photos when visiting an Islamic place of worship (mosque), but women should cover their hair with a shawl or other covering and wear long pants or skirts so that nothing is exposed except their face and hands when they enter the mosque.
Tip
Hotels and fine dining restaurants charge a 17% service charge, including an 8% service charge and 9% tax. The service charge is included, so you don’t need to tip separately.
9. Holidays
The public holidays in Oman in 2024
8 Feb Thu Isra’a Wal Mi’raj
10 Apr to 13 Apr Wed to Sat Eid al-Fitr Holiday
16 Jun to 20 Jun Sun to Thu Eid al-Adha Holiday
7 Jul Sun Islamic New Year
15 Sep Sun Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
18 Nov Mon National Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Monday, 27 January : Isra’a Wal Mi’raj
Sat to Tuesday, 29 March to 1 April : Eid al-Fitr Holiday
Thursday to Monday, 5 to 9June : Eid al-Adha Holiday
Tuesday, 26 June : Islamic New Year
Thursday, 4 September : Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Tuesday, 18 November : National Day