Travelling in Oman

Languages – Arabic is the official language of the Sultanate of Oman. English, however, is widely spoken and understood. A majority of information signs are in both languages. Most staff and major hotel chains speak German and French.

 

Time difference – Local time: GMT+ 4

 

Passport and Entry Requirements – 

 

Australian Embassy,
Abdullah bin Hozafa Al-Sahmi Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (96 61) 488 7788
Fax: (96 61) 488 7973

 

Banking Hours – Weekdays in Oman are from Saturdays to Wednesdays. (Thursday and Friday is the weekend). From Sat to Wed: 0730 to 1430

 

Currency – Omani Rial (OMR). 1 OMR = 3.95 Australian dollar approximately.

US dollars are also useful when travelling. ATMs are widespread and major credit cards are accepted.

 

Climate – Summer (April-September): Average low to mid-40s. Winter (October to March): Mid 20s to low 30s.

 

Phone service – phone booths will accept phone cards everywhere.

 

Medical Service – Hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics are available throughout Oman. Modern hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment can contend with any emergency. Doctors are just a phone call away.

 

Voltage and Plug Shape – 220-240 volt at 50 cycles.

 

Dress Requirements – the dress code is fairly liberal in Muscat, although decency is still expected. Women should wear, for example, tops with sleeves and skirts covering the knees or trousers. Men are required to wear trousers and shirts with leaves. Swimwear should be restricted on the beach or pools

 

Driving – Right hand side of the road.

 

Accommodation – All types from 5 star hotels and resorts to apartments, camps, guest houses and youth hostels, including many with historical or special character.

 

Major attractions – Oman is known for its heritage and culture. Main attractions include their spectacular World Heritage Sites, Castles and Forts, Museums, Archaeological Sites, Mosques and Natural Wonders. Opportunities for trekking, climbing, shopping, relaxing on a beach or spending time exploring the natural environment, ancient cities and cultures are everywhere.

 

Shopping – Oman is unquestionably a great place for shopping as it caters for traditional and cosmopolitan lifestyles, offering a wide selection of shopping venues, experiences and opportunities. Sophisticated shopping malls and authentic traditional markets with their bustling alleys and friendly shopkeepers can provide for the needs of all sectors of the population. In the souks and shops visitors can buy distinctive hand-crafted Omani khanjars, rose-water sprinklers, fragrant frankincense, incense burners, traditional garments, rugs and saddles.

 

Women’s jewellery is probably the finest expression of the silversmith’s traditional art. Fascinating pieces of old jewellery are to be found in the souqs, including long dangling earrings, distinctive rings in geometric shapes, a variety of heavy bracelets and even chunkier anklets. Traditional ornate silver necklaces, weighed down with coins and medallions sometimes placed in gold or with large beads of coral or amber, can still be found. They vary in style according to regions.

Traditional Souks are a must see for all tourists visiting Oman: Traditional Arab markets, or souks are found in many towns around Oman. Household items, vegetables, meat, fish, traditional handcraft and, in some souqs like Nizwa and Sinaw, livestock, are all sold. Besides its obvious economic purpose, the souk has long been a meeting place and a social centre bringing communities from different parts of a region together.