General Information

Official name: Sultanate of Oman

Geographical situation: South-eastern quarter of the Arabian Peninsula. The Sultanate of Oman is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west, United Arab Emirates to the north-west and Yemen to the south-west. Land area is over 300,000 square kilometers. The coastline is about 1,700 km long and extends to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea as well as the Indian Ocean.

Capital: Muscat; population is about 719,000

Climate: Oman’s climate varies considerably with the different regions. But sunny blue sky and warm temperatures are normal throughout the year. Between October to April daytime temperatures average 25oC and it is the best time to visit Oman. During the summer temperatures can reach 48oC in daytime and average 32oC overnight. Between June and September the southern Dhofar region gets light monsoon rains from the Indian Ocean called the ‘khareef’.

Time: Local time is +4 hrs UTC/GMT

Money: The monetary unit is the Omani Rial (RO or OR or OMR). It is divided into 1,000 Baiza (baisas). Omani Rial is tied to US dollar at a midrate approximately USD 1 = RO 0.384. Main shops, hotels and restaurants in Muscat and Salalah accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club). ATMs can be found in various locations in Oman. But in the interior or smaller shops and souqs accept only cash payment.

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. In major hotels staff speaks Arabic, English, French and German.

Religion: Islam is the official religion of Oman. Other religions are recognized and respected and followers are free to practice their faith.

Visa: Visas are required (except for GCC Nationals) upon entry and can be obtained from any Omani Embassy or Consulate abroad. Alternatively, visas can be obtained upon arrival at Muscat Airport for most European and American Nationals. The current price per visa is RO 6, subject to changes and is valid for 21 days only. Refer to the official web-site of Royal Oman Police to get the latest visa information – www.rop.gov.om

Recommended clothes: Some limitations in clothes carrying are a part of respect for national and religious traditions of the country and recommended. It is not recommended to ladies to wear short, revealing or tight clothing, shoulders and knees should be covered. The light clothes from a cotton fabric are most comfortable for a local climate, but something slightly warmer may be needed in the evening for the winter months. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and trips. The business clothes are accepted for official cases. Beach, bathing suits are recommended for the closed beach clubs and beaches of hotels only (to sunbathe "top loess" is unwelcome).

Business hours:  Thursday and Friday is the official weekend for government (mainly) offices. Some private companies are open on Thursdays from morning till afternoon. Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Government offices business hours are from 07:30 am till 14:30 hrs (Sat-Wed), banks are open from 08:00 am till 14:00 hrs (Sun-Thu). Private sector office hours are mainly from 08:00 am to 13:00 hrs and again from 16:00 hrs to 19:00 hrs, some are open from 08:00 am till 17:00 hrs or from 09:00 am till 18:00 hrs with an hour lunch break. Most of the shops and markets/souqs are open in the morning from 08:00 am or 09:00 am till 13:00 hrs and in the evening from 16:30 hrs till 20:00-21:00 hrs. Some supermarkets are open from 09:00 am till 22:00 hrs without lunch break.

Photography: if you want to take a picture of local people, ask for their permission first, particularly women. It is not allowed to take pictures of any military or police areas, ports and airports, embassies.

Taxi: All taxi cars have distinctive orange and white stripes. Taxis are not metered and price is negotiable. The usual charge from Muscat International Airport to the center of Muscat is 7-8 RO. There are always taxis near the main hotels, but in town it is possible to get a taxi at a cheaper price.

Tipping: Mainly in hotels and restaurants a service charge is included to the bill. However it is widespread and greatly appreciated to give some tips to your waiter. Airport porter charge is about 1 RO per piece of luggage.

Electricity: The electricity supply is 220/240 volts. The socket type is the three-pin British system

Telephones: The dialing code of Oman is 968

Other websites:
Ministry of Tourism – www.omantourism.gov.om
Ministry of Information – www.omanet.om
Royal Oman Police – www.rop.gov.om