Fast Facts
Language: Arabic and English is widely spoken
Population: 2,509,000 including 666,000 expatriates
Head of State: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said
Money: The unit of currency is Rial Omani (R.O.), US$1=RO 0.38
Notes: R.O.50; R.O.20; R.O.10; R.O.5: R.O.1.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and major retail outlets. The cards generally in use are American Express, Diners Club, Visa and Master Card.
Tipping: Whilst Restaurants add a 5% service charge, it is customary to tip for attentive service.
Money Exchange: In Oman major currencies/travellers cheques can be changed at Seeb International airport, banks and Money exchanges. It is also possible to cash money at the ATM (Cash Money Machines).
Taxes: Restaurants - a 5 % service is included. Hotels - 9% accommodation tax & 8% service tax.
Time Zone: GMT +4 hours (midday in Oman, 1900 in Sydney (ESST)
Weather: Muscat enjoys warm weather from November to March, with cool, and occasionally cold, nights. From May to October, coastal breezes and low humidity combine to lessen the effects of the desert heat. High: 34C, Low: 23C.
Health / Visa Regulations: Australian, New Zealand and UK passport holders can obtain an visa/entry permit on arrival in Muscat. Visa is valid for 1 month from date of entry and the cost is RO 6.
Electrical Plugs: The electricity supply is 220/240 volts and 50 cycles. The socket is (generally) the 3 flat point UK System
Mobile Phones: Mobile coverage is available throughout the Sultanate. Please contact your mobile service provider to organize "Global Roaming" GSM 900/1800
Business Hours: 8.00am to 5.30pm Saturday to Wednesday. Weekend is Thursday pm and Friday
Shopping Hours: Saturday to Thursday - 9am to 1pm & 4pm to 8 or 9pm Friday - 4pm to 8 or 9pm.
Dress: As in all Middle Eastern countries, respect for the local customs and sensibilities is recommended. Short, revealing or tight clothing should not be worn in public places.
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but something slightly warmer may be needed in the desert for evenings. In winter and summer, be sure to take a jacket or sweater when visiting shopping malls, cinemas or hotels, as the air conditioning can be quite cold.
Mosque visits: Modest, conservative, loose fitting clothing; long sleeves, long skirts/trousers. Shoes to be removed before entering so we recommend slip off shoes. Headscarf required.
Bargaining: Bargaining is the norm in the souqs and most small shops. All department stores, supermarkets and western style shops operate at fixed prices.
Beverages: It is illegal to carry alcohol in your car. In addition, drinking and driving is heavily penalized.
Customs Regulations: Non - Muslim visitors are allowed to bring alcohol (max 1 litre) into the country by air only. Reading material may be withheld for scrutiny.
National Dress: Men: Dishdasha (robe), Kimah (cap) & Mussar (turban).
Women: Jallabia (dress), Sirwall (trousers), Over dress/cloak (thub), Lahaf (head shawl), Abaya (black cloak), Birka (face mask).
Photography: Oman is a photographer's delight. However, please be sensitive to local customs such as not photographing locals without their permission, particularly women who in general are shy and reserved. As in most countries, it is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders and airports.
Religion: Mosques throughout the country testify to the important role religion plays in daily life however Oman is a very tolerant society where churches, temples and mosques co-exist.
Traffic System: Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road. There is a great network of surface trunk roads joining the main towns and main roads in the capital and Salalah. Holders of international driving licenses are allowed to drive in the Sultanate of Oman (minimum 25 years only). Driving under alcoholic influence is strictly prohibited.
Taxis: Taxis are white and orange and have the taxi sign. (Moderate bargaining is needed).
PDF Page
Population: 2,509,000 including 666,000 expatriates
Head of State: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said
Money: The unit of currency is Rial Omani (R.O.), US$1=RO 0.38
Notes: R.O.50; R.O.20; R.O.10; R.O.5: R.O.1.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and major retail outlets. The cards generally in use are American Express, Diners Club, Visa and Master Card.
Tipping: Whilst Restaurants add a 5% service charge, it is customary to tip for attentive service.
Money Exchange: In Oman major currencies/travellers cheques can be changed at Seeb International airport, banks and Money exchanges. It is also possible to cash money at the ATM (Cash Money Machines).
Taxes: Restaurants - a 5 % service is included. Hotels - 9% accommodation tax & 8% service tax.
Time Zone: GMT +4 hours (midday in Oman, 1900 in Sydney (ESST)
Weather: Muscat enjoys warm weather from November to March, with cool, and occasionally cold, nights. From May to October, coastal breezes and low humidity combine to lessen the effects of the desert heat. High: 34C, Low: 23C.
Health / Visa Regulations: Australian, New Zealand and UK passport holders can obtain an visa/entry permit on arrival in Muscat. Visa is valid for 1 month from date of entry and the cost is RO 6.
Electrical Plugs: The electricity supply is 220/240 volts and 50 cycles. The socket is (generally) the 3 flat point UK System
Mobile Phones: Mobile coverage is available throughout the Sultanate. Please contact your mobile service provider to organize "Global Roaming" GSM 900/1800
Business Hours: 8.00am to 5.30pm Saturday to Wednesday. Weekend is Thursday pm and Friday
Shopping Hours: Saturday to Thursday - 9am to 1pm & 4pm to 8 or 9pm Friday - 4pm to 8 or 9pm.
Dress: As in all Middle Eastern countries, respect for the local customs and sensibilities is recommended. Short, revealing or tight clothing should not be worn in public places.
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but something slightly warmer may be needed in the desert for evenings. In winter and summer, be sure to take a jacket or sweater when visiting shopping malls, cinemas or hotels, as the air conditioning can be quite cold.
Mosque visits: Modest, conservative, loose fitting clothing; long sleeves, long skirts/trousers. Shoes to be removed before entering so we recommend slip off shoes. Headscarf required.
Bargaining: Bargaining is the norm in the souqs and most small shops. All department stores, supermarkets and western style shops operate at fixed prices.
Beverages: It is illegal to carry alcohol in your car. In addition, drinking and driving is heavily penalized.
Customs Regulations: Non - Muslim visitors are allowed to bring alcohol (max 1 litre) into the country by air only. Reading material may be withheld for scrutiny.
National Dress: Men: Dishdasha (robe), Kimah (cap) & Mussar (turban).
Women: Jallabia (dress), Sirwall (trousers), Over dress/cloak (thub), Lahaf (head shawl), Abaya (black cloak), Birka (face mask).
Photography: Oman is a photographer's delight. However, please be sensitive to local customs such as not photographing locals without their permission, particularly women who in general are shy and reserved. As in most countries, it is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders and airports.
Religion: Mosques throughout the country testify to the important role religion plays in daily life however Oman is a very tolerant society where churches, temples and mosques co-exist.
Traffic System: Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road. There is a great network of surface trunk roads joining the main towns and main roads in the capital and Salalah. Holders of international driving licenses are allowed to drive in the Sultanate of Oman (minimum 25 years only). Driving under alcoholic influence is strictly prohibited.
Taxis: Taxis are white and orange and have the taxi sign. (Moderate bargaining is needed).