Normal business hours throughout Oman are from 08:30 to 17:30, with some businesses closing for lunch. Thursdays and Fridays are holidays for most people, as the western weekend, always falling on Saturday and Sunday, does not apply.

Banks: 08:30 to 17:30, Sunday to Wednesday.
Post Offices: 08:30 to 17:30, Sunday to Thursday.
Shops: 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:30 to 21:30, daily.
Museums: 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday.
Business Offices: 08:30 to 17:30, Sunday to Wednesday.

Muscat is a very safe place for visitors, with cultural differences usually being the most difficult thing you will encounter during your stay. Women travellers in particular should be aware of some essential modifications in their dress and behaviour that are necessary in order to ensure a hassle-free stay and prevent causing offence. As a Muslim country, it is necessary to cover your legs and arms, as well as wearing a scarf around your head; dressing this way will ensure you win the trust and respect of the locals. Men should also refrain from wearing shorts, although t-shirts are acceptable.

Visitors should exercise caution when taking a taxi. The fare should always be agreed on prior to commencing your journey, with the vast majority of drivers charging unsuspecting tourists well over the standard rate. Be prepared to barter with your driver to avoid a large dent in your wallet.

There are some dangerous sea creatures present in the waters of the Gulf of Oman, so those planning on swimming, diving or snorkelling should familiarise themselves with the various threats such as coral and sea snakes.

While driving conditions in Muscat are excellent, with traffic laws strictly enforced, off road driving outside of the city can be hazardous, with those visitors taking four-wheel drive trips at higher risk of having an accident.

Petty crime is very low in Muscat, partly attributed to the country’s strict laws and punishments; however, all the usual precautions should be taken such as keeping your valuables out of sight and not wandering around unfamiliar areas after dark. It is also worth noting that Oman is a supporter of the death penalty and many crimes, including drug offences and murder, may attract this punishment. People can also be imprisoned for acts of homosexuality and for obscene gestures and language, so it is worth being on your best behaviour during your stay.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

While there are no specific vaccination requirements for Oman, visitors are recommended to ensure they are up-to-date with standard inoculations prior to travelling to Muscat. Tap water is safe for cooking with and brushing your teeth, but visitors are advised to drink bottled water only, with Jabal Akhdar, Masafi, Salsabeel and Aquafina being reliable brands.

Medical facilities in Muscat are good, with more than one adequate hospital with western standards. Pharmaceuticals are also widely available from hospitals and pharmacies. While cash payment is often required for medical treatment, visitors can rest assure that reliable emergency services are in operation. While not all doctors speak adequate English, there should be no problem in finding someone to translate at one of the city’s larger hospitals.

The Royal Hospital Oman
Tel: +968 24599000
Fax: +968 24594460

Ambulance: 9999

The official language in Oman is Arabic, with many minority groups speaking their own languages. There are large Pakistani and Indian communities in the city of Muscat, meaning that Hindi and Urdu are also widely spoken, while many people also speak English.

Common greetings worth learning include ‘Murhaba Kayf haalak?’ for a man, with the standard reply being ‘Al-humdoolillah bikhair’, while women should use ‘Kayf haalik?’ and respond the same as men, using ‘Al-humdoolillah bikhair’. These greetings translate as ‘How are you?’ or ‘Good day’. If you plan to visit out-of-the-way places, it is wise to invest in a phrase book prior to your arrival in the city.

The currency in Oman is the Omani rial. One rial is divided into 1,000 baisa. Coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50, while banknotes are available in 100 and 200 baisa, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, ½ and ¼ rial.

ATMs are a common sight in Muscat now and can be found with ease at shopping malls, hotels, petrol stations and supermarkets, while there are bank dotted throughout the city. Those looking to exchange money will find many exchange counters at Muttrah Souq; these offer better rates than hotels and banks.

Visitors should note that Omani rial is unavailable in most countries, so you will have to change your money when you arrive. It is always best to bring currency in US dollars or another strong currency to avoid difficulties when exchanging money.

Firearms, ammunition or pornography are not allowed to be brought into Oman. Non-Muslims are permitted to bring in one bottle of liquor. Travellers carrying books, video tapes and audio tapes may find that customs officials want to review the content of these items before permitting them to be brought into the country.

If you come from a non-Islamic country, then you should take the time to accustom yourself with a few simple pointers on Omani etiquette before you arrive. If you want to be well-received in Muscat, you must show consideration and respect for local customs and religion by adhering to the following suggestions.

Both men and women should cover their legs, while they should also wear shirts or blouses that come to just below the elbow. Women must also wear a headscarf if they wish to enter a mosque. Learning simple phrases in Arabic will also ensure you are welcomed. Impolite behaviour includes pointing your feet, the soles of which should also not be facing anyone when you are seated. Make sure you accept offerings, especially food, with your right hand, as the left has unclean connotations. You may find that you are offered tea or coffee upon making an expensive purchase in a shop or if you are invited into someone’s home; to signal you have had enough, tip your cup from side to side, otherwise you will almost certainly get a refill. Do not attempt to take photographs of locals without their permission.

One thing visitors will notice about Muscat is the very religious nature of most of the residents’ lives. With the majority of the population being Muslims, praying is obligatory five times a day at dawn; noon; mid-afternoon; 1 hour, 30 minutes before sunset; and at sunset. You will also find that Muslims only eat halal meat, which is slaughtered in a particular way, with the exception of pork, which is not allowed to be eaten.

While many people find Omani culture hard to penetrate if they speak no Arabic or are unfamiliar with Muslim ways, visitors to Muscat will be overwhelmed at the hospitality of the Omani people so long as they pay attention to the above points to demonstrate their consideration. Even walking in the street, you will find you are kindly greeted by passers by.

Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to dine by an Omani, it is customary that they will pay. Guests should be the first to eat, while your host will wait until last as a sign of respect. It is also not uncommon for men and women to be segregated while dining. Do not use your left hand while dining, as this is associated with unclean activities. If you are dining at someone’s home, expect a great deal of socialising before the meal is served.

If the meal is served on the floor, sit with your legs crossed or kneel. It is polite to try everything that you are offered. Do not feel uncomfortable if there is little conversation during the meal, as Omanis tend to talk before and after eating, so that they can savour and enjoy the food while they eat.

Citizens of most countries including the UK, the USA, Australia and Canada can obtain a visa for Oman on arrival at the airport in Muscat, with visitors having to join a line to pay for a visa stamp prior to immigration. Visitors from China, Russia and Ukraine may only get a visa on arrival if they are travelling with a local tourism company, hotel or family. Citizens of Egypt, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria and Tunisia may only enter if they are on a package holiday, with booked accommodation.

The Ministry of Tourism has an informative website to assist travellers in planning their trip to Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om. They can also be contacted by phone at: +968 24588700. There is also a tourist information office at Seeb International Airport.