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Mutrah, Muscat, Oman
Muttrah
Before the discovery of oil in Oman, Muttrah was the center of commerce in Oman. It is still a center of commerce as one of the largest sea ports of the region is located there.

Muttrah

Before the discovery of oil in Oman, Muttrah was the center of commerce in Oman. It is still a center of...

Endless sand dunes in Rub al-Khali, Dhofar region in Oman
Dhofar
Endless sand dunes in Rub al-Khali, Dhofar region in Oman.

Dhofar

Endless sand dunes in Rub al-Khali, Dhofar region in Oman.

Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat, Oman
Muscat
Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat, Oman

Muscat

Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat, Oman

BEST 12 Things to do in Muscat Oman in 2023 🇴🇲
Oman flag

Oman Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Muscat

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and the UAE

Currency:

Omani rials (OMR)

Area:

309,500 sq km

Population:

3,694,755 (July 2021 est.)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects

Religion:

Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.5%, Hindu 5.5%, Buddhist 0.8%, Jewish <0.1%, other 1%, unaffiliated 0.2% (2010 est.)

TimeZone:

UTC+4

Tel Code:

+968

Things to Do

  • 1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

    Visit the largest mosque in Oman, named after Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. The mosque can hold up to 20,000 worshippers and features beautiful Islamic architecture and intricate decorations.

  • 2. Wahiba Sands

    Explore the stunning desert landscape of Wahiba Sands, known for its towering sand dunes and golden sands. Enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, and stargazing in the clear desert sky.

  • 3. Mutrah Corniche

    Stroll along the picturesque Mutrah Corniche, a waterfront promenade in Muscat. Admire the traditional Omani architecture, visit the Mutrah Souq, and enjoy beautiful views of the harbor.

  • 4. Nizwa Fort

    Discover the historic Nizwa Fort, one of Oman's most impressive forts. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area and learn about the fort's history and significance.

  • 5. Jebel Shams

    Hike to the top of Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, for breathtaking views of the rugged landscape. Explore the nearby villages and enjoy camping under the starry night sky.

  • 6. Musandam Fjords

    Cruise through the stunning Musandam Fjords, a scenic area known for its towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. Enjoy snorkeling, dolphin watching, and relaxing on board.

  • 7. Jebel Akhdar

    Experience the beauty of Jebel Akhdar, also known as the 'Green Mountain'. Discover terraced farms, traditional villages, and ancient ruins in this picturesque mountainous region.

  • 8. Bimmah Sinkhole

    Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural limestone crater filled with turquoise water. Relax on the surrounding beach and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

  • 9. Jebel Al Akhdar Rose Garden

    Visit the Jebel Al Akhdar Rose Garden during the blooming season and admire the vibrant colors and fragrant scent of the roses. Learn about rose water production and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

  • 10. Salalah

    Explore the coastal city of Salalah, known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lush greenery. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Al Baleed Archaeological Park, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Weather

Climate

Oman has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The temperature in the interior can reach up to 50°C during the summer, while the coastal areas are somewhat cooler. Rainfall is rare, with most of the country receiving less than 100mm of rain per year.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Oman is from October to March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. This is also the peak tourist season, so visitors should expect higher prices and larger crowds. The summer months, from June to September, can be uncomfortably hot, but are still a good time to visit if visitors are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking.

Visas

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

COVID Status

I am vaccinated 
Oman Open
Test
Not required
Quarantine
Not required

Check Visa Requirements

      Accommodation

      Oman offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, including:

      Luxury Hotels

      Oman is home to a number of luxurious hotels, including several 5-star resorts, that offer the highest standards of comfort and service.

      Mid-Range Hotels

      For those seeking a more moderate option, there are plenty of mid-range hotels in Oman that offer comfortable rooms and a range of facilities.

      Budget Hotels

      Budget-conscious travelers can find affordable accommodations in Oman, including simple guesthouses and budget hotels.

      Traditional Accommodations

      For those looking for a unique and authentic experience, Oman also offers traditional accommodations such as desert camps, beach huts, and Bedouin tents.

      Home Rentals

      For those seeking more space and privacy, there are also options for home rentals, including apartments, villas, and traditional Omani houses.

      Transportation

      Oman offers a variety of transportation options for visitors, including:

      Taxis

      Taxis are widely available in Oman and are a convenient option for getting around. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

      Buses

      The public bus system in Oman is relatively inexpensive and provides convenient transportation to many of the major cities and tourist destinations.

      Rental Cars

      Rental cars are a popular option for visitors who want the freedom to explore Oman at their own pace. Visitors can rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies located at the airport and in the city centers.

      Trains

      The Oman Rail Company operates a passenger service that runs between Muscat and other major cities, including Rustaq and Sohar.

      Flights

      Oman’s national carrier, Oman Air, operates flights to many destinations within the country and internationally. Visitors can also opt for a scenic flight over the stunning landscapes of Oman.

      Money

      Money Tips for Travel

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
      • Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
      • Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
      • Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

      ATM and Credit Cards

      • Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
      • Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
      • Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
      • Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
      • Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

      Exchange Rates

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

      Insurance

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

      Medical Coverage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

      Trip Cancellation and Interruption

      Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

      Lost or Stolen Luggage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

      Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

      Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

      Liability coverage

      Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

      Mobile

      When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

      eSIM

      Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

      Dual SIM phone

      If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

      Extend your home plan

      Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

      Keep your primary SIM

      With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

      Community

      There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

      Facebook groups

      There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

      Meetup

      Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

      Internations

      Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

      Couchsurfing

      Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

      Reddit

      Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

      Linkedin

      LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

      At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.