Oman Travel Information

Oman is a land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and authenticity. From exploring ancient ruins to hiking through spectacular mountain ranges, here are the top 10 things to do in Oman:

1. Visit the Nizwa Fort

Nizwa Fort is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Oman and offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and heritage.

2. Explore the Wadi Shab

The Wadi Shab is a scenic canyon that is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and exploring.

3. Visit the Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House is a stunning example of Omani architecture and is the country's premier venue for classical music and dance performances.

4. Hike in the Jebel Shams Mountains

Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, offers breathtaking views and is a popular destination for hiking and trekking.

5. Visit the Bahla Fort

The Bahla Fort is a well-preserved fort that dates back to the 13th century and is a must-visit for those interested in history and architecture.

6. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

7. Explore the Muttrah Souq

The Muttrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman and is a great place to find traditional crafts, spices, and textiles.

8. Visit the Bimmah Sinkhole

The Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural wonder that is popular for swimming and sunbathing.

9. Visit the Omani Heritage Village

The Omani Heritage Village offers a glimpse into traditional Omani life and culture, and is a must-visit for those interested in the country's history and heritage.

10. Dive in the Gulf of Oman

The Gulf of Oman is a popular destination for diving, offering stunning coral reefs and a wealth of marine life.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.