Oman Travel Guide

Oman is a country located in Middle East with name that begins with letter O. The Sultanate of Oman on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula is almost as big as Germany with 309,500 km², with the “Inner Desert” (Jeddat al-Harasis) covering large parts of the country. The most fertile region is the coastal strip between the capital Muscat and the port city of Sohar on the Gulf of Oman. At the same time, the Hadjar Mountains rise with the Jebel Shams (3,009 m). In the south, in the Rub al-Khali desert, the border with the neighboring states of Yemen and Saudi Arabia runs. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter O.

Entry

Citizens of the EU and Switzerland need a valid passport and a visa to enter the country. You will receive information about the current visa regulations together with your travel documents.

Climate

In the winter months in the north of the country it has an average of a pleasant 25 °C, and there are thunderstorm showers every now and then. In the summer months, on the other hand, it is very hot in the country: temperatures of over 40 °C are the rule, inland it can get even hotter. In the south, the average temperatures are around 30 °C all year round.

Food and drink

Omani cuisine is very much influenced by Indian cuisine with its variety of spices. Shoowa is one of Oman’s traditional dishes. The most popular dessert is halwa.

As usual on the Arabian Peninsula, you eat sitting on the floor on a carpet. Instead of cutlery, you use your right hand.

Cultural characteristics

The Sultanate of Oman sees itself as a tolerant Islamic country that also allows other faiths. However, one should show restraint in public: the clothes should always cover shoulders and knees, alcohol consumption outside of private areas is generally prohibited. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day are also not tolerated during Ramadan.

Strangers are welcomed with the raised open hand, a response from the guest is expected.

Medical advice

No special vaccinations are required to travel to Oman. Medical care in the major cities of the country is good. In addition to the personal travel pharmacy, it is advisable to make it easier for the body to adapt to the heat and strong sunlight: the former by avoiding exertion, high-fat food and alcohol and ensuring that you are drinking enough fluids; The latter through headgear and sun protection.

security

It is safe to move around in Oman.

Special provisions

• When entering the country, it can happen that the luggage is thoroughly searched at customs. If you have hallucinogenic drugs (e.g. psychotropic drugs) in your first-aid kit, you should enclose a multilingual certificate from the attending physician.
• People should not be photographed without being asked. It is forbidden to take photographs of police, military and border stations as well as soldiers and police officers.
• The export of cultural goods – including geological, archaeological or maritime finds – is a criminal offense.

Climate and travel time

In Oman there is a marginal tropical climate, which is influenced by the trade winds and the foothills of the monsoon. Due to the varied geography of the country, there is a wide range of climatic conditions. Winter in the north of the country is quite pleasant with around 25 °C. While it can get really hot in the summer months with over 40 °C. In the south of the country the weather is moderate with year-round temperatures of around 30 °C.

All about money

Currency

The legal tender is the Omani Rial (OMR). 1 Omani Rial (OMR) = 1000 Baizas, 1 EUR = approx. 0.45 OMR, 1 OMR = approx. 2.23 EUR

Money

An exchange of money before departure is not necessary and also not advisable, as the rates in Europe are expensive and you can easily exchange money in banks or exchange offices (usually better rates). You can also get the local currency when withdrawing from ATMs. These can be found in larger supermarkets, hotels, and other locations across the country. A credit card is particularly suitable for this. EC cards are also accepted if they and the respective ATM have the Maestro or Cirrus symbol. Please note that you must have your ATM card activated beforehand in order to be able to withdraw cash outside of Europe. You should still have cash with you at markets or bazaars.

Travelers checks are also accepted as a method of payment.

Banks

As a rule, banks are open from 8: 00 a.m. to 12: 00 p.m. from Saturday to Wednesday. On Thursday, however, they close at 11: 00 a.m.

Other essential information

Time difference

Central European Time (CET) + 3 hours, Central European Summer Time (CEST) + 2 hours

Electrical current

The voltage in Oman is 240 volts / 50 Hertz and type G sockets are used. You therefore need three-pin English plugs.