Bargaining is normal in the souqs and most small
shops. All department stores, supermarkets and western
style malls operate at fixed prices. 
It is illegal to carry alcohol in your car, and
drinking and driving is heavily penalized.
The unit of currency is Rial Omani ( R.O.)
Omani Rial is divided into baizas. R.O. 1 = 1000 baizas.
Notes : R.O. 50, R.O. 20, R.O. 10 , R.O. 5, R.O. 1
500 baizas, 250 baizas, 200 baizas and 100 baizas.
Coins : 50 baizas, 25 baizas, 10 baizas, and 5 baizas.
US$ 1 = Rial Omani 0.380
| ATM (Automated Teller Machines) |
ATM Machines of international banks & credit cards are available in several parts of the country & at the airport.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and major retail
outlets. The cards generally in use are American Express,
Diners Club, Visa and Master Card.
Arms, narcotics and psychotropic drugs are prohibited.
Non - Muslim visitors are allowed to bring a maximum
of 2 litres of alcohol into the country by air only.
Reading material may be withheld for scrutiny.
October through April are cooler months. The months
of May and September are moderately hot. June through
August are usually hot and humid.
Light cotton clothing is recommended during the greater
part of the year except in the short winter season
where some light warm clothing is preferred. It is
advisable to avoid public places with shorts, beach
wear, sleeveless outfits, etc.
Is 220 - 240 Volts at 50 cycles AC
Though Arabic is the official language, a great number
of Omanis/Expatriates speak English, Hindi,Urdu &
Swahili.
In Muscat major currencies and traveller cheques
can be exchanged at Muscat airport, banks and Money
exchanges. Outside banking hours, money changers operate
from 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs and again from 1600 hrs
to 2000 hrs.
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).
Oman is a photographer’s delight. Photographers
will find an enormous choice of subjects here. Please
do not take photographs of locals without their permission.
Women in particular do not like being photographed.
It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities,
borders and airports. Observe “ No Photography
“ signs.
Friday is the general day of worship and a public
holiday. This is not the best day for cruise calls
in Muscat & Salalah as it is a public holiday
and also a day of prayers. Individual & Groups
will have to note certain sightseeing that may be
closed.
Oman is an Islamic country and Islam is the official
religion. But, Oman is a liberal country and churches
& temples also exist.
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 are white and orange and have the taxi sign.
(Moderate bargaining is needed).
Telephone cards are readily available from shops
and supermarkets. (Rial Omani 1.500, 3.000 & 5.000).
International telephone calls are cheaper during late
evening till early morning (check for local time of
country) and the whole day on Fridays and Public Holidays.
All local telephone booths can be used for international
dialing. No collect calls are possible in Oman
G.M.T. + 04 hours. ( winter )
Hotels & restaurants - A 5 % service charge is
included in the bill. However, it is customary to
tip for attentive service.
As-salaam
alaykum |
Peace
be with you (greeting) |
Wa alaykum as-salaam |
And with you peace
(reply) |
Kayf halak? |
How are you? (greeting) |
Al humdullah bikhair |
Fine, thanks to
be God (reply) |
Ma’salama |
Good bye |
Shukran |
Thank you |
Afwan |
You are welcome |
Naam |
Yes |
La |
No |
Zain |
Good, Ok |
