Beverages

It is illegal to carry alcohol in your car, and drinking and driving is heavily penalized.

Currency

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

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted in hotels and major retail outlets. The cards generally in use are American Express, Diners Club, Visa and Master Card.

Customs Regulations

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.

Climate

October through April are cooler months. The months of May and September are moderately hot. June through August are usually hot and humid.

Clothing

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.

Electricity

Is 220 - 240 Volts at 50 cycles AC

Language

Though Arabic is the official language, a great number of Omanis/Expatriates speak English, Hindi,Urdu & Swahili.

Money Exchange

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.

National Dress

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).

Photography

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.

Public Holiday - Friday

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.

Religion

Oman is an Islamic country and Islam is the official religion. But, Oman is a liberal country and churches & temples also exist.

Traffic System

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

Taxis are white and orange and have the taxi sign. (Moderate bargaining is needed).

Telephone

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.

Time

G.M.T. + 04 hours. ( winter )

Tipping

Hotels & restaurants - A 5 % service charge is included in the bill. However, it is customary to tip for attentive service.

Useful Arabic