GENERAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATIONS

TRAVEL IDEAS

Muscat 3 day stopover
Muscat Beach 5 day stopover
Sightseeing Extension Ideas

STAYS OF DISTINCTION

The Chedi Muscat

FAR EAST REZ CENTRE

Since you will probably be visiting more than just one country in the Far East, take advantage of our experience and contacts in the whole area. We can also help you with the best airfares. Have your agent contact us or fill out the information request form.

Let us custom make an individual holiday you will never forget.

Oman

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Climate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Local Time: 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Four hours ahead of GMT

Language: Arabic is the official language of Oman, and English and Asian languages such as Hindi, Urdu, and Baluchi are also widely spoken. Swahili is spoken by some, a legacy of Oman's former East African presence. English is widely used in business.

Currency: The basic unit of currency in Oman is the Omani Rial (0.38 rial equals U.S. $1; fixed rate). It is divided into 1000 baiza. The rial is the only currency circulated, although in some rural areas transactions occur outside the cash economy.

Credit Cards: All banks in Oman offer customers cash and debit cards, which can be used at any branch of the same bank and, by arrangement, at other banks.

Hours of Business: Normal business hours are 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 4 to 7 PM, Saturday–Wednesday; banking hours are generally 8 AM to noon, though some banks reopen from 4 to 6 PM. Banks and businesses close at 11:30 AM on Thursday and remain closed Friday. Business hours are reduced during the Ramadan fast.

Electricity: Electricity in Oman is 240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Oman with a device that does not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.

Medical Services: Care and medicines are available in Oman. Local medical treatment varies in quality, however, and can be inadequate. While hospital emergency treatment is available, there is no ambulance service in Oman. Malaria is a concern in the interior and on the Batinah Coast. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Drinking Water: Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travellers.

Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.
Make sure food is fully cooked.

Dress Code: Dress code is of utmost importance. When visiting the country it is important that you dress modestly but comfortably. Women should consider mid-length skirts or dresses (below the knee) with long sleeves, but short sleeves are okay. Tight-fitting clothes should be avoided as they may cause offence. Skimpy shorts should never be worn in public by men or women and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except on the beach or the hotel pool.

Transportation: Taxis and car are the easiest mode of transport in Oman. They are easily available in Muscat, Salalah and other major cities of Oman. All the taxi drivers in Oman are essentially Omanis, and they are really nice and helping. Travelers visiting Oman can also rent a car from Dubai, but they have to make sure that the car is insured in Oman. Though for frequent travels during the day, buses are not recommended, as cars offer a better and a faster mode of transport. But always remember that hiring a car in Oman is easy but not cheap.

Shopping: The Capital area has a number of shopping malls, mainly situated in Qurum, but in recent times, spreading to the Al Khuwair area, which house a variety of shops, ranging from boutiques to chain stores. Local produce in the super markets is reasonably priced and of a good standard. There are many furniture shops selling mainly Western style furniture, but a few galleries have opened up which renovate and customise antique Middle Eastern and Indian furniture.

Passport: A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Oman. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Valid and signed U. S. Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond the date of entry; with at least one blank visa page) – photocopy is not acceptable

VISA ON ARRIVAL AT SEEB INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Pay currency at the foreign exchange counter (Travelex) and collect a visa receipt.
Get in queue for the Immigration "visa on arrival".

Tourists from the following countries can benefit from the visa on arrival at Seeb International airport at a fee of 6 Rials per visa. (US$16 approximately).(Lists subject to change)

OTHER COUNTRIES – Canada, U.S.A., Australia, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand.

Taiwan, Brunei, Seychelles, Hong Kong, South Korea, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Tunisia & Lebanon

SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES – Venezuela, Uruguay, Ecuador, French Guyana, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Suriname, Paraguay, Chile, Columbia & Peru.

JOINT DUBAI/OMAN VISA

Visitors of those nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival in Oman, who have entered Dubai and then travel to Oman, when entering through either Seeb Airport or the Hatta border are entitled to a free Oman visa on arrival. The visitor should show the Immigration officer the stamped Dubai visa.

Holidays, Festivals & Events

Ramadan

Ramadan is the month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and feast from dusk until dawn. Normal business patterns may be interrupted, many restaurants close and it is illegal for Muslims and non-Muslims to eat, drink or smoke in public. Alcohol is not served publicly at any time during Ramadan. Shopping centres are open late.

Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Fitr is a three-day celebration following Ramadan. It is a festive family time during which Muslims do not fast, in fact, it is a time for feasting. The first day of Eid begins before dawn. Muslims gather in large outdoor areas for the first prayer of the day. Returning home from prayer, Muslims spend the day greeting friends and family. Homes are busy with visitors arriving throughout the day. Sweets, fruits, and snacks are offered to all and gifts are often given to children.

Events celebrated in Oman are generally Muslim festivals and feasts. Exact dates change from year to year according to the Islamic lunar calendar. The following events are public holidays, and move forward by approximately 11 days each year.

Ramadan (Month of fasting and feasting)
Eid Al Fitr (Three days of feasting. Follows Ramadan)
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
Mouloud (Birth of Mohammed)
Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of Mohammed)