Location
Oman is the second largest country in the Arabian Peninsula with the United Arab Emirates dividing a small section on the northernmost tip. The country's entire east coast is fringed by the Arabian Sea and its land neighbours include Yemen to the South, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates on its western border.

Getting there
Seeb International Airport is located 40 km from Muscat City Centre and also serves domestic flights. There are frequent direct flights from a number of European, Asian and African cities. There are excellent connections from all over the world with Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Kuwait Airways, Swiss and Thai.
(Click here to view the airline schedule)

Oman is very much accessible by road from the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is 450 kms away from the Oman capital, Muscat and it takes approximately 4.5 hours to get there by road. There are buses (private and Government owned) buses, which ply between Dubai and Muscat every day.
(Click here to see the ONTC route map)

Visa
Citizens of over 60 countries may obtain visit Visas valid for one-month stay on arrival.
(Click here to view the latest Visa rules & Regulations)

Local Time
GMT +4 hours

Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Getting around
Oman has a modern network of roads and motorways. One may exercise the self-drive option and can avail the car of their choice including four-wheel drives. Taxis are plenty but the fare needs to be agreed beforehand, as the fares are not metered.
(Click here to see our fleet and book a vehicle)

Customs
No customs duty is levied on personal effects brought into Oman. It is forbidden to import drugs or pornographic material (magazines, tapes, CDs etc) Non-Muslims may import upto two bottles of alcohol.

Currency
The Rial (RO) is the Omani currency and is divided into 1000 baisas. The rate conversion is one Omani Rial = US$ 2.60
(Click here to see the rate conversion of RO against other currencies)

Climate
Summer is between May and September. The best time to visit Oman is between October and April when temperature ranges between 25 and 35 C during the day and between 17 and 19 C at night. Most buildings and Vehicles used in Oman are Air-Conditioned.
(Click here to view mean temperatures)

Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing in cotton is ideal for most of the year. Sweaters, Light jackets or shawls may be needed for the cooler evenings. The dress code in Oman is relatively relaxed when compared to most Arab countries however, extremely revealing and inappropriate clothing may be considered offensive.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted in main hotels, stores, and most shops but in traditional souqs, cash is the most preferred means for transaction.

ATM
Automated Teller Machines can be found in most major supermarkets, hotels and other locations through out the country.

Mobile Phones
Oman has an extensive GSM network. Visitors can avoid roaming charges by purchasing a prepaid Hayyak SIM card at the Muscat airport or at Omantel counters.

Business Hours
Most shops and Malls are opened from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm and during Ramadan, the shops close later in the night. Embassies and Consulates are open from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon, Saturday to Thursday. In general, banking hours are Saturday to Wednesday from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon and on Thursdays from 8.00 am to 11.30 am.

Health Matters
While tap water is safe for drinking, a variety of locally bottled mineral water is widely available at all super markets and restaurants. Most hotels have medical help available and there are private and government medical facilities available.

Facilities for the physically challenged
Most Hotels and Public places provide facilities and make special arrangements for physically challenged visitors.

Photography
Tourist photography is allowed but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women or near Military installations. It is always courteous to ask permission before taking pictures.

Electricity
The electrical system is based on the 220/240 AC volts with 3 pin British type plugs. US made appliances may need an adapter.

Religion
Islam is the official religion while other faiths are also respected.

Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. As a sign of respect, visitors are also required to refrain from these activities in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2004, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin around 14 October. At the end of 30 days or on sighting of the moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated.

Alcohol
Alcohol is served in Hotels, Select restaurants and bars. However, drinking in public is not permitted.