SULTANATE OF OMAN

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Sultanate of Oman has one of the oldest civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula,

stretching back thousands of years with notable periods of greatness in the ancient

world and in medieval times.

Like other great civilizations, Oman faded from prominence - until the recent

resurgence due to the discovery of oil; but all along, the country was active in

many ways and has an interesting history that is still relevant today and has left

many tangible traces in prominent landmarks and a highly developed culture.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

GREETINGS

The people of Oman offer a very warm welcome to guests in their country.

You will find that traditional Arab greetings are still widely observed and it is

good manners to exchange greetings and handshakes when meeting Omanis. 

These courtesies should be observed both in commercial dealings

(e.g. shopping in the souq) and on a personal level.

DRESS

Oman is a Moslem country and it is important that, as guests of the country,

everyone should respect the local customs. Women and teenage girls should

not wear strappy sundresses, miniskirts, shorts or low necked dresses in public

places (e.g. offices, markets, town and shopping areas). The most suitable

wear in public is shoulders covered and below knee length skirts with a top

that is appropriately long (below the hip) is also acceptable.

Men should wear short or long sleeved shirts and long trousers. Shorts or

beach wear should not be worn except at the beach or pool area.

ALCOHOL

Care must be taken not to cause offence through the use or abuse of alcohol.

In particular, alcohol should not be consumed in public places apart from

licensed premises, such as hotels & restaurants. It is illegal to carry liquor

in your car. In addition, the police take a serious view of traffic offences in

which alcohol is involved and heavy fines may be imposed.

RAMADAN  (approximately between  23rd September – 22nd October 2006)

During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset daily.

The fixed hours of prayer are observed and during daylight no Muslim will eat, drink

or smoke. The fast is strictly observed. All non-Muslims, during this period, are

requested to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the presence or sight of a Muslim.

Eating, drinking or smoking in public places during the hours of daylight is forbidden.

Hotel’s coffee shop remains open during this time, but will not serve alcohol.

Alcohol though can be served through room service only after sunset.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

May through August are usually very hot and humid with September through April

being cooler. Temperatures in the interior regions are both higher and lower than

the averages reported for the coastal areas. Average monthly temperatures are

roughly as follows:

Note: Minimum 9-10 hrs of sunshine per day throughout the year in Muscat.

BASIC COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC INFORMATION

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is Omani Rial (RO 1 = US$ 2.63) which is divided into 1000 Baiza.

Notes are available in denominations of RO 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 1/2 Rial, 250, 200 and 100 Baiza.

Coins are also in use for units under one (1) Rial.

BUSINESS HOURS

                                   SAT - WED                   THURSDAY                       FRIDAY

Gov’t                 7.30  AM  -   2.30 PM                  CLOSED                           CLOSED

Banks                8.00  AM  - 12.00 PM             8.00 AM  -  11.30 AM              CLOSED

Shops                9.00  AM  -   1.00 PM             9.00 AM  -    1.00 PM      9.30 AM  -  11.00 AM

                       4.30  PM   -   8.00 PM             4.30 PM   -    8.00 PM     4.30 PM  -    8.00 PM

FRIDAY is the weekly holiday.

ELECTRICITY

Is 220-240 Volts at 50 cycles AC.

TIME

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is plus 4 hours in summer and plus 3 hours in winter.

TELEPHONE

There are local and international direct dialing facilities available from public

call booths, hotels and from the General Telecommunications Organization (GTO).

Telephone cards are easily available in Super Markets and Hotel outlets.

INTERNET EMAIL

This facility is available in most hotels. A Cyber Café is located in the Qurm shopping area.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport (6 months validity) and visa except,

citizens of GCC countries i.e., Unites Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar 

who do not require visas to enter Oman. Visa available on arrival.  Net Tours –   Oman

will be pleased to arrange visas for visitors / tourists if they request.  Visa costs are

subject to change and are non-refundable once applied for.  Tourist visas presently

are single entry visas valid for a maximum of 21 days stay.

Following documents are required for obtaining the visas if arranged by Net Tours :

• Clear copy of the relevant pages of the passport (with validity of 6 months minimum).
• Copy of visa application form provided by Net Tours – Oman, duly filled in.
• Approx. 10 working days may be foreseen for processing the tourist visa and
• 48 hours for express visas.

OUTDOOR EXPLORING

GENERAL

The interior of Oman has some spectacular mountain scenery and colourful village

environs to offer the outdoor explorer.  The beaches have excellent quality sand

grains. The countryside is dotted with large forts dating from the 17th and 18th

centuries. Tarmac road networks link the remotest areas. Motels in the interior

offer comfortable over night lodging for those desiring a base. In short, there is

a great variety of exploring possibilities both, for the day ripper and for the over -

night camper.

We cannot, however, overemphasize the need to respect local villagers and

their customs in our sightseeing adventures.  The ability to explore freely is

a privilege that must not be misused. Some principles of etiquette are outlined

below.   Please follow them carefully so that no one causes offences and we

can all continue to enjoy the impressive countryside.

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