Located in the the Arabian Peninsula in Western South Asia, Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. The country boasts a rich culture and history, with museums and ancient architecture everywhere, natural beauty, incredible landscapes and is one of the cleanest countries in the world.
Why Visit Oman
CULTURE & HISTORY
Oman’s culture is one of the richest cultures in the Arab region. The country has an ancient history that dates back over 100,000 years, with influences from other Arab tribes, Portugal and Britain, still available to tourists through its well preserved museums and historic sites spread along the country. Visitors can explore Oman’s ancient history by visiting its many archaeological sites, such as the ancient city of Nizwa, and the Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
NATURAL BEAUTY
While Oman isn’t usually the first destination of people when traveling to the Middle East, the country is home to stunning landscapes that range from rugged mountains and deep canyons to expansive deserts and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore Oman’s natural wonders by hiking, trekking, or simply admiring the stunning views.
CLEAN
Oman is renowned for its cleanliness and well-maintained public spaces. The country takes great pride in keeping its streets, beaches, and public spaces clean and free of litter. This commitment to cleanliness makes Oman a welcoming and inviting destination for visitors.
PEOPLE
The Omani people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and generosity. Visitors can experience Oman’s friendly and welcoming culture by interacting with locals, visiting traditional villages, and attending cultural events and festivals.
FOOD
Omani cuisine is diverse and flavorful, reflecting the country’s unique blend of cultures and traditions. Visitors can sample a wide range of Omani dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and spicy curries.
Located in the the Arabian Peninsula in Western South Asia, Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. The country boasts a rich culture and history, with museums and ancient architecture everywhere, natural beauty, incredible landscapes and is one of the cleanest countries in the world.
Why Visit Oman
CULTURE & HISTORY
Oman’s culture is one of the richest cultures in the Arab region. The country has an ancient history that dates back over 100,000 years, with influences from other Arab tribes, Portugal and Britain, still available to tourists through its well preserved museums and historic sites spread along the country. Visitors can explore Oman’s ancient history by visiting its many archaeological sites, such as the ancient city of Nizwa, and the Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
NATURAL BEAUTY
While Oman isn’t usually the first destination of people when traveling to the Middle East, the country is home to stunning landscapes that range from rugged mountains and deep canyons to expansive deserts and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore Oman’s natural wonders by hiking, trekking, or simply admiring the stunning views.
CLEAN
Oman is renowned for its cleanliness and well-maintained public spaces. The country takes great pride in keeping its streets, beaches, and public spaces clean and free of litter. This commitment to cleanliness makes Oman a welcoming and inviting destination for visitors.
PEOPLE
The Omani people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and generosity. Visitors can experience Oman’s friendly and welcoming culture by interacting with locals, visiting traditional villages, and attending cultural events and festivals.
FOOD
Omani cuisine is diverse and flavorful, reflecting the country’s unique blend of cultures and traditions. Visitors can sample a wide range of Omani dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and spicy curries.
Bucket list
Visit the Jebel Shams Canyon
Explore the Bimmah Sinkhole
Go to the Wahiba Sands Desert
Visit the Wadi Bani Khalid
What to expect
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the national language of Oman and probably what you will hear the most. The country adopted English as a second language. However, there are than eight languages spoken across the country, including Mehri, Hobyót, Jabbali, Swahili, Balushi, Lawati, Harsusi, Bathari and Kamzari. 44% of the population would speak english fluently, although it is rare to find english speakers outside the major cities.
ELECTRICITY
In Oman the standard voltage is 240V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor.
CURRENCY
The Omani rial is the official currency in Oman. Foreign currencies are not accepted, however you are able to exchange them at the airport, banks or exchange houses. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available almost everywhere. 1 USD equals 0.39 rials (as of 2023).
CLIMATE
The climate in Oman is tropical desert almost everywhere. The best time to visit would be between October and March, when is “winter” and temperatures are mild. The warmest month is June, with an average temperature of 104 °F (40.4°C), and the coldest is January, with an average of 77°F (25.5°C).
SAFETY
Oman is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Since it is a very religious country, a crime of any kind is strictly punishable. Serious crime is rare, but petty crime does exist and it is recommended to take the usual precautions like protect your valuables and avoid camping alone. It is still safe for women solo traveler, but be aware of the dressing code and avoid traveling alone at night.
How to get around
- Car rental: Renting a car is a popular option for tourists in Oman. Major international car rental companies operate in Oman, and there are also local companies to choose from.
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Oman and can be hailed on the street or booked through an app. It is important to negotiate the fare before starting the ride.
- Public buses: Oman has a reliable public bus system, with routes connecting major cities and towns. The buses are modern, comfortable, and inexpensive.
- Private transfers: Private transfers can be arranged through hotels or tour operators. This option is more expensive than other forms of transportation but offers convenience and comfort.
- Domestic flights: Oman has several domestic airports, and flying is a convenient way to travel long distances within the country. There are several airlines to choose from, and prices are generally reasonable.
It is important to note that Oman is a large country with vast desert areas, and some destinations can only be accessed by off-road vehicles. It is recommended to hire a local guide or join a tour to visit these remote areas.
Visa Policy
Oman has a relatively open visa policy for tourists, as visitors from many countries are eligible for a visa on arrival. Citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 10 days. Other countries, such as India, China, and Russia, can also obtain a visa on arrival but must have a valid visa or residency in certain other countries, such as the United States or the United Kingdom.
There are also several countries whose citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Oman, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Citizens of these countries can stay in Oman for up to 3 months without a visa.
However, there are also several countries whose citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Oman. These include countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, among others. Visitors from these countries must apply for a visa through the Omani embassy or consulate in their home country before traveling to Oman.
It is important to note that visa policies can change at any time, so it is advisable to check with the Omani embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm the visa requirements before traveling to Oman.
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