Best Travel Tips for Your First Oman Trip
Oman is one of the most welcoming countries in the Middle East, it is a great place to visit! There is a nice mix of beaches, mountains, deserts, culture, and adventure in Oman. Before you plan your Oman trip, read this guide and you’ll be set to have the best trip ever.
What is the best time to visit Oman?
Best times to visit: November-March
Shoulder Season: April/May, October
Low Season: June-September, the summer is extremely hot in Oman, especially when you go further inland.
How many days should you spend in Oman?
There are so many things to see and do in Oman, to really hit all of the highlights you will need 7-10 days. However if you don’t have that much time, spending 4 days in Muscat with doing day trips will still be very enjoyable for you.
7-10 days will allow you to see Muscat, hike a wadi, see Nizwa, spend a few nights in the desert, and get out to Oman’s mountains.
Swim at the Bimmah Sinkhole.
Sample Itinerary for Oman
Days 1-2 - Muscat
Day 3 - Snorkeling in the Ad Damaniyat Islands
Day 4 - Nizwa
Day 5 - Wadi Shab
Days 6-7 - Wahiba Sands
Days 8-9 - Al Jabar Mountains
Day 10 - Muscat
Read this for more details on things to do in and near Muscat.
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Best tours to take in Oman
Here’s a list of the best tours you can take when you visit Oman
Walk along the water at the Mutrah Souq.
Where to Stay in Oman
Muscat
Nizwa
Wahiba Sands
Al Jabal Mountains
What to pack for Oman
Oman is conservative but also welcoming. You’ll want to have loose, lightweight clothing to keep you cool in the heat. Both men and women should have clothes that cover their shoulders and knees if visiting a mosque is on the agenda. Women do not have to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque.
Loose fitting, clothing with lightweight fabrics
Long sleeves and long pants for men or a long skirt for women for visiting mosques
Scarf or Shawl for women to cover hair when visiting a mosque
Bathing Suit
Hat
Sunglasses
Hiking shoes
Sandals
Sweater for the mountains or the desert at night
Sunscreen
Getting to Oman
Flying into Muscat International Airport (MCT) is the best option. There are other smaller airports in Oman if you want to see some different parts of the country. Check SalamAir for domestic flights.
Renting a car in Oman
Getting a rental car is the best way to get around Oman. If you plan to drive into the desert or the mountains I would recommend getting a 4x4 vehicle. Driving in Oman is fairly easy with well-maintained and organized highways and roads.
Be mindful of your speed as there are speed cameras literally everywhere. This isn’t the place to ignore the speed limit.
Using Google Maps on our phones worked perfectly well for navigating the roads.
SIM Cards
Don’t forget to get an e-SIM before your trip. This is the easiest way to have data upon arrival without having to search for a place to buy a sim card or waste time in the airport.
If you don’t want to do that or you forget, you can also get sim cards in the airport from Omantel or Ooredoo.
Language
Arabic is the official language in Oman but you will find many signs in English as well. As non-Arabic speakers we did not have any trouble navigating or getting around Oman. As in most countries, learning a few greetings and pleasantries in Arabic will be appreciated.
You’ll want to download Google Translate for your visit to help you out in case you need it.
Currency
In Oman they use the Omani Rial (OMR). The exchange rate currently is about 1 OMR = $2.60 USD. ATMs are widely available in the cities and it is wise to always have some cash available. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having cash for souqs and other unexpected items is helpful.
Visas
Please check Oman’s official government website for current visa information. As Americans, we did need a visa to enter the country. You can get a visa on arrival or you can apply online a few days before your visit.
Our visa applications got kicked back a few times because of the pictures I was trying to use. It’s best to just snap a photo on your phone in front of a white wall.
For a 10 day visa, we paid 5 OMR per person.
Is Oman safe?
Yes, Oman is safe for travelers, families, and singles. Take the normal precautions that you would take anywhere else. You can always stay aware of travel alerts by checking the State Department website.
We never felt uncomfortable at all. Quite the opposite! Muscat is a very nice city, and the areas we went always felt very safe.
Don’t miss hiking at Wadi Shab.
Can you drink alcohol in Oman?
Yes, you can purchase beer and alcoholic drinks at restaurants and at your hotel. It is illegal to be drunk in public in Oman. The legal drinking age is 21.
Omani Food
Omani food is influenced by Indian, Persian, and African flavors. The flavors are full but not too spicy. You can expect to eat a lot of rice, stews, grilled meats, and seafood.
What to eat in Oman
Shuwa – slow-cooked marinated lamb
Majboos/Makbous – spiced rice with meat or fish
Mashuai – grilled kingfish with rice and lemon sauce
Dates and Omani coffee
Dos and Don’ts in Oman
Dos
Dress modestly in public places, cover shoulders and knees.
Use manners when greeting people, “Salam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) is appreciated.
Take off your shoes before entering a mosque.
Use your right hand for eating and passing items.
Drink Omani coffee and eat dates if offered to you, it is a sign of hospitality.
Don’ts
Don’t wear revealing clothes in public areas. You can wear what you like at your resort.
Don’t display public affection. Kissing and hugging in public is frowned upon.
Don’t disrespect Islam or the Sultan.
Don’t attempt to drive off road without a 4x4 vehicle.
Is Oman a cheap country?
While I wouldn’t say Oman is necessarily cheap, I also didn’t think it was particularly expensive. We were able to get two hotel rooms for $260 per night. The meals we ate at restaurants were less expensive than restaurants in Türkiye at the moment.
The most expensive things we did were our boat tour to the Ad Dimaniyat Islands (25 OMR per adult) and our day pass to the Shangri-la (25 per adult).
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Oman is a great mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. You’ll find gorgeous landscapes and warm hospitality. For more details on what to plan for your trip, read this next! If you choose to visit Oman, it will definitely be a trip you won’t forget!
