Fast Fax Oman
Mirani Fort
picture courtesy www.tourism-oman.com
Oman is one of the best countries to visit in the Middle East for many different reasons. It has a great, welcoming culture, nice weather (apart from the stifling summer months), unspoiled outdoor activities including desert camping, 4x4 desert driving and "wadi bashing," scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, and many others.
Oman also boasts moderate sized cities and modern and clean amenities.
Weather & Climate
Oman is hot during the summer months and visitors should avoid June-August unless they are prepared for the desert heat.
The best time to visit Oman is from October through April, with Jan-March being a rough estimate of the cool and rainy season (though rain is very rare and "cool" means 70-80 degrees F.
Religion
Most Omanis are of the Ibadi Muslim variety. Ibadi Muslims are a subsect of Islam and they follow the leadership of the 4th Rightly Guided Calipth Abdullah Ibn Ibad, a close follower of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) who lived during the 600s AD.
Ibadi Muslims are somewhat isolated from mainstream Islam which makes for a unique cultural and religious climate.
About a fourth of Omanis are Sunni Muslims.
Oman is a very religious country but also welcoming and understanding of others' beliefs. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, most restaurants are closed during the day and shops have limited hours. During the evenings, after the breaking of the fast, shops, restaurants and general nightlife stay open till very late.
Language
The official language in Oman is Arabic but many people speak English and most signs are in both English and Arabic.
Clothing
Most Omanis still wear traditional dress. Westerners shouldn't wear shorts or short skirts in public, nor any shirt which does not have sleeves, but the country as a whole is very tolerant of Western clothing habits.
Visas
Tourism is fairly new in Oman and tourist visas have only been issued since 1995.
Passport holders from GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar) do not need a visa to visit Oman.
Other passport holders typically need to be "sponsered" by a hotel or travel agency in order to obtain a visa to Oman. Contact your travel agent or Omani embassy before travel. You will generally be issued a form and then get your visa upon arrival in Oman.
Passport holders from Israel or anyone who has an Israeli stamp in their passport will be denied entrance to Oman.
Driving
You can drive in Oman with your home country's driver's license and the state of Omani roads is pretty good throughout the country, though there are several unpaved sections of roads in the desert areas that will require 4x4.
Car rentals can start at about $300US per week and are available from the airport and from Musqat city itself.
Drugs & Alcohol
Alcohol is available at few restaurants and hotels only and because Oman is a very religious country, alcohol should never be consumed outdoors. There is a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving in Oman as well.
Illegal drugs are dealt with severly in Oman and should be avoided at all costs.
Money
The currency in Oman is the Rial, divided into 1000 baisa. One Omani Rial is worth about $2.60 US.
ATM machines are available in Musqat and currency exchanges can be performed at banks in the city or at the airport. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the country.
Vaccinations
None are Required, but several are recommended, check with your healthcare provider if you are concerned. The level of healthcare in Oman is very high and modern.
Annoyances
Annoyances in Oman are few and far between. The country is full of hospitable people welcoming you.
Driving can take some getting used to as tailgating and speeding tend to be the norm.
Driving in the country and deserts can be dangerous if you get lost or stuck in the sand. You should have a four wheel drive vehicle and slightly deflate your tires if you are off-roading.
Gay & Lesbian Travel
Homosexuality is against the law in Oman and can be punishable, but only is done so in extreme cases. Public displays of affection should be avoided and apart from that you will find little problems.
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