RSSOman is a country rich in diversity and natural splendour and it has been among the most recent attractions of the globetrotters. Oman being a beautiful land acts as a splendid ground for tourist attractions due to its rich and significant heritage, nature, tradition, environment, economic diversification and traditional industries.
Discover Oman: Some facts
Official Name: Sultanate of Oman
Capital: Muscat
Main Cities: Nizwa, Sur,Izwa, Sur, Salalah, Sohar
Time: GMT + 4 hour
Currency: (O.R): OMANI RIALS. (1US$=0,384 O.R; 1Euro= 0,594 O.R JUIN 08) N.B: O.R
Religion: Islam
Language: ARABIC is the native Language of the country. However, English is widely spoken (as a second native language). Those involved in tourism speak German & French.
Credit Card currently used: Visa, Master Card, American Express. All major credit cards are accepted in main hotels, stores, and most shops but in traditional souks, cash is the most preferred means for transaction.
Transportation: You can choose from various modes of transportations to enjoy the scenic beauty of this Middle East nation.
By Plane
Oman houses two airports - Muscat/Seeb and Salalah. The main international airport of Oman is the Muscat (MCT) Seeb International. The national air carrier, Oman Air, offers a convenient transportation facility for the travellers between the two airports.
You also have the Air Arabia which flies to Muscat from the UAE. You can choose the Air Arabia flights even if your destination is the Salalah Airport.
By bus
Oman offers regular bus services ideal for those who want to travel between the cities of Oman - Salalah, Muscat, Sur, Sohar and Nizwa. You can opt for this mode even if you are travelling to Dubai from Muscat. Travellers can also opt for bus route to travel from Abu Dhabi to Muscat.
By taxi
The telephone/call taxi services available in Muscat are one of the safest and cost effective modes to travel around the Sultanate. The drivers, who are generally Omani nationals, are very friendly and helpful. Two of the leading taxi services in Muscat are Muscat Taxi and Hello Taxi.
You have the choice of hiring unmetered taxis if you wish to drive around by yourself. You have to fix the price for these taxis, which comes with an orange badge, before embarking your lovely journey. The only condition when you use taxis is that women must always sit alone in the back.
By baisa buses
Baisa buses, the mini buses, are among the most preferred internal travel source. They are cheap and ideal for women who are travelling alone. A woman can sit only next to another woman.
By car
Choose a neat car to drive around and enjoy the picturesque nature of Oman. Make sure that your car is not dirty; else beware of getting caught for suspicion.
Driving around Oman in a rented car is quite easy. The four-lane highway that connects Muscat and Nizwa and the recently developed four-lane highway between Muscat and Sur offer the tourists an enthralling driving experience.
Be careful driving on the road connecting Muscat to Sur as this is a single lane, partially lit road and animals wander onto it day and night. Drivers are usually reckless and ignore the speed limits so make sure you have insurance.
Regulations
The traffic laws of Oman are very strict. Heavy penalties are imposed for drinking and driving; 48-hour prison sentence are imposed if traffic offences are caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. Seat belts should be worn at all times. On-the-spot fines are imposed if caught using a mobile phone whilst driving. It is also forbidden to drive on the beaches.
Documentation
Long term residents need a local licence, obtainable from the police by presenting a national driving licence or International Driving Permit. Police passes are required for residents travelling to the United Arab Emirates.
Enjoy travelling around Oman, but make sure that you abide by the rules and regulations of this Islamic nation so that your travel does not turn into a nightmare.
