If you’re looking for tips for traveling to Oman, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve just returned from a fantastic few weeks in Oman. There is so much to share about this overwhelming, historical, and mesmerizing country at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
Oman is a country that has staggering natural beauty and a secular government that has managed to hold on to its historical and cultural roots while its neighbors blast forward into the modern world. It’s a country well worth a visit, but let’s note some basic Oman travel tips first.
Oman Travel Tips
Head to the Mountains!
There are several ways to beat the heat in Oman, but our favorite way is to head for the mountains. The Al Hajar Mountains are a famous mountain range in Oman that sit over 2000m high and offer welcome relief from the oppressive heat and humidity found along the coastline.
It’s a rugged landscape of ocher mountains filled with orchards, villages, caves, and expansive wadis. Those orchards supply local specialties like pomegranates and rose water.
Wadis or canyons may be the region’s most impressive sights and can offer some very promising hikes, either along their rim, through the floor, or on the sides. One of the most unique ways to explore the wadis here is through Via Ferrata.
Via Ferrata or “Iron Way” is a climbing route led by fixed bolts, ladders, and lines. It’s a non-technical way to experience rock climbing, and anyone can do it safely, as you are harnessed at all times. There are two places in Oman where you can do Via Ferrata. It doesn’t matter how you choose to explore these mountains, but they are a must-visit in Oman.
We were able to take part in this Via Ferrata experience while staying at the beautiful Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel. Located in the Al Hajar Mountains, this was by far our favorite stay in Oman. Alila Jabal is situated right in the heart of the rugged mountains, overlooking a massive canyon that looks out to Oman’s highest mountain.
Besides the Via Ferrata, there are plenty of hiking trails around Alila Jabal and a luxurious spa for when you get back from your outdoor adventures. The food here is also top-notch Omani cuisine – easily the best we’ve had in Oman. Our whole experience in the mountains of Oman made our time in the country amazing.
What to Wear in Oman?
Oman is still a very conservative country and one of our top Oman travel tips is to dress appropriately. Most Omani men wear a dishdasha or a long white robe that covers their legs and arms. To finish their outfit, they often wear a kummah, the traditional Omani cap. Women commonly wear an abaya and a hijab to cover their heads.
While visitors do not need to dress in the local garb, it is a good idea to dress modestly. Women should avoid skimpy clothes, and men should generally wear shorts that come to the knee. Furthermore, women should not visit local beaches in bikinis, save that for the resorts. We both opted for long airy pants and a technical long sleeve shirt or t-shirt on sweltering days.
Is It Safe to Travel to Oman?
One of the top Oman travel questions is about safety. Oman is one of the safest countries in the world! It has one of the lowest crime rates globally for industrialized nations, and it only beat out by countries like Japan and Singapore. The homicide rate in Oman is 0.5 per 100,000 compared to the USA at 5.3 per 100,000 and the United Kingdom at 1.20.
To drive this point home even more, Canada and Norway have higher violent crime rates than Oman. So, it’s very safe to travel in Oman, and visitors can expect nothing but the famed hospitality of the Omani.
35 FUN & Interesting Facts About Oman
Take a Step Back in Time
Scattered throughout the country and mountains are abandoned villages. These “ghost villages,” so to speak, are famed for visitors, and many of them attract photographers and the curious. As Oman’s economy began to boom from oil and the modern era, these old villages were abandoned for modern homes with electricity and A/C. These old stone buildings sit abandoned on hillsides and within modern towns.
It’s an unreal setting as most are built along hillsides for ventilation and made from stacked rock, clay, and straw. Al Hamra is the most famous of the abandoned villages, which lies at the foot of the Hajar mountains. The community of homes dates back four centuries, and some buildings reach up to three stories.
Watch Out for the Donkeys and Camels
Oman is filled with wild donkeys and camels, probably two of the most stubborn animals in the world. In all our time driving along the roads, we saw countless of these guys, including one donkey in the middle of a four-lane highway.
It’s a good idea to be cognizant of the animals when driving around the roads, especially at night, as camels can be deadly when struck at speed. Of course, it’s not like they’re hiding around every corner!
What is the currency in Oman?
The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial which can be divided into 1,000 baisas. One Omani rial is equal to $2.60 U.S., one of the strongest currencies we’ve come across in our travels. You can find paper notes for 100 baisas, 500 baisas (1/2 Rial), 1 Omani Rial, 5 Omani Rials, 10 Omani Rials, 20 Omani Rials, and 50 Omani Rials.
We pulled out around 100 Rials when we arrived for our 10-day trip. This was more than enough for the two of us as everywhere accepted a credit card for payment.
Cash comes in handy for the random ticket to attractions, gratuity at hotels, and buying products in the souks like Frankincense.
How Expensive is Oman?
We were a bit shocked at how expensive Oman could get. As mentioned above, the Omani Rial is one of the strongest currencies globally so prices can add up. Don’t let the currency fool you! When something says it is 2 OMR, it is not $2 (more like $5). This means Oman can be a costly place to travel if you always eat at nice restaurants, stay in the best resorts, and do all the fun activities you can.
So if you are not careful, your trip to Oman can really add up. However, we could find budget accommodations for under $100/night, eat at local restaurants for under $5 a person, go shopping for local souvenirs, and fill up our car full of gas for less than $20.
Buy Jesus the Gift of Frankincense
I never understood what Frankincense was in the story of Jesus of Nazareth. I assumed that it had to be something of value. It wasn’t until our trip to Oman that I learned about Frankincense since it is the origin. In ancient times Frankincense, literally incense, was considered sacred throughout the East for rituals, temples, and spiritual events.
The incense is produced from the sap of trees found in Oman and is closely tied to Omani culture. You can find frankincense in markets around the country, but we picked ours up in the historical souq outside Muscat, Mutrah Souq.
Eat Some Spicy Omani Cuisine
Oman is a bit of a melting pot regarding its cuisine and one of our top Oman travel tips is to try the delicious food.. You can find influences from Africa, India, Persia, and the Mediterranean. A wide variety of spices are used in the food, such as saffron, ginger, and nutmeg. Many Arabian specialties are easy to find here, with the wonderful addition of seafood.
Enjoy the Coastline
Oman has long ties to the sea, with ancient fishing villages along the coastline and a vital historical port. However, it’s more than just some history; the coastline is breathtaking and largely pristine.
The pristine coastline has made some fabulous beach resorts, such as the Shangri-La Al Husn or the Al Bustan Palace. To top it all off, there is some world-class diving here, with pristine coral reefs waiting to be explored.
Oman is Not One Big Desert
The vast majority of Oman is arid; however, Salalah feels like a world removed. It’s the capital of the Dhofar region of Oman and lies in the far south. The city is subtropical, and during Khareef (rainy season), it turns into another world. Frequent rains lead to waterfalls, rivers, and a verdant landscape.
Other amazing destinations include the Wabis along the coastline. The most famous is the Wadi Shab. It’s a mesmerizing sight from the valley’s floor. As you walk along the valley floor, you climb cross back and forth over the river before finally swimming along into a cave and waterfall where you can go cliff jumping. The natural beauty is serene, and there’s plenty of adventure too!
Drink The Delicious Qawha
Omanis are big-time coffee drinkers, which plays an integral role in their culture. It’s an important sign of hospitality and is meant to be given as a welcome to guests. A welcome gift is greatly appreciated when it is as delicious as qawha.
In brewing, cardamom, cloves, and rose water are added for an extremely aromatic cup of coffee. You drink black coffee from small cups and then pair it with dates for sweetness. It was easily one of our favorite aspects of visiting Omani culture.
Savor the Omani Dates
Speaking of dates and coffee. Oman is famed for its dates, and it’s common for many Omanis to have their own palm trees or date farms. You can find the trees throughout the country, providing an ample supply of delicious fruit.
Find Peace in the Empty Quarter
The Empty Quarter or Rub Al Khali in Arabic, is a desolate stretch of land that encompasses much of Oman. It may not be home to much of anyone, but there are plenty of camps and day trips to explore this fascinating natural wonder for the adventurous. The most popular region to explore the massive dunes and star-filled nights is the Wahiba Sands.
Should You Rent a Car in Oman?
Oman is a beautiful country, and its coastline has a lot to explore. However, public transport is almost non-existent and most touristic destinations are best visited on a day trip or one overnight. We recommend picking up a rental car to maximize your time in Oman.
With that being said, there are several things to keep in mind. Pick up an IDP (International Driver’s License) with your details translated to Arabic. You will need to be a defensive driver in Oman. They drive very fast and aggressively in Oman, and as a result, they have the second-highest per capita driving-related deaths in the world.
This is well known, and they have enacted speed cameras across the highways, so do not speed. Interestingly enough, rental cars have a warning system when you exceed 120kph, the maximum speed limit in the country.
Do You Need 4×4 Rental in Oman?
If you want to head out to the desert or the mountains in your own vehicle, you’ll need a 4×4 rental. Not only is this advised, but it’s the law with police checkpoints verifying before you leave the main highway. One of the biggest highlights of Oman is the mountains inland.
How Much Does Gas Cost in Oman?
The average fuel price in Oman is around .200 Rial ($0.50) per liter. This is affordable by international standards around the world. It is affordable, and fuel stations are pleasant with gas station attendants, clean facilities, and plenty of snacks/drinks for the roads. We’ve become accustomed to getting raked over the coals when we head to the pump in foreign countries, but it was a nice surprise in Oman.
What is the Language in Oman?
Arabic is the official language of Oman, and it is widely spoken. However, you can find several different languages spoken in Oman, such as Hindi, Swahili, Bengali, and Baluchi. Many of these other languages come from foreign ex-pats.
What’s the Weather Like in Oman?
Oman and most of the Gulf States are known for their fearsome summer heat. The element that we did not expect was humidity. In our minds, these desert states along the coast are all dry but prone to extreme humidity since they sit along the coast. It was over 30C with 80% humidity when we visited in October. There was no relief other than the mountains and ocean.
Quick Oman Travel Tips
- Language – Arabic. However, English is widely spoken with good education and a strong tourist industry.
- Currency: Omani Rial
- Visa: E-Visa System,
- What to Pack: Pack for desert temperatures. Light, loose, and conservative clothing works best here!
Where to Stay in Oman
Alila Jabal Akhdar
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, Alila is one of the most high-end and beautiful hotels in Oman. It’s certainly not a cheap stay, but it’s located in a special place in the world and will transport you back in time to the mountains of Oman.
Al Bustan Palace
Located just outside Muscat, Al Bustan Palace is exactly what it sounds like – a palace. Well, not a real palace, but it certainly feels like one. It’s a great property to stay at for a relaxing time in Oman. With a huge pool and swim up suites.
Shangri La Al Husn
Shangri La Al Husn is one of the most luxurious properties in Muscat. It’s about a twenty-minute drive from downtown Muscat and is in the perfect position on the coast. It’s an ideal location for a quick city break for Omanis and a great vacation spot for international travelers who want to experience the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. You can read our full review here.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
