Oman Travel Tips

Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A small gift, either promoting your company or country, is well received. As far as dress is concerned, it is important that women dress modestly, ie long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with long sleeves, men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes must be avoided and although this is not strictly followed by Westerners, it is far better to adopt this practice and avoid causing offence. Shorts should never be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach. Collecting sea shells, abalone, corals, crayfish and turtle eggs is also prohibited. Dumping litter is forbidden. It is polite not to smoke in public, but generally no-smoking signs are posted where appropriate. Homosexual behavior is illegal. Photography: Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. ‘No Photography’ signs exist in certain places and must be observed.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The national airlines of Oman are Gulf Air (GF) (website: www.gulfairco.com), and Oman Air (WY) (website: www.oman-air.com).

Departure Tax
OMR5 for all departures (this has usually already been collected at ticket issuance). Children under two years old are exempt.

Main Airports
Muscat (MCT) (Seeb International), 40km (25 miles) west of the city (journey time – 15 to 30 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis and buses to the city are available. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, duty-free shops, bar and light refreshments, restaurants and tourist information as well as post office and car hire.

Getting There by Water
Main ports: Salalah (website: www.salalahport.com) and Sultan Qaboos. Traffic is mainly commercial.

Getting There by Road
Travel into Oman by land is only possible with prior Government permission. The best route is the north–south road from Muscat to Salalah, a journey of some 10 to 12 hours. Road travel through Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is extremely limited. There is no access from Yemen. The import (even temporary) of right-hand vehicles is not allowed.

Overview
The following items may be imported per family into Oman without incurring customs duty:
Up to 2l of alcoholic beverages (non-Muslims only); a reasonable quantity of tobacco products; 227ml perfume; eight video tapes for personal use.
Restricted items: Meat and meat products have the same regulations as when importing pets; an Islamic slaughter certificate is required.

Narcotics, non-canned food products (including vegetables, fruit and non-alcoholic beverages), bees (unless clearance is given), dates (including shoots of palm date, coconut and ornamental palm trees), firearms (including toys and replicas) and obscene films/literature. Videos are subject to censorship.

The import and use of narcotics and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. There are severe penalties for drug offences including, in some cases, the death penalty. "Soft" drugs are treated as seriously as "hard" drugs. The possession of small quantities of cannabis can lead to a 12-month prison sentence and deportation.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Oman Air (WY) runs domestic flights to Salalah and Khasab from Seeb airport; the approximate flight time to Salalah is 90 minutes.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Principal routes run from east to west, connecting Muscat to Sohor, and from north to south. There are good roads in Muscat and between Muscat and other major towns in Oman. Driving at night can be dangerous because of the risk of hitting camels that stray on the roads outside Muscat. Whilst driving at night it is advised to keep doors locked and windows closed. Bus: The state-owned Oman National Transport Company has been developing a network of services in Muscat and north Oman using modern, air-conditioned vehicles. Seventeen long-distance routes now exist. There are daily departures from Ruwi (Muscat) to Nizwa, Bahla, Ibri, Dhank, Yanqui, Ibra, Sohar, Shinas, Buraimi, Fahud, Dubai, Abudhabi and Salalah. There is competition from taxis and pick-up trucks converted for passenger service. Taxi: Prices are low compared to Europe and other Gulf countries. Fares should be agreed in advance. Shared taxis are also available. Car hire: Available from international firms which have offices at hotels throughout the country. Regulations: Traffic laws are strictly imposed. Heavy penalties are imposed for drinking and driving; 48-hour prison sentences 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: A local license must be obtained from the police by presenting a national driving license or International Driving Permit. Police passes may be required if traveling via the United Arab Emirates.


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