Oman Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit
- Muscat – Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq, Royal Opera
- Nizwa – Historic fort and traditional market
- Wahiba Sands – Desert dunes and Bedouin camps
- Jebel Akhdar – Mountain landscapes and hiking
- Wadi Shab & Wadi Bani Khalid – Scenic gorges and pools
- Sur & Ras Al Jinz – Turtle nesting beaches
Best Hotels to Stay
Language & Culture
Arabic is the official language; English is widely used in tourism. Omani culture values hospitality, modest dress, and respect for traditions rooted in Islamic and Bedouin heritage.Transportation, Currency & Food
- Transportation: Rental cars, taxis, intercity buses, domestic flights
- Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
- Food: Shuwa (slow-roasted lamb), Majboos, halwa, fresh seafood, kahwa (coffee)
Best Season & Entry Points
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| October – April | Warm days, cool nights | Ideal for outdoor adventure |
| May – September | Very hot, especially inland | Coastal areas are more bearable |
Entry via Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Estimated Budget (for Two Travelers)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | $700 – $1200 | Round trip from US/Europe |
| Accommodation | $600 – $1300 | Mid-range to luxury |
| Dining | $200 – $400 | Local & resort restaurants |
| Transport | $150 – $300 | Car rental, taxis |
| Activities | $200 – $500 | Tours, desert, hiking entry |
Packing List Suggestions
- Passport and Oman eVisa (apply online)
- Light, modest clothing; scarf for women
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Hiking shoes for mountains and wadis
- Swimwear for beaches and wadis
20 Basic Arabic Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Marhaba | Hello |
| Shukran | Thank you |
| Min fadlak / Min fadlik | Please (m/f) |
| Naam / La | Yes / No |
| Kam al-thaman? | How much is it? |
| Ayna al-hammam? | Where is the bathroom? |
| La afham | I don’t understand |
| Hal tatakallam inglizi? | Do you speak English? |
| Ma’a as-salama | Goodbye |
| Sabaah al-khayr | Good morning |
| Masa’ al-khayr | Good evening |
| Ana min… | I’m from… |
| Ismii… | My name is… |
| Hal hunaka taxi? | Is there a taxi? |
| Usra | Family |
| Mauz al-safar? | Travel adapter? |
| Sa’ah kam? | What time is it? |
| La mushkila | No problem |
| Bismillah | In the name of God (start eating/travel) |
| Allah yasalmak | May God protect you (said when leaving) |
Health & Safety
- Oman is generally very safe and politically stable
- Tap water is safe in cities; bottled for rural travel
- Emergency number: 999
- Dress modestly in public and religious sites
- Travel insurance recommended
Festivals & Holidays
- Muscat Festival – February/March (culture, crafts, food)
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha – Major Islamic celebrations
- Salalah Khareef (monsoon season) – July/August
- Nizwa Date Festival – Summer
- Renaissance Day – July 23
