Oman

Accommodations in Oman range from seaside resorts along the Arabian Sea to boutique hotels in old towns, desert camps among the dunes, and mountain lodges in the Hajar range. In Muscat, many hotels combine modern design with Omani character, while in the desert you can choose between simple Bedouin-style camps and luxurious tented stays beneath the stars. In the south, Salalah’s resorts make the most of the coastline and cooler monsoon season.

On very rare occasions, circumstances beyond our control may require a change to the confirmed accommodation.

General Information

Oman’s climate and culture call for modest, practical clothing that respects local customs while also keeping you comfortable in the desert heat. In Muscat and other cities, casual clothing is acceptable, but shoulders and knees should be covered, especially when visiting mosques, souks, or rural areas. Women are not required to wear a headscarf except when entering mosques, but carrying a light scarf can be useful.

The desert and mountains can be hot during the day and noticeably cooler in the evenings, so packing layers is important. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen are essential for daytime. A warm jacket or fleece is recommended for nights in the desert or in the higher reaches of the Hajar Mountains.

If you plan to hike in wadis, trek in the mountains, or walk across desert terrain, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip are essential. Water shoes are useful for wadi explorations, where trails may involve swimming or walking through water.

Hotel dress codes are generally relaxed, though smart-casual attire may be preferred in high-end restaurants and international hotels. Swimwear is appropriate at hotel pools and private beaches but not in public areas. Laundry services are widely available, but turnaround times can vary if you are moving frequently.

Packing List

Essentials

• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• Camera, charger, and memory cards
• Travel adaptor for Oman (types G and C are most common)
• Spare glasses or contact lenses
• Lightweight daypack for excursions

Clothing

• Light, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen
• Long trousers and long-sleeved tops for sun and cultural respect
• T-shirts or tops that cover the shoulders
• Knee-length or longer skirts or shorts
• Warm jacket or fleece for evenings in the desert or mountains
• Lightweight rain jacket, especially if travelling in the khareef (monsoon) season in Dhofar
• Scarf or shawl for sun, dust, or religious sites
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Water shoes for wadi walks and canyon pools
• Swimwear

Health and Safety

• Basic medical kit including plasters, pain relief, antiseptic cream, and Imodium
• Insect repellent
• High-factor sunscreen and protective lip balm
• Hand sanitiser and tissues or wet wipes

Oman has a reliable mobile network with good coverage across cities, towns, and most tourist areas. Reception can be weaker in remote desert or mountain regions, but you will generally find connectivity in tourist areas.

If your phone has international roaming enabled, you can connect to local networks, but charges may be high. A local SIM card is an easy alternative and can be purchased at Muscat International Airport or in larger towns. eSIMs are also supported, allowing you to activate a local data plan digitally without needing a physical SIM. These can be set up before arrival or upon landing.

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, resorts, and many cafés, though signal strength may vary outside urban areas. In desert camps or remote villages, internet access may be limited or intermittent.

Voltage & Frequency
In Oman, the standard electricity supply is 240 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz.

Top Tips
Socket types can vary across hotels and lodges, so bringing a universal travel adaptor set is recommended. While power cuts are uncommon, occasional fluctuations can occur, so carrying a torch may be useful.

Socket Types in Oman
Type C – European 2-pin
Type D – Indian 3-pin
Type G – British 3-pin

Omani cuisine is a flavorful blend of Middle Eastern, African, and Indian influences, with dishes rich in herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients. Staples include shuwa, a slow-cooked spiced lamb, grilled seafood, rice dishes, and an array of fresh vegetables. Bread such as khubz and samosas or pastries are commonly enjoyed, and dates are a popular accompaniment.

Restaurants range from casual cafés and local eateries to high-end hotels serving international and traditional Omani cuisine. Street food is generally safe and includes snacks such as grilled meats, fried pastries, and local sweets.

Bottled water is recommended for drinking, and tea and coffee are widely consumed. Traditional beverages include laban, rose syrup drinks, and Omani coffee. Alcohol is available only at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars, and is less prominent due to local customs.

We recommend you speak to your GP or local Travel Doctor for the most up-to-date information and advice.

Insurance is a mandatory requirement for your travels, and we strongly advise you to secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance at the time of booking your trip.

Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the Terms and Conditions outlined in your policy and that you are well informed about your insurance coverage to ensure that you are adequately prepared for any unforeseen circumstances during your travels.

Oman is a predominantly Muslim country, and visitors are expected to respect local customs and religious practices. Women should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, particularly in public spaces, religious sites, and rural areas. Men should avoid wearing shorts in towns and villages.

During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours should be avoided out of respect for those observing the fast. Alcohol is only available at licensed hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

Omani hospitality is renowned, and visitors often experience warmth and generosity from locals. It is not uncommon to be invited into homes, reflecting a long-standing tradition of welcoming travellers and guests. Respect for local customs and sensitivity to cultural norms is appreciated and helps ensure a positive experience.

Currency

You Should Know

Banknotes and coins are in common use, and cash is widely accepted for everyday transactions. In larger towns, cities, and tourist areas, ATMs are readily available and generally reliable, though some remote locations may have limited access.

Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops, and restaurants, but smaller businesses, souks, and rural areas may only accept cash. It is advisable to carry some cash in small denominations for convenience.

US Dollars and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, and hotels. It is recommended to use official exchange points rather than street exchangers. Inform your bank before travelling to Oman to avoid card issues and to check any transaction fees for international usage.

Oman is generally considered one of the safest countries in the region, with low levels of violent crime. Visitors are advised to exercise normal precautions, such as keeping valuables secure, avoiding isolated areas at night, and being mindful of personal belongings in busy markets.

Road conditions can vary, with highways generally in good condition but rural roads sometimes narrow or poorly lit. Drivers should be cautious, particularly at night or in remote areas.

It is important to follow local guidance when exploring desert or mountain areas.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is usually considered customary in Africa although not as widespread as the United States or Europe. It is always at your discretion. If you feel that someone has gone the extra mile to make your stay more enjoyable, a tip would be considered a nice way of saying thank you.

To help you budget for your trip, the following is given as a guideline only (shown in US Dollars): 

Driver (per person per full day): $5.00
Guide (per person per full day): $10.00
Camp Staff (per person per full day): $5.00
Hotel Porter (per bag): $1.00
Restaurant (per person per meal): $1.00
A la Carte dining: 10% of the bill

Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman

Australian Embassy, Saudi Arabia

Do I need a Visa to Travel to Oman