We took a little detour on our Cairo to Cape Town trip due to a civil war out break. But on a positive note, ended up on a very cool 10-day Oman holiday.
Our Oman trip may have been unexpected but we were so delighted to have experienced it’s unique landscapes and nature experiences.
Let’s not waste any time in showing you all you need to know for your Oman Holiday.
1 – Do I Need a Visa for Oman?
Citizens of 103 countries – including the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU nations – can visit Oman without a visa, so long as the stay does not exceed 14 days.
It’s a simple process: arrive at any entry point, present your passport, and get your entry stamp.
If you wish to stay longer you will have to apply for an e-visa. Make sure to check Oman’s official website to find out if your country is visa free.
Now that you know the requirements to enter Oman, let’s check out what are the best things to do in Oman.
2 – What are the Best Things To Do in Oman?
For a truly special experience we have narrowed down our very best things to do in Oman:
- Muscat: Visit the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Corniche’s picturesque waterfront, and the bustling Muttrah Souq to tick all the boxes of architectural beauty, seaside charm, and traditional markets.
- Muscat is pretty spread out so if you do not have your own transport you can do a half-day Muscat tour.
- Jebel Shams – Oman’s highest mountain offering breath-taking views, hiking trails, and the stunning “Grand Canyon of Oman.”
- Wahiba Sands – A vast desert with towering sand dunes, perfect for desert safaris, camping, and experiencing the Bedouin (nomadic Arabs) lifestyle.
- Nizwa Fort – A historic fortress in the ancient city of Nizwa, known for its impressive architecture, history, and panoramic views from the top.
- Bimmah Sinkhole – A natural limestone crater filled with turquoise water, inviting visitors for a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters.
- Wadi Shab – A picturesque wadi (valley) with turquoise pools and waterfalls, popular for hiking, swimming, and exploring the beautiful natural scenery. You can combine a full day Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole tour.
- Al Hoota Cave – A fascinating underground cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, providing an educational and unique experience.
- Wadi Al-Hoqain – aka Blue Pools. If you love canyoning then this is the place for you. But what makes it even better, is that again all this can be done for free!
3 – When is the Best Time to Visit Oman?
The best time to visit Oman typically falls between October and April, during the country’s winter months.
During this period, the weather is much cooler with clear skies, making it ideal for enjoying all Oman’s outdoor activities without the intense heat of the summer months.
We visited towards the end of April and it was already getting hot hot!
Do your research and read all about the best time to visit Oman here.
- WorldNomads – Travel insurance is our go-to insurance company. They have the best fine print of all travel insurance companies and are number one for a reason.
4 – What is The Currency in Oman?
The Omani Rial is the currency of Oman (OMR). At the time of writing 1 OMR is around the 2.38 Euro mark.
5 – How Much Should I Budget for Oman?
This is an extremely personal question to answer and has so many factors to consider but let’s give it a go!
An Oman budget for a 10-day Oman holiday can vary significantly based on your travel style, accommodation preferences, dining choices, transportation options, and the activities you have in mind.
Here’s a rough breakdown of costs followed by our spending.
Oman Budget: Accommodation
Budget accommodation options like hostels or guesthouses can range from 20-50 Euro per night, while mid-range hotels may cost between 50-150 Euro per night. High-end hotels and resorts could go beyond 150 Euro per night.
Oman Budget: Food
Dining expenses vary; eating at local restaurants and street stalls might cost around 5-10 Euro per meal, while mid-range restaurants may range between 10-20 Euro per meal.
*Make sure to check out the Bakeries in Oman for some cheap and delicious snack options.
Oman Budget: Alcohol
Oman has strict regulations regarding alcohol due to its Islamic laws and cultural norms. Alcohol is available in Oman, but it’s not widely accessible.
It can mainly be found in licensed bars, clubs, and certain restaurants in hotels catering to non-Muslim residents and tourists.
During the holy month of Ramadan, which was during our visit, the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places might be further restricted.
Non-Muslims are expected to be respectful and refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours out of consideration for those observing Ramadan.
We were in Oman during Ramadan and we chose not to drink alcohol during our trip.
Visitors to Oman should familiarize themselves with local laws and customs regarding alcohol consumption and act in accordance with them to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience while visiting the country.
Oman Budget: Transportation
Public transportation within cities is affordable, while renting a car for greater flexibility might cost around 30-50 Euro per day.
Oman has a few domestic airports and airstrips, and domestic flights connecting Muscat with other cities like Salalah, Sohar, and Khasab. This could be the top choice if on holiday and tight for time.
Is There Uber in Oman?
Yes, Uber operates in Oman, particularly in Muscat.
Why Did we Choose to Rent a Car in Oman?
After much research we discovered that Oman has stunning natural landscapes and off-the-beaten-path attractions that might not be easily reachable by public transport.
We travelled to Oman and we wanted to see ALL the hidden gems and did not want to be restricted by public transport.
Tip number 1: When driving in Oman is to be aware that there are LOTS of speed cameras. The use of Google Maps on your trip will advise you of where and when these will be. Even better just adhere to the speed limits and you won’t have anything to worry about! Tip number 2: Prepare for LOTS of speed ramps/bumps – we really mean lots!
Renting a car may not be necessary for everyone, especially if you prefer guided tours or plan to stay within city limits.
Oman Budget: Activities
Entrance fees to attractions, tours, and activities can add to your expenses. The cost varies widely, but budgeting around 10-50 Euro per activity or attraction could be a rough estimate.
Luckily lots of our chosen activities were free!
Considering these factors, a rough daily budget for a mid-range traveler might be approximately 80-150 Euro per day. Hence, for a 10-day trip, a total estimated budget could range from 800-1500 Euro per person.
This estimate is a general guideline, and as mentioned above, your actual expenses may vary based on personal preferences, itinerary, and spending habits.
How Much Did we Spend on our 10-Day Oman Trip?
During our 10-day trip in Oman, we spent 600 Euros. We managed to keep costs down by renting a small car, enjoying mainly free attractions, and booking apartment type accommodation where we could cook our meals.
If you’re planning a trip and considering expenses for a larger vehicle rental, shopping, tours, accommodations, and eating out, we’d suggest budgeting almost double our spending for a typical Omani holiday.
6 – Can you use ATMs in Oman?
Yes, ATMs are commonly available in various locations throughout Oman, including cities, towns, shopping malls, airports, and other public places.
A good idea is to order a travel card from your bank or order a Revolut travel money card so as to avoid any additional fees/charges.
7 – What Socket Type to Use During my Oman Holiday?
In Oman the power plug sockets are of type G. This is the rectangular, 3-pin socket, just like you would find in the UK.
*Why not just purchase a Multi Travel Adapter so you are prepared for any plug type?!
8 – Is it Safe to Visit Oman?
Oman is generally considered a safe country to visit and live in. The crime rate is relatively low compared to many other countries, and violent crime is uncommon.
However this is not do say you should not take precaution and use your gut instinct regarding your own safety as you would anywhere in the world.
Respect Local Laws and Customs: Oman is a conservative country with strict laws. It’s essential to respect local customs, traditions, and laws. For instance, public displays of affection, such as kissing in public, are frowned upon. Alcohol consumption is allowed only in licensed venues.
Be Mindful of Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially in more traditional areas and when visiting religious sites. Women, in particular, should dress modestly to respect local customs.
9 – What Language is Spoken in Oman?
The official language of Oman is Arabic. Arabic is widely spoken and used in everyday life throughout the country.
English is commonly used as a second language, especially in business, tourism, and among the expatriate community.
Basic knowledge of Arabic phrases can be helpful for communication and just a nice and considerate thing to do when interacting with locals. We’ll help you out with some of the basics:
- Marhaba (مرحبا) – Hello
- Shukran (شكراً) – Thank you
- Min Fadlak (من فضلك) – Please
- Na’am (نعم) – Yes
- La (لا) – No
- Sabah Al Khair (صباح الخير) – Good morning
- Masa’ Al Khair (مساء الخير) – Good evening
- Ma’a as-salama (مع السلامة) – Goodbye
- La afham (لا أفهم) – I don’t understand
- Al-Hisaab (الحساب) – The check/bill
10 – What SIM Card to Get For my Oman Holiday?
When getting a SIM card in Oman, you’ll need to provide identification so don’t forget to bring your passport. SIM cards are available for purchase at various retail outlets, official stores of the network operators, as well as at the airport.
Omantel and Ooredoo are the two major telecom operators in Oman, offering good coverage and a range of prepaid SIM card options for tourists. FRiENDi mobile is also popular among visitors for its prepaid services.
11 – What Packing Essentials do I Need for my Oman Holiday?
This is the same list we recommend for the majority of our travels:
- Dry bag – for those island Wadi adventure days
- Multi Travel Adapter – so you are prepared for any plug type!
- Battery Pack – if you have any long road trips or to charge your phone from all the photos taken.
- Suitable footwear: If planning any hikes such as Jamal Shams
- Long pants/skirt and shawl/t-shirt – when visiting temples/religious sites
- Light clothing/sun hat – remember it will be hot
- Raincoat – as you saw in the picture above it also rains in the desert so check the weather!
- Download apps such a Google Translate, Google Maps and Booking.com.
- Utilize budget apps such as TravelSpend to keep track of your spending.
- A sense of adventure and a BIG SMILE.
You can find the full list of our travel tips here.
12 – Why is Oman Worth Visiting?
Oman is a fantastic destination where you’ll experience genuine hospitality, explore ancient forts and markets while enjoying a perfect blend of tradition and modern comforts.
Overall, Oman is a place where nature, culture, and safety come together to create an unforgettable travel experience.
Although we ended up in Oman due to escaping a civil war, it is now one of the countries we talk about the most! It surpassed our expectations and gave us so much more that we could have ever imagined.
Is Oman worth visiting? We our “absolutely” answer is clear and we wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this exceptional country to experience its breath taking natural beauty first hand.
Oman Holiday: Bonus Tip
To make the most of your Oman Holiday you can incorporate a trip to Dubai. Did you know there are cheap flights and even cheaper buses from Muscat to Dubai?
We took a bus from Muscat to Dubai at the end of our Oman trip. This cost us about 13 Euro PP for a one way ticket and took about 8hrs. This meant we could spend a day exploring Dubai before flying from there to Uganda to continue on our Africa adventure.
Feel free to leave a comment below or contact us through our socials if you have already visited Oman or if you now plan to visit, we would love to hear how you got on.
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