If you’ve decided it’s time to start planning a trip to Oman (well done, it’s still relatively untouched by tourism) you’ve come to the right place! Oman offers incredible adventure, breathtaking landscapes and welcoming locals. Equipped with 16 invaluable tips, this guide is essential for anyone traveling in Oman. Whether you’re planning to spend 2 weeks in Oman or less, these tips will ensure you’re prepared for a seamless experience.
From planning your trip to important things to know while traveling in Oman, this guide has you covered. So, let’s delve into the must-know insights and insider secrets that will make your journey through Oman an unforgettable one.
Visa
Depending on your length of stay in Oman, some passports do require an Oman tourist visa.
As of March 2018, all tourist visas need to be organized before entering Oman. Tourists can apply for these visas through the Royal Oman Police’s eVisa service. A tourist visa will cost between 20 – 50 Omani Rials, depending on your passport & length of stay.
For those spending no more than 2 weeks in Oman, nationals from 103 countries & regions are now exempt from entry visas into Oman.
For a full list of exempt countries, click here.
This means that if you’re from one of these countries you can travel to Oman for up to 14 days with no need to obtain a visa.
Languages in Oman
Arabic is the official language of Oman, although English is widely spoken.
During my 2 weeks in Oman, I never had any difficulties with the language barrier. Some people’s English may have been limited but this never caused any difficulties.
Renting a Car in Oman
Hiring a car in Oman as a tourist can be a convenient and rewarding way to explore this enchanting Middle Eastern country. And, if you’ve read my other article on Oman you will see that this is the only transport option I would recommend.
Oman has vast deserts, rugged mountains, and stunning coastlines, offering an abundance of natural wonders and cultural gems that are best discovered at your own pace. Plus, once you step out of the big cities, public transport is very limited.
Although renting a car in Oman is easy and relatively straightforward, here are some key considerations to remember;
Choose a reputable car rental company that offers a wide range of vehicles suited to your needs and preferences. Most of the international car rental chains have offices within the arrivals hall at Muscat International Airport.
Booking in advance can be a great option if you prefer to be completely organized but I don’t believe this is essential.
As we couldn’t find an online rate we were happy with and weren’t traveling in peak season, we decided to try out luck at the airport when we arrived.
This was relatively easy and just meant that once we had collected our luggage and cleared customs we spent some time going to each car rental office and getting quotes, then booked the one we were happiest with.
The winner for us was Enterprise and we paid approximately 35USD per day, including insurance.
Do You Need a 4WD in Oman?
There’s a lot of mixed information relating to this, but I 100% don’t think you need a 4WD to comfortably road trip in Oman unless you were planning to camp.
Hiring a 4WD in Oman will easily cost 3 times the price of regular car hire. So I wouldn’t spend the extra money unless you plan on camping out of the vehicle or going to mountain regions where a 4WD is essential.
For 2 weeks in Oman, a simple Nissan sedan comfortably took us from Muscat along the coast to Sur, inland to Bidiyah & Nizwa, then the mountainous area of Misfah al Abriyyin, before driving back to Muscat.
The only time we couldn’t drive ourselves was to a Thousand Nights desert camp in Wahiba Sands. But desert camps in Oman can organize transfers from Bidiyah. And, this will cost far less compared to hiring a 4WD.
Another thing to remember when it comes to hiring a car in Oman is mileage caps. This one surprised me because I don’t think I’ve ever rented a car before that didn’t include unlimited mileage.
Each company can vary, and to avoid being charged extra it is important to take this into consideration when mapping your road trip around Oman. With Enterprise we got 2,600 km total for 13 days. Which ended up being plenty, because in total after 2 weeks in Oman, we had driven 1,967 Km.
Petrol stations in Oman are abundant and always clearly indicated on maps. Plus, petrol is so cheap (I’m talking 20USD for a full tank) and the same price at each station.
Lastly;
Remember to obtain comprehensive car insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances. And, keep in mind that Oman experiences high temperatures, so ensure that the car’s air conditioning is in good working order.
After lots of research and experiencing an amazing 2 weeks in Oman, I would advise anyone that independent travel in Oman would be far better than joining a tour! By renting a car you’ll have the freedom to discover the country’s hidden treasures and venture off the beaten path. Plus, have the time to discover these captivating places without a busload of people joining you.
Driving in Oman
Be prepared when driving in Oman, for diverse terrain and the country’s unique traffic rules. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with local driving customs and follow speed limits. The one word that comes to mind when thinking about drivers in Oman is FAST. Along many of the freeways in Oman, the speed limit is 120km/ph and drivers won’t hesitate to hit this speed. If you aren’t comfortable driving at this pace remember to stick in the right lane.
Oman’s road infrastructure is generally well-maintained & well-signed, making it relatively easy to navigate through cities and between popular destinations. Just be sure to keep an eye out for goats or camels passing by!