GMT +4.
Electrical current is 220/240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs with rectangular, three-pin flat blades are used.
The official language of Oman is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Hotel staff often also speak German and French.
No vaccinations are required for entry to Oman, except for yellow fever for those entering within six days of having been in an infected area. Visitors should ensure they are up to date on all routine vaccinations.Avoid mosquito bites, as dengue fever may be a risk, and there is a small risk of malaria in remote areas. Brucellosis is reported, particularly in the south of the country. Health and medical services in the country, particularly Muscat, are of a high standardTreatment is expensive for foreigners at these facilities, while Oman nationals receive free treatment. Therefore, health insurance is recommended. Food and water in Muscat is considered safe. But bottled water and precautions with unpasteurised milk are advised outside of the city.
A service charge is usually added to bills. However, a 'little extra' of around 10 percent is appreciated.
Like all the Gulf States, Oman is considered to be under a high risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, particularly against Western interests. Therefore, vigilance is necessary. Crime, though, is not a problem for visitors, although common sense precautions should be practised.Rental and company vehicles have been vulnerable to robbery in the southern areas of Thumrait, Marmul, and Nimr. Piracy is considered a threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Women are advised not to wear shorts or scanty clothing in the towns to avoid risk of sexual harassment. It is advised to carry a copy of your passport at all times.
Oman is a predominantly Muslim country and visitors should respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of the body. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.Homosexuality is sadly illegal in the country. Importing obscene publications or videos is subject to severe penalties. Alcohol is available only at licensed hotels and restaurants and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are drastic. The legal blood alcohol level in the country is close to zero.
The business world in Oman is minute, with a small core of families controlling most of the country's industry and trade. As in most of the Middle East, it is preferable to conduct business face to face and develop good working relations built on trust and friendship. Hospitality is important and visitors will be treated with respect.It is a good idea to have a basic idea of Omani customs and attempting to speak some Arabic will be appreciated. Business attire is usually formal with suits and ties the norm. Women in particular should dress modestly. English is spoken widely. The working week is normally from Sunday to Thursday, and hours can vary. Most businesses are open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm.
The international direct dialling code for Oman is +968, and the outgoing international code 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use. Local SIM cards are widely available, and free wifi is available in most hotels and some restaurants.
Travellers to Oman do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes and 2 litres/2 bottles of liquor per family, provided they are non-Muslim visitors. Meat products officially require an Islamic slaughter certificate.Videotapes for personal use may be confiscated and sent to Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for verification. Prohibited items include dates (including shoots of date palm), coconut, ornamental palm trees, and parts thereof.Also prohibited are firearms and toy weapons, swords or knives, and flammable material, obscene reading material and non-canned foodstuffs from cholera-infected areas. Items of value may be exempt, subject to an assessment by a security officer.
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