Guide to visit Oman

Last updated: 15.08.23

To make it easier for you to plan your visit I have collected “good things to know when you visit Oman” in this general guide to visit the country. Here you will find inspiration why to visit Oman, where to go, my personal ups and downs in the country, along a general guide.

I hope to inspire and inform you about this hidden paradise.

Guide to visit Oman

Why Oman:

Firstly why should you visit Oman?
Here are 3 reasons Oman should be on your bucket list:

The nature:
Oman has so much to offer! Especially nature wise – Which I love.
You can find desert, mountains, beaches with crystal clear water, canyons and gorgeous oases. The landscape is incredibly diverse and beautiful.

The architecture:
If their nature doesn’t convince you to visit this breathtaking country I’m sure the architecture will! Their dreamy forts and castles which look like something from a fairytale or their impressive mosques.
You can also stroll around a souq and get an authentic Arabic vibe and really take in their culture.

No crowds:
Another thing I really loved about this country was: Compared to many countries Oman has way less tourists.
You find the most beautiful places and there are no crowds! I have visited so many places where it’s so touristy and it’s impossible to get a picture without a lot of people.
Strolling around a castle and having almost the entire place to yourself or swimming in the turquoise water with only a few other people felt so special.

Where to go:

Here are 5 places you have to add to your itinerary in Oman.
You can find more details in the post 5 best places to visit in Oman.

Bimmah Sinkhole:
A natural pool in a sinkhole with turquoise water.

Nizwa Fort and Castle:
A popular well-preserved Fort and Castle in Nizwa with impressive architecture looking like a movie set.

Daymaniat Islands:
Nine small islands surrounded by crystal clear water. A postcard worthy place with amazing snorkeling spots.

Jabreen castle:
Another impressive castle with beautiful architecture and a fairytale vibe.

Wadi Shab:
A breathtaking gorge with emerald colored water.

You can also add the desert and one of their beautiful mosques to your itinerary.

General guide to visit Oman:

Language:
The official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken and we didn’t have any problems communicating with people in English.

Religion:
It’s a Muslim country. Be aware if you visit during the holy month of Ramadan (as we did) that it isn’t allowed to eat and drink in public during the day.

Currency:
They use Rial Omani (OMR). 1 OMR = $2,6.

Weather:
We had perfect weather when visiting in April. October to April is the best time to visit, when temperatures are between 24 and 34 degrees Celsius. In the summer the temperature gets much higher.

Dress code:
Remember in public to dress respectfully of the culture. As a woman wear clothes that cover your shoulder and reach below your knees.

Car Rental:
We rented a car and it was easy to get around. Be aware if you’re going to the mountains it might be a good idea to have a 4×4.
They drive on the right side of the road.

Other transportation:
Download the app OTAXI. The app is easy to use for ordering a taxi.

Hotel inspiration:
We stayed at a beautiful 4 star hotel called Crowne Plaza Muscat all 9 days. We loved it there and can definitely recommend it if you want a luxurious place to stay.

Do you feel safe in Oman?

Sometimes you easily make judgements of a place based on what you’re exposed to. Let us be honest, it isn’t always the best picture we (in the western world) are given of the Middle East in media and so on…

BUT I felt so safe in Oman – safer than many other places I have visited.

(Disclaimer) This doesn’t mean bad things can’t happen in Oman, they can happen anywhere.

This is just me telling you, if you want to visit Oman you can definitely do it and feel safe!

Ups and downs in Oman:

Last but not least here are my personal ups and downs in Oman! It’s my honest opinion about my time in Oman after spending 9 days in the country.
I’m so positively surprised by this UNDERRATED country! It was definitely not easy to find downs! So let us start with all the good things.

UPS:
– Their nature!! (mountains, oasis, gorges, clear water, beaches, desert and so much more)
– Impressive architecture
– NO crowds of tourists
– Easy to rent a car and drive around
– Great wifi
– Our luxury stay
– Snorkeling with a turtle
– The temperature
– Many hidden gems

I could keep going with positive things about Oman… But let’s proceed to the downs.

DOWNS:
– The burns from jellyfish when snorkeling
– No open public restaurants during the day (we knew it was Ramadan, so this isn’t a real “down” – but it could have been nice to try more of their restaurants and probably cheaper too than eating at the hotel. But then again if it wasn’t Ramadan there may have been more tourists).

Was it worth it?

We used more money in Oman per day than we normally do and it was totally worth it!! Oman definitely stole my heart! (If you want you can do it much cheaper than us).
You can find out how much we spent in Oman here: Oman travel costs.

Would I visit Oman again?

YES! There is still more to explore in this beautiful country. I would prioritize visiting a Mosque, the desert and generally spend time in nature. Extra bonus would be to visit in whale shark season.

This was it from my Oman adventure. I hope I have inspired you to add this hidden gem of a destination to your bucket list!

Enjoy your planning and travel to this breathtaking country! My last note for you is to spend time in their incredible nature.