Money and payments
Cards and cash
There are ATMs at the airport and plenty of them in Muscat and every main town.
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Asia · Western AsiaOutline guideCountry in West Asia
Photo: Sakralamn, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Sultanate of Oman (Arabic: سلطنة عُمان) is on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. Under the radar of most visitors to the Gulf, Oman is peaceful and prosperous, with amazing natural sights and hospitable people.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Oman.
Cards and cash
There are ATMs at the airport and plenty of them in Muscat and every main town.
Arabic
Arabic is the national language, and there are three major dialects spoken in Oman: Omani, Gulf and Dhofar Arabic.
Your passport details are required to register the SIM.
Mobile networks
Tap water is generally safe; however, most Omanis drink bottled water and to be safe, you should too.
Bottled drinking (mineral) water is easily available at most stores. Tap water is generally safe; however, most Omanis drink bottled water and to be safe, you should too.5l bottle costing only 200bz.
Before he died in 2020, Sultan Qaboos did more to develop the nation than any Arab leader, or most world leaders in recent history for that matter.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the historic capital and largest city
oasis town which is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site
border crossing town adjacent to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates
gateway to the Wahiba Sands
contains one of the best-known forts in Oman
the south, which is almost tropical at the time of the Kareef
one of the legendary homes of Sindbad
where dhows are still made by hand
a majestic range, the highest in the Arabian Peninsula, which stretches into the United Arab Emirates.
tiny exclave of Oman completely surrounded by the United Arab Emirates
a real desert island experience awaits on this haven for turtles and other wildlife
a rocky exclave on the Straits of Hormuz with some magnificent wadis
massive rolling dunes as far as the eye can see
Places in Oman on the World Heritage List.
Bahla Fort
Listed 1987
Aflaj Irrigation System of Oman
Listed 2006
Land of Frankincense
Listed 2000
Qalhat
Listed 2018
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The capital city, fertile Al-Batinah coast, majestic Hajar Mountains and the Musandam Peninsula
Muscat, Bahla, Buraimi, Hajar Mountains, Madha, Musandam Peninsula, Sohar
Awe-inspiring dunes, old forts and coastal scenery fringing the Indian Ocean
Lush coastal lowlands and mountains bordering Yemen
Huge desert wilderness including much of the largely undefined border area with Saudi Arabia
Public transport and paid services in Oman.
By bus
There are regular, daily bus services connecting the bigger cities within Oman (Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Sur and Nizwa). There are several, daily bus services from Muscat to Dubai.
By taxi
All taxi drivers in Oman are Omani nationals as this is a protected profession. In Muscat there are call/telephone taxi services.
By car
Believe it or not, but it's actually illegal to drive around in a dirty car in Oman.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Oman.
Finding apps for Oman…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Muscat/Seeb · International · MCT
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Muscat
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 24° | 26° | 29° | 33° | 37° | 38° | 37° | 36° | 35° | 33° | 29° | 25° |
| Avg. low | 18° | 18° | 21° | 25° | 29° | 31° | 31° | 30° | 28° | 26° | 23° | 20° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 15 | 13 | 19 | 12 | 5 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 |
| Humidity | 61% | 58% | 53% | 46% | 41% | 46% | 50% | 51% | 49% | 48% | 56% | 60% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$50
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$140
Per person, per day
Luxury
$355
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $75 | $210 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $30 | $65 |
| Local transport | $5 | $15 | $30 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $50 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelto Oman due to risk of armed conflict and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. As of August 30, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Oman. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks in Oman. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorism is a concern in Oman. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles. Potential targets include: Important political, cultural, or religious locations Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners Tourist locations and large gatherings Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Entertainment venues Government facilities Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ongoing Special Federal Aviation Regulation and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Yemen. For more information Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Oman, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts follow advice from the local authorities monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice stay away from areas around security or military facilities keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Oman.
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