Oman

Travel tips for Oman: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. While Visa cards are widely accepted across Oman for hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites, recent 2025-2026 traveler reports advise carrying some Omani Rials for taxis, small coffee shops, and vendors in remote areas, noting that Mastercard is less reliably supported.

Try the food

  • Shuwa (شواء): A celebratory dish of marinated lamb or goat slow-roasted for hours in an underground sand oven until meltingly tender.
  • Majboos (مكبوس): A fragrant, spiced rice dish cooked with saffron, cardamom, and meat or chicken, often garnished with fried onions and nuts.
  • Mashuai (مشوي): A traditional seafood dish featuring a whole spit-roasted kingfish served over savory lemon rice.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: مرحباً (Marhaban)
  • Thank you: شكراً (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: المعذرة (Al ma'adhirah)
  • How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hadha?)
  • The bill please: الفاتورة لو سمحت (Al fatoorah law samaht)
  • Yes / No: نعم / لا (Na'am / La)
  • Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salamah)

Essentials

Plugs
Type G
Voltage
240V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Usually safe
Emergency
9999 (all emergencies)
SIM tip
Pick up a tourist SIM card from Omantel or Ooredoo kiosks in the arrivals hall at Muscat International Airport, or install an eSIM prior to arrival.

Etiquette

Dress modestly in public by covering shoulders and knees, and always use your right hand to accept Omani coffee (kahwa) and dates.

Airports in Oman