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General Visitor Information
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Visitors can drive around the country freely as long as they have valid international
driving licenses. Most car hire agencies have offices at Seeb international Airport,
in Muscat and in Salalah.
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Nightclubs and discotheques are found in the larger hotels, and alcoholic beverages
are served in licensed hotels and restaurants only.
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A permit from the Department of Castles and Forts at the ministry of National Heritage
and Culture is needed to visit archeological sites and old forts.
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For most of the year, light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton, are best
suited to Oman's climate. To comply with Omani traditions, it is advised not to
wear revealing dresses or swimming costumes in residential areas. From December
to March a light wrap may be required in the evening.
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The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in the capital area.
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The official religion of Oman is Islam. Mosques are found almost everywhere for
Muslims with the accompanied facilities. Other worshippers can perform their religions
in several churches and temples mainly in Muscat. look to reference above for addresses.
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Oman time is Greenwhich Mean Time plus four hours all year through. No daylight
savings is observed in summer.
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The unit of currency is the Rial Omani (R. O.) comprising 1,000 Baizas. One R.O.
is equal to about U.S. $ 2.58. subject to change verify at currency converter site
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Official Hours
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Ministries and government establishments:
7:30 am to 2:30 pm (Sat-Wed, week-end
is Thr. and Fri )
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Private sector companies:
8:00am to 1:00pm; 4:00pm to 7:00pm (SAt-Wed) 8:00am to
1:00pm on Thursdays.
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Markets:
8:00am to 1:00pm; 4:00pm to 9:00pm except Mutrah souq which closes at 7:30pm.
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Banks: 8:00 am to 12 noon.
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Museums:
7:30 am to 2:00pm except Thr/Fr and official holidays.
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Visa Procedure
Tourists visas can be obtained through travel agencies as well as
hotels as long as you stay at the hotel. Three passport size photos and a photocopy
of the passport are required. It can take three to ten days to obtain a tourist
visa with a validity period of three months, and actual period of stay of one month.
Citizens of the Arab Gulf countries do not need visa to enter Oman.
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