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ATM (Automated
Teller Machines)
ATM Machines of international banks
& credit cards are available in several parts of the
country & at the airport.
Bargaining
Bargaining is normal in the souqs and
most small shops. All department stores, supermarkets
and western style malls operate at fixed prices.
Beverages
It is illegal to carry alcohol in your
car, and drinking and driving
is heavily penalized.
Currency
The unit of currency is Rial Omani (
R.O.)
Omani Rial is divided into baizas. R.O. 1 = 1000 baizas.
Notes : R.O. 50, R.O. 20, R.O. 10 , R.O. 5, R.O. 1
500 baizas, 250 baizas, 200 baizas and 100 baizas.
Coins : 50 baizas, 25 baizas, 10 baizas, and 5 baizas.
US$ 1 = Rial Omani 0.380
Credit
Cards
Credit cards are accepted in hotels
and major retail outlets. The cards generally in use
are American Express, Diners Club, Visa and Master Card.
Customs
Regulations
Arms, narcotics and psychotropic drugs
are prohibited. Non - Muslim visitors are allowed to
bring two bottles of alcohol (max. 1 litre) into the
country by air only. Reading material may be withheld
for scrutiny.
Climate
October through April are cooler months.
The months of May and September are moderately hot.
June through August are usually hot and humid.
Clothing
Light cotton clothing is recommended
during the greater part of the year except in the short
winter season where some light warm clothing is preferred.
It is advisable to avoid public places with shorts,
beach wear, sleeveless outfits, etc.
Electricity
Is 220 - 240 Volts at 50 cycles AC
Language
Though Arabic is the official language,
a great number of Omanis/Expatriates speak English,
Hindi,Urdu & Swahili.
Money
Exchange
In Muscat major currencies and traveller cheques can
be exchanged at Muscat airport, banks and Money exchanges.
Outside banking hours, money changers operate from 0900
hrs to 1300 hrs and again from 1600 hrs to 2000 hrs.
National
Dress
Men : Dishdasha (robe), Kimah (cap)
& Mussar (turban).
Women : Jallabia (dress), Sirwall (trousers), Over dress/cloak
(thub), Lahaf (head shawl), Abaya (black cloak), Birka
(face mask).
Photography
Oman is a photographer’s delight.
Photographers will find an enormous choice of subjects
here. Please do not take photographs of locals without
their permission. Women in particular do not like being
photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military
facilities, borders and airports. Observe “ No
Photography “ signs.
Public
Holiday - Friday
Friday is the general day of worship
and a public holiday. This is not the best day for cruise
calls in Muscat & Salalah as it is a public holiday
and also a day of prayers. Individual & Groups will
have to note certain sightseeing that may be closed.
Religion
Oman is an Islamic country and Islam
is the official religion. But, Oman is a liberal country
and churches & temples also exist.
Traffic
System
Vehicles are driven on the right side
of the road. There is a great network of surface trunk
roads joining the main towns and main roads in the capital
and Salalah. Holders of international driving licenses
are allowed to drive in the Sultanate of Oman (minimum
25 years only). Driving under alcoholic influence is
strictly prohibited.
Taxis
Taxis are white and orange and have
the taxi sign. (Moderate bargaining is needed).
Telephone
Telephone cards are readily available
from shops and supermarkets. (Rial Omani 1.500, 3.000
& 5.000). International telephone calls are cheaper
during late evening till early morning (check for local
time of country) and the whole day on Fridays and Public
Holidays. All local telephone booths can be used for
international dialing. No collect calls are possible
in Oman.
Time
G.M.T. + 04 hours. ( winter )
Tipping
Hotels & restaurants - A 5 % service
charge is included in the bill. However, it is customary
to tip for attentive service.
Useful Arabic
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| As-salaam alaykum |
Peace be with you (greeting) |
| Wa alaykum as-salaam |
And with you peace (reply) |
| Kayf halak? |
How are you? (greeting) |
| Al humdullah bikhair |
Fine,thanks to God (reply) |
| Ma’salama |
Good bye |
| Shukran |
Thank you |
| Afwan |
You are welcome |
| Naam |
Yes |
| La |
No |
| Zain |
Good, Ok |
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