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Oman holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Oman holiday, personal to you.

Oman tailor-made holiday highlights

People & place

Oman facts

Capital: Masqat
Language: Arabic and English.
People: Omani, Baluchi, Jebali.
Religion: Ibadhi Muslim.
Size (sq km): 212,460.
Population: 3,311,640.
Population density/sq km: 15.5.

Etiquette

Hospitality is fundamental to Omani culture. It is not unusual for an Omani to invite visitors into their home and it would be considered rude to refuse. Islamic ideals provide the conservative foundation of Oman's customs, laws and practices. Foreign visitors are expected to remain sensitive to the Islamic culture and visitors should dress modestly, especially women – long skirts or dresses are appropriate. Beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach. Collecting seashells, abalone, coral, crayfish and turtle eggs is prohibited. Visitors should ask permission before photographing people or property

Shopping

Silver, gold, jewellery, khanjars (Omani daggers), coffeepots, frankincense, carpets, baskets.

Food & drink

Arabic, Lebanese and Indian food. Biryanis, curries and felafal available everywhere. Visitors are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed hotels and restaurants. Coffee houses are popular.

International Airports

Muscat (MCT) 40 km from the city.

Internal travel

Principal road routes run from north to south. Good roads to neighbouring states. Car hire available.

Red tape

Visas

Required.

Vaccinations

Hep. A, Hep. B, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid, Malaria, Y. Fever2

Driving requirements

Driving requirements

Reps in UK/US

UK: 167 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5HE, tel (020) 7225 0001, fax (020) 7589 2505. US: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 387 1980, fax (202) 745 4933.

UK/US reps in Oman

UK: PO Box 185, Mina Al Fahal PC 116, Muscat, tel 609 000, fax 609 010, email enquiries.muscat@fco.gov.uk. US: Jameat A'Duval Al Arabiya Street, Diplomatic Area of Al Khuwair (Shatti al-Qurum), Muscat, tel 698 989, fax 699 771, email aemctira@omantel.net.om.

Currency

Omani rial (OR) = 1000 baiza.

Finance

Major cards widely accepted, traveller's cheques easily exchanged.

Business hours

0800-1300, 1600-1900 Saturday to Wednesday, 0800-1300 Thurs.

Safety & life expectancy

Safety information

Safe.

Life expectancy

Life expectancy: M 71.64, F 76.29.

Useful websites for travel

http://oman.usembassy.gov/, www.destinationoman.com.

Local media

The Times of Oman, The Oman Daily Observer are printed in English.

Tourist boards

n/a.

Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to Oman. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific Oman itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6562.

Northern Oman Adventure

See the varied natural and cultural highlights of northern Oman on a private escorted tour with a local driver-guide. After exploring Old Muscat, take a breathtaking drive along the gulf coast to see the turtle-nesting beaches of Ras Al Jinz, then head inla...

More information »

Salalah & Dhofar Explorer

Please call 0845 643 6562 for price details.

Qatar Airways special offer

Please call 0845 643 6562 for price details.

Member testimonials

Oman, Oh My! - Vista Autumn 2008

Dear Sindy [Jones],

We have just returned from our holiday to Oman … we had a fantastic time and would thoroughly recommend Oman to anybody – magnificent scenery, excellent tour guide and very friendly people. We are of the firm opinion that we visited the country at the right time, before it becomes a tourist hot spot. Your recommendation of The Chedi in Muscat was spot-on for what we required at the end of our trip – luxury and style in a relaxing setting. Once again, thank you and we look forward to using WEXAS for our next trips: Thailand then South Africa/Namibia next year.