Travel Tips Oman: What You Should Know Before You Go!
Like every country, Oman has its own written and unwritten rules. While traveling through this beautiful country, you’ll come across local customs that may be quite different from what you’re used to. Below we’ve listed our essential travel tips for Oman: everything you should know before your trip.
Don’t miss our Google Maps Travel Guide for Oman!
Unlocked Cars and Doors? Yes, Really!
We found Oman to be incredibly safe, so much so that it sometimes surprised us. In several accommodations, the main gates or room doors didn’t even have locks, simply because there’s such a high level of trust among people. We also saw plenty of cars parked with the engine (and air conditioning!) running, with no one inside. It’s hard to imagine back home, but here, it’s normal.
Tailgating on the Road
Omani drivers are generally respectful in traffic, especially in cities (you’ll often be given the right of way), and it’s common courtesy to let others back out of a parking spot. That said, they do like to keep things moving. On open roads, especially where there are no speed cameras, expect some drivers to follow closely behind. It’s not aggressive, but it may take a bit of getting used to. We often pulled slightly onto the shoulder to let others pass.
Speed Bumps Everywhere
Speed bumps are everywhere in Oman. Tiny asphalt humps slow down traffic, but they’re not always well-marked, some have faded paint or no warning signs at all. So keep your eyes on the road! Missing one could cause serious damage. Check out all our driving in Oman tips.
Dress Code in Oman
Oman is a Muslim country, and locals typically dress traditionally (men in white, women in black). It may take a little getting used to at first, but we never felt stared at or uncomfortable.
Although Omanis seem fairly accustomed to tourists, modest clothing is still expected in most places. You don’t need to wear local attire, but covering your shoulders and knees (for both men and women) is appreciated. We usually wore lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts, also helpful against the strong sun. At private hotel pools, though, regular swimwear was totally fine.
Empty Restaurants, Full Parking Lots
Unlike in many other countries, Omani locals prefer to stay in their cars when ordering food. You’ll often find restaurants nearly empty while the parking lots are full. Staff walk out to take orders from the car. If you move away from touristy areas, it’s not unusual to get a surprised look if you walk inside to sit down.
During our visit, daytime temperatures were around 40°C (104°F), so this might also be a practical choice. Locals may be more likely to dine outside in the cooler winter months.
Surprisingly Great Food & Coffee
We were pleasantly surprised by the number of cute cafés and great restaurants in Oman. Contrary to what we’d read on other blogs, we almost always found good spots for lunch or dinner. Thanks to the large Indian population, there’s no shortage of delicious Indian cuisine either.
Don’t miss out on Omani coffee or shawarma, they’re must-tries! We’re big fans of a good coffee break, and Oman didn’t disappoint. You’ll find beautifully crafted cappuccinos at specialty cafés everywhere. While meals are generally affordable, coffee prices are quite similar to what you’d pay in Europe.
Omani Hospitality
This was the most heartwarming part of our trip: the incredible hospitality of the Omani people. We’ve rarely felt so welcomed in any other country. We were invited for coffee and dates more than once, and people were genuinely curious to know where we were from and if we were enjoying Oman. Most locals speak at least a little English, making communication easy and pleasant.
Travel Tip Oman: A small smile goes a long way. It can absolutely make someone’s day!
Temperatures in Oman
Oman has a desert climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The peak travel season is from December to March, but we also recommend the shoulder seasons (late fall and spring) when temperatures are still manageable and it’s less crowded.
We visited in late April, when daytime temperatures reached 40°C (104°F), but it honestly wasn’t too bad. Thanks to the sea and wadis, there are plenty of water-based activities, and things start to cool off around 3 PM. We loved spending our evenings outdoors.
Travel Tips for Oman: Final Thoughts
To sum it up: a trip through Oman is a unique and rewarding experience. With these Oman travel tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the country independently. Let yourself be surprised by the breathtaking landscapes and the even warmer people.
