Pondering of visiting Oman with youngsters? You’ve come to the fitting place for the low down on why this wonderful Center East vacation spot deserves a spot in your bucket checklist.
Inside this complete Oman journey information for households I’ve included all it’s good to know that will help you plan your journey, what to anticipate when you are right here and one of the best locations in Oman to go to with youngsters. It’s all based mostly on our private experiences as an expat household residing in Oman.
*This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
I’ve written this information primarily for different UK households as I do know they’re my important readers. However there’s loads of info right here for anybody visiting Oman with youngsters or with out them.
I cowl:
- the compelling causes by you need to go to Oman with your loved ones
- issues it’s good to know and do earlier than you journey together with visas, flights and what to pack
- the place to remain in Oman with household
- what to see and do in Oman with youngsters
- useful issues to learn about visiting Oman together with behaviour, bathrooms and tipping
- foods and drinks
- well being and security in Oman
- and getting round in Oman.
So let’s start!
Why go to Oman with youngsters?
In case you’re considering a household vacation in Oman goes to be identical to neighbouring Dubai and Abu Dhabi with their theme parks and skyscrapers, assume once more.
Sure, it has luxurious resorts. However it is usually a rustic of unbelievable pure magnificence with rolling deserts, unbelievable mountains, lush gorges and a shocking pure shoreline teeming with wildlife.
It’s this various panorama that’s the important attraction of visiting Oman for households alongside its wealthy cultural heritage courting again additional than another state within the Arab world. This reveals itself the extra you discover.
We extremely advocate hitting the street for a minimum of part of your vacation to get probably the most out of your time in Oman.
Additionally it is a spot for outside journey. If your loved ones is into something from wild tenting to canyoning or kite browsing to scuba diving, Oman is a superb winter vacation vacation spot.
I’d advocate it extra for households with kids over the age of 5 if you wish to expertise the nation’s pure sights.
There are enjoyable issues for infants and toddlers to do however you’ll be restricted to indoor sights and seashores to offer your little ones some respite from the warmth.
What’s Oman recognized for?
I knew little or no about Oman earlier than we moved right here, which is outrageous contemplating it has so many claims to fame.
So right here’s the thin on Oman…
It was as soon as a strong empire that unfold all around the Arabian Peninsular and throughout the Indian Ocean into East Africa together with modern-day Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique.
As early because the 2nd Century AD Muscat performed a pivotal function within the commerce of spices, textiles and timber between Asia, Africa and Europe. Waves of retailers, in addition to much less welcome invaders from Persia, Portugal and the Ottoman Turk empire, have formed the folks and place throughout the centuries.
The legendary maritime hero Sinbad the Sailor is claimed to have been born within the Sofar in Oman.
The nation’s Dhofar area produces the best frankincense on the earth. You’ll discover this aromatic resin on sale in all Oman’s souqs and used as incense in all places from inns to buying malls and even within the airport.
Omani homes are recognized for his or her lovely doorways. Whether or not they’re manufactured from wooden or metallic you’ll discover them intricately adorned as folks wish to impress their visitors from the second they attain the edge of their residence.
Oman info for guests
In case your youngsters love trivia right here’s some info about Oman to share with them:
- Oman’s monarch, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, can be the federal government’s prime minister.
- Oman is the oldest established impartial state on the Arabian Peninsular.
- The Sultanate of Oman has a inhabitants of 4.5 million folks.
- The nation covers 120,000 sq. miles, which is the same dimension to Poland that has a inhabitants of 38 million folks.
- Oman shares the world’s largest desert, the Empty Quarter, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.
- No constructing in Oman is allowed to be increased than the tallest minaret of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Is it secure to go to Oman with youngsters?
One of the vital widespread questions I used to be requested once we determined to maneuver to Oman was: ‘is it secure?’.
It’s a good query contemplating Oman has borders with Yemen the place there may be an ongoing civil conflict and Saudi Arabia the place there’s a heightened danger of terrorist assaults.
Nonetheless Oman is a really secure nation. Crime is low and it doesn’t even rank on the world terrorism index for terror occasions or danger.
The Omani persons are additionally famously very pleasant in direction of guests.
All of this not solely makes it a secure place to go to with youngsters, it’s additionally good for {couples} and solo travellers.
My solely phrase of warning about visiting Oman with youngsters is in regards to the roads.
The usual of driving right here shouldn’t be what you may count on within the UK.
Different street customers can behave unpredictably. Pedestrians run throughout six lane highways. And street security no-nos like tailgating, enterprise and never indicating are the norm.
Greatest time to go to Oman
What you do throughout your loved ones vacation in Oman can be dictated by the climate. However not like it could be within the UK and Europe. It is advisable change your seasonal expectations on their head.
The winter is the time to get exterior and discover, whereas the summer time months are the time to search out air conditioned actions.
If you wish to take advantage of your time in Oman I’d keep away from the scorchingly scorching months from Could to August. Even the Omanis change to an indoor way of life right now of yr.
As an alternative, go to between the tip of October and starting of April.
If you’re visiting Oman with youngsters of college age it’s probably you’ll be restricted to the Christmas, February half time period, Easter and October half time period holidays.
April is when the temperatures begin to edge into the much less snug early 30℃s peaking within the late 40℃s by June. They don’t drop again down under 30℃ till the tip of October.
A month you may wish to keep away from, significantly should you plan to spend time experiencing a few of the finest issues to do in Oman, is Ramadan.
Oman is a Muslim nation the place consuming and consuming (even water) in sunlight hours shouldn’t be allowed through the holy month. It’s way more conservative than the neighbouring UAE.
Not with the ability to eat or drink when sightseeing could make it uncomfortable, particularly with kids.
Discover out extra in my submit about visiting Oman throughout Ramadan, together with what to put on, the place you’ll be able to eat and drink, and what’s open.
Oman journey information: earlier than you journey
Right here’s some info that will help you plan your journey to Oman with youngsters:
Oman visas and journey paperwork
British residents who journey to Oman for 13 days or much less don’t want a vacationer visa.
What you do want is:
- Passports – they must be a minimum of six months in date from the day you arrive. Examine the gov.uk web site for the newest entry necessities and journey recommendation.
- Convey a photograph copy of your passports as you might be requested for these at immigration and it’s a good suggestion to have a duplicate with you always.
- Your journey insurance coverage – I at all times have a digital and printed copy with me.
- A replica of your lodging bookings.
- Your return ticket or a reserving for onward journey.
You’ll be requested to point out proof of all of those on your entire household at immigration. Printed copies are finest.
How you can get a Oman vacationer visa
In case you plan to be within the nation between 14 and 30 days you want a vacationer visa. Your kids want a visa to go to Oman too. The applying course of and worth are the identical.
You may apply for visas via the Royal Oman Police portal, which is the official visa software web site. Different web sites will cost you an admin charge.
On the house web page choose ‘Apply for vacationer visa’, then reply the nationality questions.
You’ll be proven three varieties of visa. Nearly all of folks visiting Oman for a vacation will need choice 26B: Vacationer Go to Visa. This lets you go to Oman for as much as 30 days and prices 20 OMR per particular person.
The opposite choices are for individuals who often journey to and from Oman.
While you apply you’ll need to add a digital passport fashion photograph no larger than 512KB and a photograph of your passport knowledge web page.
Visa purposes are open to residents in greater than 100 counties however the on-line kind is simply out there in Arabic and English.
There are totally different guidelines for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) counties.
Flights to Oman
One of many largest prices of any vacation to Oman, particularly if you’re coming from the UK, goes to be your flights.
Oman Air fly direct from London Heathrow and there are one cease flights from a lot of regional airports within the UK.
The oblique flights by way of Istanbul, Frankfurt and different Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are usually cheaper, however these can take lots longer so it’s good to weigh up the financial savings verses the time you could have.
We’ve discovered Oman Air to be airline with a beneficiant baggage allowance, pleasant crews, and good inflight meals and leisure.
What’s the forex in Oman?
Oman’s forex is the Omani Rial or OMR.
One Rial was value £2.06 on the time this Oman journey information was printed. Examine the present trade price.
The equal denomination to the UK Pence (or p) is Baisa. There are 1,000 Baisa in a single rial. Widespread notes embody 100 Baisa, 1/2 Rial, one Rial, 5 Rial, 10 Rial, 20 Rial and 50 Rial. There are additionally Baisa cash.
You’ll discover most inns and eating places settle for playing cards. However if you’re visiting an space the place there may be restricted cell sign, resembling Wahiba Sands, you want money.
You’ll discover money factors at hypermarkets, in buying malls and on business streets within the cities and bigger cities.
Look out for indicators for Financial institution of Muscat, Nationwide Financial institution of Oman, Financial institution of Dhofar, Sofar Worldwide, Oman Arab Financial institution, HSBC or Ahli Financial institution.
Money factors which might be accessible from the road are sometimes tucked away in shelters or lobbies exterior banks, so are usually not instantly seen.
What to pack for a vacation in Oman
Packing for a visit to the Center East requires a bit extra planning than for sunshine locations in Europe and the Caribbean. A number of this hinges on what you put on in addition to a couple of gadgets that may make your travels extra snug.
Oman is a Muslim nation the place it’s anticipated that you just gown conservatively. In case you naked an excessive amount of flesh will probably be seen as disrespectful.
The one exception is if you’re in a series lodge the place western clothes is OK.
Normally, strappy or vest suggestions are a no no and you need to ought to preserve knees lined.
Right here’s some particular recommendation on what to put on in Oman:
What to put on in Oman for sightseeing
As I discussed earlier, overlaying shoulders and knees is predicted when out in public in Oman.
Lengthy or cropped trousers, t-shirts and shirts comprised of cotton with strong sandals or trainers are the best garments for exploring. Don’t neglect your hat and solar glasses too.
Girls: chub rub fashion shorts are your pal when carrying attire within the warmth!
If you’re planning on exploring the Sultanate’s wonderful panorama then you definitely’ll wish to learn my submit about wadis in Oman the place I present extra detailed recommendation on what to put on for outside adventures.
Lengthy sleeve rash vests or swim fits are beneficial.
What to put on on the seashore
If you’re visiting a public seashore then it’s anticipated that you just cowl up. Swim shorts and a rash vest are acceptable for women and men.
Lengthy sleeve, UV protecting swim fits or rash vests for teenagers are a should for teenagers.
If you’re at a personal seashore connected to a lodge you’ll be able to put on western swimwear except the lodge has particular guidelines about apparel.
Bear in mind that bikinis will draw unfavorable consideration as there can be visitors from all around the Arabian Peninsular.
What to put on to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an awe inspiring place to go to in Muscat. However with the intention to step inside its grounds you should be carrying the fitting clothes.
Males, ladies and kids want to completely cowl their legs and arms. Girls should additionally cowl their hair, so carry a shawl.
In case you do arrive in garments that don’t meet these necessities you’ll be able to rent an abaya (for girls) or dishdasha (for males) on the entrance.
I’d advocate carrying sneakers which might be simple to take away. You’ll must take them off to enter the prayer halls.
Learn extra about visiting in my full submit in regards to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It contains a lot of info, issues to look out for and a free exercise sheet for teenagers.
What ought to kids put on in Oman
Youngsters below the age of puberty can just about put on what they like in most conditions (the Grand Mosque is the exception). Simply be certain it’s sensible.
We are able to advocate quick sleeved t-shirts and lengthy cotton trousers to maintain kids snug within the warmth.
Hats and solar glasses are additionally a should.
Treatment
In case you use over-the-counter treatment carry it with you as you might not discover comparable medicines in Oman and leaflets are prone to be in Arabic.
In case you take prescribed treatment carry not more than a month’s provide with you alongside along with your prescription. Some medication are banned in Oman so it’s essential to have the ability to show what you carry is for private use if requested.
Different issues to pack for Oman
You should buy most stuff you may neglect to pack. In my expertise, there’s at all times one thing that drops off the checklist!
Nonetheless there are some particular issues I’d advise bringing on your loved ones vacation in Oman:
- Packets of tissues and hand sanitiser – you’ll want these for journeys to public bathrooms. You purchase these right here however carry a stash to get you began.
- Water sneakers – useful should you plan to discover a wadi in Oman and to be used at seashores and swimming swimming pools the place surfaces get scorching.
- Issue 50 solar cream – manufacturers we recognise are very costly right here and cheaper alternate options have left us with solar burn.
- Face and physique lotions – I’ve seen whitening substances in lots of physique lotions and face lotions in Oman
- Tampons – you will discover loads of sanitary towels in Oman’s supermarkets however there are only a few tampons out there.
- Swim shorts and rash vests – not solely are these sensible within the local weather they’re additionally extra culturally acceptable.
If you’re travelling with a child then nappies, moist wipes and different necessities will be picked up in supermarkets. They’re dearer than within the UK, so carry some with you to economize.
Issues like child system and meals can be found however the substances could also be totally different in Oman, even when the manufacturers are acquainted. Guidelines on sugar are extra relaxed right here.
Additionally pack Calpol – this isn’t out there in Oman. The choice right here is liquid Panadol and it tastes horrible.
Issues to not carry to Oman
Right here’s some gadgets to not pack in your bag:
- Medication – there are extreme penalties for bringing any quantity of narcotic medication or psychotropic substances into Oman.
- Don’t carry e-cigarettes or vaping merchandise to Oman – they’re unlawful right here.
- Drones – don’t carry one except you intend to use for a license to make use of it in Oman (it’s going to most likely take longer to course of the paperwork than you could have within the nation). Something that appears like a drone or massive digital camera can be picked up when your baggage are scanned on the airport.
- Pornography – go away copies of Play Boy and different ‘gentle studying’ at residence.
Oman with youngsters: what to see and do in Oman
We live in Oman for a couple of years however I feel we’re nonetheless going to wrestle to see and do every thing we wish to within the time now we have to discover.
A few of our favorite actions are within the nice outdoor: wild tenting, exploring the mountains and visiting Oman’s wadis. In fact these are all winter actions when the climate is deliciously gentle.
In the summertime we spend much more time indoors and particularly in malls the place there are a number of actions in addition to buying. Oman even has a snow park.
What to see in Oman
The checklist is lengthy! I’ve already written about our favorite issues to do in Oman.
But when I used to be to shorten that to a high 5 this might be our definitive checklist of what to see in Oman in youngsters:
Wahiba Sands
Seeing the solar sink down into the silky ochre dunes of Wahiba Sands is likely one of the most magical issues to do in Oman and to not be missed.
The northern fringe of the Wahiba or Sharqiya Sands dunes will be reached from Muscat in two hours by automobile.
In addition to having fun with the pure fantastic thing about this 12,500 sq km desert you’ll be able to e book dune bashing, nature monitoring and camel rides with native guides.
We are able to advocate staying at a desert camp for an in a single day journey. There are many choices from conventional Bedouin camps to sci-fi fashion domes.
Discover Wahiba Sands Desert camps*.
Wadi Shab
If you wish to expertise Oman’s extraordinary pure magnificence Wadi Shab is a well-liked day journey from Muscat. It’s about one and a half hours from the town centre by street.
Your go to features a boat journey throughout the wadi entrance, skyscraper gorge partitions, a enjoyable hike, lengthy clear swimming pools and a cave you’ll be able to swim inside to discover a hidden waterfall.
Learn extra about why visiting Wadi Shab in Oman is such a particular expertise.
The Grand Mosque in Muscat
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one the checklist of hottest issues to do in Muscat. And no marvel. Its structure, scale and ambiance are a heady combine that leaves an enduring impression on worshippers and vacationers alike.
It took six years to construct and when it opened in 2001 it boasted the biggest handmade carpet on the earth and the largest chandelier. Whereas the UAE has now claimed each data Muscat’s grand mosque continues to be awe-inspiring.
Enable a minimum of and hour and a half to discover. And ensure you put on culturally applicable clothes.
Discover out extra, together with suggestions for visiting with kids, in my submit about Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Daymaniyat Islands
You’d be forgiven for considering you’d be transported to the Maldives as you method the vivid turquoise waters across the Advert Daymaniyat Islands.
This small archipelago 16km off the mainland is a protected space the place turtles nest and whale sharks come to feed within the plankton wealthy water in the summertime months.
It’s potential to take boat journeys from Al Mouj Marina, Seeb Port and Muttrah Marina to snorkel and dive across the islands. Exterior of the turtle nesting season (Could to October) you may as well land on the islands.
I can personally advocate boat journeys with Daymaniat Shells.
Nizwa
Town of Nizwa within the Hajar Mountains was as soon as the capital of Oman and a significant buying and selling hub.
At this time it’s well-known for its iconic fort, souq and Friday livestock market the place you’ll be able to see folks promoting goats and cows.
All of this makes it an important place to base yourselves for a couple of days, particularly if you’re on an Oman street journey.
Shut by you need to go to Jabal Akhdar (Oman’s ‘Inexperienced Mountain’), Misfah al Abriyyin and Oman Throughout the Ages Museum.
The place to remain in Oman with youngsters
We’ve our own residence in Oman however now we have additionally taken off across the nation for a seven day street journey and skilled a few of Muscat’s inns.
Alongside this now we have loads of mates who’ve given us first hand suggestions on locations to remain in Oman that we’re eager to take a look at.
So, based mostly on our expertise and a few scorching suggestions from folks we all know, right here’s some lodging choices for anybody visiting Oman:
The place to remain in Muscat
Muscat is an extended skinny metropolis that sprawls alongside the coast for round 50km with the Hajar Mountains at its again. Taxis aren’t low-cost and strolling far isn’t an choice within the Arabian local weather. So staying near the locations you want to go to will save in your finances.
There’s loads of choices for locations to remain in Muscat* together with worldwide inns, visitor homes and self-catering flats unfold out alongside the size of the town.
Mid vary finances
If you wish to go to the Grand Mosque we are able to advocate the Crown Plaza Muscat*. It overlooks the sandy seashore at Shati al Qurum and is a brief taxi trip from the mosque in addition to Muscat Opera Home and the Youngsters’s Museum.
It additionally as a tempting buffet of worldwide dishes.
The Sheraton* at Ruwi is a brief hop from Mutrah Souq, the fish market, Corniche and port the place you will discover boat journeys. It has mountain views, an important pool and delightful restaurant serving worldwide and Arabic dishes.
Excessive finish finances
If you wish to keep on the seafront the Kempinski* is a luxurious lodge in Al Mouj had been you might be proper on the seashore. It’s inside simple attain of the marina the place you will discover a lot of corporations providing snorkelling, diving and boat journeys.
We all know it finest for its comfortable hours at Zale Bar which overlooks the ocean.
To the east of Muscat you’ll discover its most luxurious resorts together with Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, which is residence to Oman’s solely lazy river.
The Shangri-La has two inns. Al Waha lodge* is probably the most family-friendly with splash parks and waterslides in addition to that lazy river. It’s additionally proper on the seashore which is one in all many locations in Oman the place turtles make their nests.
The place to remain in Nizwa
We are able to advocate staying in Nizwa to get one of the best begin for the Friday market.
Valley Cliff Inn* affords two self-catering villas set in lush gardens with non-public swimming swimming pools. We stayed right here throughout our first go to to Nizwa and beloved it. It’s a brief drive from the centre of Nizwa.
In case you choose a lodge the Vintage Inn* comes extremely beneficial. It’s a historically adorned lodge with swimming pool and is positioned simply 200m from Nizwa Fort and Souq.
The place to remain in Wahiba Sands
Reserving an evening within the desert is a should.
For our first keep right here we booked Desert Retreat Camp*. We needed starry skies and big dunes, and it delivered on each. As a bonus we may additionally carry our canine.
Desert Retreat Camp is likely one of the bigger camps with an oval of 14 conventional goat hair tents, every with a personal open roof lavatory.
Take a look at a few of the different choices*.
Oman journey information: what to count on whereas right here
Right here’s some useful recommendations on what to anticipate when you’re attending to know Oman and its folks.
Acceptable behaviour and what to not do in Oman
Western vacationers unfamiliar with Center Jap customs want to concentrate on what to do and what no to do in Oman.
Listed below are some extra recommendations on behaviour:
- Women and men shouldn’t maintain palms or kiss in public. It’s completely acceptable to point out affection in direction of your kids.
- If you’re invited to enter somebody’s residence take your sneakers off on the door.
- Don’t present the soles of your toes if you sit down – no imply feat on a conventional Omani flooring couch.
- Eat along with your proper hand. Your left is for cleansing your self.
- Girls ought to solely shake palms if they’re provided a hand.
Bogs in Oman
If you end up staying at a lodge or visiting a shopping center you can find western fashion pedestal bathrooms accompanied by a ‘bum gun’ and bathroom roll.
In every single place else you might be prone to discover conventional squat bathrooms with a bum gun. Convey your personal provide of bathroom roll and hand sanitiser if you’re exploring extra rural areas.
Maintain on, what’s a bum gun?
It’s not it’s official identify however it’s an applicable one.
The bum gun – a hose with tigger activated nozzle – is for giving your self a clear after ones and twos.
However be ware, they are often fairly vigorous. There’s usually no rest room roll to dry off afterwards so a miss-placed squirt may offer you a extra thorough clear than you bargained for.
Clearly, don’t let babies play with the bum gun – simpler stated than carried out if you’re crammed in a cubicle with little ones.
Tipping in Oman
Tipping shouldn’t be anticipated in Oman however you are able to do it at your discretion for good service.
It’s extra widespread to tip workers in inns and eating places or journey guides and drivers. Ten % is a good start line.
Plug sockets in Oman
Oman makes use of British-style 220/240 AC volt three pin plug sockets.
When you’ve got electronics with totally different plugs carry a journey adaptor*.
Oman occasions and essential dates
Oman holidays are introduced by the federal government within the days earlier than they’re resulting from occur. This implies some dates could differ.
On these dates you’ll be able to count on impartial companies to be closed for all or a part of the day:
- 11 January – Sultan’s Accession Day – a nationwide time off
- February – Prophet’s Ascension – a nationwide time off (the date strikes yearly with the Muslim calendar)
- September – the Prophet’s birthday – a nationwide time off (the date strikes yearly with the Muslim calendar)
- 18 November – Oman Nationwide Day – a nationwide time off
This checklist doesn’t embody Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha. These dates transfer yearly with the Muslim calendar.
Examine when Ramadan and Eid are anticipated this yr.
The most effective souvenirs
If you wish to carry residence some genuine souvenirs for you and your youngsters then head to a souq. Muttrah in Muscat and Nizwa Souq are one of the best now we have been to.
Incense and incense burners are a stunning reminder of your travels in Oman. You’ll odor frankincense burnt in all places right here.
When you’ve got a bit extra room in your baggage then Arabic lanterns or Omani pottery will make great speaking factors in your house.
A enjoyable memento for teenagers is a kummah – the normal Omani cap worn by males. They’re adorned in colors and patterns to signify totally different household teams.
If you need a deal with then Oman is known for its silver. It’s priced by its weight.
On the finances finish of the memento market, however piece of Omani heritage no much less, baskets weaved from palm leaves are one other pretty factor to carry residence as a reminder of your time in Oman. Dates and halwa (see conventional Omani meals under) are additionally enjoyable
Oman journey information: foods and drinks
Oman’s delicacies follows the Arabic fashion with Asian influences. Conventional menus embody rice, spiced meats, flat breads, salad, espresso and dates.
Some conventional Omani meals to attempt
Majboos is a plate of basmati rice with fragrant spiced meat. It’s not too ‘scorching spicy’, so our children get pleasure from this dish.
Rooster, beef and lamb can all be utilized in majboos however not pork as a result of Oman is a Muslim nation. You’ll not discover it served wherever.
One thing else youngsters will get pleasure from is mishkak – kebabs. They’re marinated in fragrant spices and go nicely with flat bread or chips. An actual baby pleaser!
In case your youngsters are in any respect delicate to spices ask for a non-spicy dish and the restaurant workers will have the ability to advocate one thing. We’ve truthfully discovered Arabic dishes right here are usually not too spicy.
However, should you do have fussy eaters chips are at all times on the menu. You’ll additionally discover loads of quick meals chains you recognise in malls and at drive-throughs.
Go to Oman between Spring and Summer season and also you’ll see dates rising on palm bushes. These have been a staple of the Omani weight loss program for hundreds of years.
Our ladies are usually not big followers of dates or Omani sweets like Halwa. This can be a thick jelly like confectionary usually made with semolina, oil, sugar, cardamon, milk, nuts and candy flavourings. However you’ve obtained to attempt it!
The meals souq in Nizwa has loads of stalls promoting Halwa and they’re comfortable to supply samples.
One thing extra up our children’ road is a fruit-filled smoothy. These can be found in all places and are a greater choice than ice cream in additional rural areas the place energy cuts are widespread.
Are you able to drink alcohol in Oman?
Who can blame dad and mom for wanting a glass of one thing refreshing on the finish of the day? However should you get pleasure from wine, beer or cocktails you might be questioning if alcohol is served in Oman.
Consuming alcohol shouldn’t be unlawful in Oman like it’s in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, however there are strict guidelines about the place you should purchase and devour it.
You gained’t discover alcohol available for purchase in supermarkets such as you would within the UK.
Guests can discover alcohol in Oman’s worldwide inns. It’s much less prone to be out there at impartial inns and lodging with eating places.
If you wish to carry your personal booze, you’ll be able to pack a nicely wrapped bottle in your suitcase. It’s additionally potential to purchase as much as 4 litres per particular person (over the age of 21) on the airport if you arrive.
Expats and Omanis should buy alcohol from designated outlets if they’ve a license. That’s a license for the person not simply the store. These should be utilized for from the federal government, so shouldn’t be an choice for vacationers.
So if you’re visiting Oman the one possible way to purchase and devour alcohol, must you want, is by shopping for it on the airport or at a global lodge.
Oman journey suggestions: well being and security
I’m not a medical professional however I can level you within the path of recommendation about staying nicely and secure in Oman with youngsters.
Vaccinations for journey to Oman
We had been up-to-date with all of our routine vaccinations earlier than we travelled to Oman from the UK so didn’t want something further. Nonetheless issues can change.
Discover out in regards to the beneficial vaccinations for Oman on the Journey Well being Professional web site.
Consuming water
We attempt to not advocate plastic bottles, however we discover them a essentially evil in Oman.
Faucet water is simply secure to drink if it has been boiled.
However we do use faucet water to clean our palms and brush our tooth with out fear.
Solar safety
This can be a actually essential level for households visiting Oman. Convey loads of solar cream from residence and apply it usually. We haven’t discovered family-friendly solar cream right here but.
We’ve been in a position to order day glow zinc stick solar block* from Amazon – the children love carrying this.
Additionally carry hats, solar glasses and UV protecting swimwear for the entire household.
Insect bites
The danger of malaria is low in Oman however there may be dengue fever. This flu-like virus is unfold via mosquito bites, so use loads of insect repellant containing DEET. There is no such thing as a vaccination out there.
In case you really feel unwell throughout or after your journey search medical recommendation.
Snakes and scorpions
Oman has venomous snakes and scorpions, so concentrate on this if you’re climbing or wild tenting. They might be hiding below rocks or, within the case of snakes, basking on high of them.
You’re much less prone to see scorpions within the autumn, winter and spring as they hibernate in burrows.
Nonetheless, through the summer time they arrive out to search out cooler locations to cover together with air conditioned locations. We had one inside our home a couple of days earlier than I printed this information, so nasty beasts are on the very entrance of my thoughts.
Having stated that, I solely noticed one snake and one scorpion throughout our first six months in Oman.
If you’re bitten or stung search rapid medical help at a hospital. Don’t watch for an ambulance if you may make your personal means as ambulances are usually not staffed with paramedics, simply drivers.
Wild canines and cats
There are wild canines in Oman or ‘wadi canines’ as they’re known as right here. However not like locations like Egypt the place they’re comparatively tame and roam virtually wherever, in Oman they’re managed in populated areas.
In case you do discover yourselves within the suburbs or a wadi near a city or metropolis you might come throughout wadi canines.
It is best to keep away from them fully as they are often aggressive and carry parasites.
Cats shouldn’t be petted for a similar causes.
Oman journey information: getting round
Getting straight to the purpose, we’d advocate hiring a automobile should you intend to journey past Muscat if you go to Oman with youngsters.
Public transport is out there however you’ll discover it isn’t as frequent or as consumer pleasant as within the UK, Europe or Asia.
Listed below are every of the choices for getting round in Oman so you’ll be able to work out what’s finest for your loved ones:
Taxis
Taxis are a handy choice for getting round city areas. However within the capital Muscat there may be a whole lot of metropolis to cowl, to allow them to get costly.
There are a number of licensed taxi companies in Oman and so they all have reserving apps. In case you plan to make use of taxis often throughout your keep then its value downloading one in all these apps.
The taxis you’ll see most are orange and white Otaxis and blue and white Marhaba taxis.
All orange and white taxis in Oman are metered, so be certain your driver is utilizing their’s earlier than you set off. Different on demand taxi companies will supply a set worth. Affirm this in your taxi app and with the driving force earlier than you begin your journey.
If you wish to get a taxi from Muscat Worldwide Airport you will discover them exterior the principle terminal constructing.
Public transport
There are not any trains, trams or subways in Oman but (plans are within the offing) however you can find buses within the cities and coaches travelling between them, together with coaches that join Oman with the UAE.
Oman’s public transport is run by Mwasalat. You will discover and e book a coach on the Mwasalat web site.
For bus companies in Muscat use the Moovit app to search out routes.
There’s additionally a bus service in Salalah.
Hiring a automobile in Oman
Except you’re a household on a gradual journey journey you’re most likely restricted for time. Because of this we advocate hiring a automobile if you’re visiting Oman with youngsters.
This offers you extra freedom and permit you to not be tied to timetables. You’ll additionally have the ability to see extra of the nation.
You may rent autos of all sizes from Europcar, Enterprise, Greenback, Funds and Alamo at Muscat Worldwide Airport and Salalah Worldwide Airport.
To rent a automobile you’ll want your UK or residence nation drivers license, your passport, a bank card and your Oman Visa. You don’t want a global driving allow.
You may drive on a UK license for 3 months, in order that’s greater than sufficient for a seven or 10 day street journey.
If you’re headed to the mountains you’ll need a 4×4, even should you don’t intend to go off street.
The principle mountain roads are steep and windy, and there are police test factors on the backside the place they cease you to verify your automobile is match for the journey.
Examine costs* and discover the fitting automobile for your loved ones.
Youngster automobile seats in Oman
In case you’re visiting Oman with youngsters below the age of 4 it’s a authorized requirement for them to have a automobile seat in non-public and employed automobiles in addition to taxis.
If you’re hiring a automobile you’ll be able to test with the rental firm whether or not they can provide a seat.
Nonetheless I’d strongly advise you to carry your personal, particularly for youngsters over the age of 4. As these are usually not a authorized requirement in Oman they don’t seem to be extensively out there for older kids.
Airways will will let you carry a automobile seat per baby for no extra cost. Purchase a automobile seat bag for some further safety.
We are able to advocate the Roam and Rove automobile seat bag*. It has ruck sack fashion shoulder straps so you’ll be able to carry your seat palms free on the airport.
Extra important studying earlier than visiting Oman with youngsters
In addition to studying my blogs about Oman I can advocate shopping for the Lonely Planet information* to Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsular. I purchased this earlier than our transfer right here and located it invaluable as an introduction to the nation and tradition.
Disclosure: this submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks marked with *. In case you click on on one in all these and make a purchase order I could earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the worth you pay.
