fact file: oman oman 2012
Getting there: Oman Air, the flag carrier of Oman, serves all major Gulf destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh from Muscat, as well as several destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia.
Entering Oman: No customs duty is levied on personal effects being brought into Oman. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic items. Luggage is x-rayed at Muscat International Airport on arrival and any suspicious material Ð banned DVDs, books or magazines, for example Ð will be checked and/or confiscated by customs officials.
Business hours: Oman«s official weekend is Thursday afternoon and Friday although government offices are closed on both days. Most shops and malls are open from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm. Banks, embassies and consulates are open from 8am to noon, Saturday to Thursday.
Currency: Omani riyal. US$1 = OMR 0.385. Hot tip
Summer surprise: Oman's diverse geography and Indian Ocean coastline offers relative respite from the searing summer heat that affects its GCC neighbours. In fact, some areas of Oman, such as the mountainous north and Dhofar region to the south, enjoy moderate temperatures all year-round. Salalah, which is cooled by monsoon weather from June to October, is a favoured destination among GCC nationals looking to escape the summer heat at home. The relatively pleasant year-round weather also makes Oman a favoured destination with visitors from abroad.
Electricity: The electrical system is based on 220/240 volts AC. US-made appliances may require an adaptor.
Language: The official language of Oman is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. Guides and facilitators who speak other languages are also available.
Photography: Tourist photography is allowed but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is always courteous to ask permission before taking pictures.
Essential Knowledge When to visit
Summer falls between April and September when the weather is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures typically around 40 degrees Celsius. The exception to this rule is the south of the country where the monsoon season (Khareef season) hits between June and October. This makes cities such as Salalah very popular with Gulf nationals wishing to escape the heat during this period and so most hotels have high occupancy. The weather across the country during the remainder of the year is pleasant, with average daytime temperatures in winter ranging from low to mid-20s.
Clothing
The Omanis are renowned for their laidback lifestyle. Not surprisingly the dress code is relaxed, although as is the case with its Gulf neighbours, inappropriate clothing will most likely be considered offensive. Visitors should err on the side of conservatism if in doubt. Lightweight summer clothing in cottons or blends is ideal for most of the year. Sweaters, a light jacket or a shawl may be needed for the cooler evenings.
Alcohol
Alcohol is available to non-Muslims at licensed premises across the country. The majority of these venues are located inside hotels.
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