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Communications |
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Omantel,
the principal service provider makes available
world-class telecom services.
Most hotels have direct dialing facilities in the
rooms and fax connectivity in the business centres.
Telephone cards for both land lines and mobile phones
are freely available
at several retail outlets. |
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Banks |
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Most
international banks are represented in cities and
towns.
Banking hours are between 0800 hrs to 1300 hrs,
Saturdays through Thursdays.
Money Exchanges are available and open in the souks
and
markets both in the morning and evenings with a break
between 1300 hrs and 1600 hrs. |
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Bars |
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All
major hotels serve alcohol except during the Holy
Month of Ramadan.
Several restaurants are also licensed to serve
alcohol. |
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Beaches |
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Swimming
is generally safe on the beaches. Locations where
strong currents are a danger or where other factors
threaten swimming signposts are posted significantly.
The Coast Guard and the Royal Oman Police are detailed
for patrols. |
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Business Hours |
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The
weekend is usually Thursday afternoon to Friday night.
Most shops are open from 0800 hrs to 1300 hrs and from
1600 hrs to 2000 hrs.
Many supermarkets are open all day. |
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Climate |
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Warm
sunny days and cool evenings are normal from October
to March.
The nights of January to March can be chilly.
June to August is hot and humid.
Air conditioning is standard in all buildings and
vehicles. |
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Clothing |
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Cotton
or a predominantly cotton mix is ideal. In winter
months, a light sweater or jacket is useful.
Comfortable shoes are essential for sightseeing.
Business dress is formal.
Beachwear is recommended only on club and hotel
premises.
In towns, ladies are advised to wear trousers or
skirts and tops, which cover the shoulders.
In rural areas, a more modest manner of dressing is
suggested.
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Credit Cards. |
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Most
retail outlets and hotels accept major credit cards as
a form of payment.
Some merchants may charge a small fee for payments by
credit cards |
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Currency. |
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Omani
Rial divided into 1000 baisa
Coins issued in denominations of 5,10, 25 and 50 baisa
Notes in denominations of 100, 200, 250 and 500 baisa
and 1, 5, 10,20, 50 Rials. |
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Customs
Regulations. |
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A
reasonable quantity of tobacco products may be
imported.
A maximum of two litres of alcohol may be imported by
non-Muslims into the country when coming in by air.
The import of alcohol by any overland route is not
permitted. |
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Drinking Water |
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Tap
water is safe for drinking but bottled water is
preferable
Bottled water is usually served at hotels and
restaurants. |
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Driving |
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Local
driving licenses can be obtained upon production of
licenses of Europe, USA etc.
Seat belts are mandatory in front seats. |
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Electricity |
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220
volts, 50 cycles, AC. |
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Entry
Requirements |
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Entry
Visas are available on arrival for many nationalities.
For those nationalities that are ineligible for a visa
on arrival, entry visas can be arranged with a few
working days notice.
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Exchange
Controls |
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There
are no exchange controls in the
importation/exportation of currency. |
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Food |
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Just
about every type of food is available.
Arabic cuisine offers a great variety of dishes.
There is a wide variety of eating opportunities both
at hotels and at independent restaurants. |
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Health |
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Hospitals
are modern and well equipped.
Private medical treatment is expensive and medical
insurance is recommended.
Pharmacies are well stocked.
Addresses of all night pharmacies are advertised in
newspapers. |
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Language |
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Arabic
is the national language but English and Hindi are
widely used.
Most shopkeepers and hotel staff speak English. |
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Media |
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There
is a choice of Arabic newspapers and magazines.
There are also English language dailies, magazines and
English radio stations and TV channels. |
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Photography |
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Always
ask before taking pictures of local people, especially
ladies.
Photography of military installations and Embassy
premises are forbidden.
Film processing facilities are excellent.
Beware of the heat and dust. |
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Public
Holidays |
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The
Islamic Calendar is based on lunar movements.
Dates of public holidays therefore vary when compared
with the Gregorian method of movement.
Please contact us for forthcoming list of holidays. |
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Public
Transport |
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Taxis
are plentiful and reasonably priced.
With unmetered taxis, it is wise to establish the fare
in advance.
A public bus service is also available as also a
shared cabby facility |
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Religion |
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Islam
plays a vital role in the day-to-day life of the
people.
There are thousands of mosques all over the country.
There are also places of worship for other
denominations. |
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Safety |
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Oman
is completely safe and visitors need not have any
worry to venture out, whether by foot or by taxi. |
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Shopping |
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The
very best of shopping is available and the prices are
competitive.
The gold souk is deservedly famous for its range of
styles and the quality of workmanship.
Bargaining is acceptable for intricately worked
pieces.
Goods include exotic spices and perfumes, heavy Bedu
silver jewellery, exquisitely worked beaten silver and
traditional brass coffee pots. |
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Tipping |
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Many
restaurants include a service charge but if not, a 10%
tip is adequate.
Hotel and airport porters should be paid between USD 2
and USD 3 depending upon the amount of luggage.
Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. |
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Weights and
Measures |
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The
official systems are metric. |
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