Considering of visiting Oman with children? You’ve come to the precise place for the low down on why this superb Center East vacation spot deserves a spot in your bucket record.
Inside this complete Oman journey information for households I’ve included all it’s essential to know that will help you plan your journey, what to anticipate if you are right here and the most effective locations in Oman to go to with children. It’s all based mostly on our private experiences as an expat household residing in Oman.
*This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
I’ve written this information primarily for different UK households as I do know they’re my essential readers. However there’s loads of info right here for anybody visiting Oman with children or with out them.
I cowl:
- the compelling causes by it’s best to go to Oman with your loved ones
- issues it’s essential 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 children
- useful issues to find out about visiting Oman together with behaviour, bogs and tipping
- food and drinks
- well being and security in Oman
- and getting round in Oman.
So let’s start!
Why go to Oman with children?
For those who’re pondering a household vacation in Oman goes to be similar to neighbouring Dubai and Abu Dhabi with their theme parks and skyscrapers, suppose once more.
Sure, it has luxurious resorts. However it’s also 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 essential attraction of visiting Oman for households alongside its wealthy cultural heritage courting again additional than some other state within the Arab world. This reveals itself the extra you discover.
We extremely advocate hitting the highway for a minimum of part of your vacation to get probably the most out of your time in Oman.
It is usually 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 an excellent winter vacation vacation spot.
I’d advocate it extra for households with youngsters 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 present your little ones some respite from the warmth.
What’s Oman identified 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 robust 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 position 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 planet. You’ll discover this aromatic resin on sale in all Oman’s souqs and used as incense in all places from lodges to purchasing malls and even within the airport.
Omani homes are identified for his or her stunning doorways. Whether or not they’re made from wooden or metallic you’ll discover them intricately embellished as folks wish to impress their friends from the second they attain the brink of their dwelling.
Oman information for guests
In case your children love trivia right here’s some information about Oman to share with them:
- Oman’s monarch, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, can also 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 measurement 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 greater than the tallest minaret of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Is it secure to go to Oman with children?
One of the vital frequent questions I used to be requested after we determined to maneuver to Oman was: ‘is it secure?’.
It’s a good query contemplating Oman has borders with Yemen the place there’s an ongoing civil battle and Saudi Arabia the place there’s a heightened danger of terrorist assaults.
Nevertheless Oman is a really secure nation. Crime is low and it doesn’t even rank on the international terrorism index for terror occasions or danger.
The Omani individuals are additionally famously very pleasant in the direction of guests.
All of this not solely makes it a secure place to go to with children, it’s additionally good for {couples} and solo travellers.
My solely phrase of warning about visiting Oman with children is in regards to the roads.
The usual of driving right here just isn’t what you would possibly count on within the UK.
Different highway customers can behave unpredictably. Pedestrians run throughout six lane highways. And highway security no-nos like tailgating, endeavor and never indicating are the norm.
Greatest time to go to Oman
What you do throughout your loved ones vacation in Oman shall be dictated by the climate. However not like it will be within the UK and Europe. It’s essential to change your seasonal expectations on their head.
The winter is the time to get exterior and discover, whereas the summer season 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 life-style right now of yr.
As an alternative, go to between the tip of October and starting of April.
In case you are visiting Oman with children of faculty age it’s possible 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 comfy early 30℃s peaking within the late 40℃s by June. They don’t drop again down beneath 30℃ till the tip of October.
A month you would possibly wish to keep away from, significantly if you happen to plan to spend time experiencing among the finest issues to do in Oman, is Ramadan.
Oman is a Muslim nation the place consuming and ingesting (even water) in daytime just isn’t allowed in the course of the holy month. It’s rather more conservative than the neighbouring UAE.
Not having the ability to eat or drink when sightseeing could make it uncomfortable, particularly with youngsters.
Discover out extra in my publish about visiting Oman throughout Ramadan, together with what to put on, the place you possibly can 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 children:
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 have to be a minimum of six months in date from the day you arrive. Verify the gov.uk web site for the most recent entry necessities and journey recommendation.
- Carry a photograph copy of your passports as it’s possible you’ll be requested for these at immigration and it’s a good suggestion to have a duplicate with you always.
- Your journey insurance coverage – I all the time have a digital and printed copy with me.
- A duplicate 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 in your entire household at immigration. Printed copies are finest.
How you can get a Oman vacationer visa
For those who plan to be within the nation between 14 and 30 days you want a vacationer visa. Your youngsters want a visa to go to Oman too. The appliance course of and value are the identical.
You possibly can apply for visas by means of the Royal Oman Police portal, which is the official visa utility web site. Different web sites will cost you an admin price.
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 individual.
The opposite choices are for individuals who usually journey to and from Oman.
If you apply you have to to add a digital passport type picture no larger than 512KB and a photograph of your passport information web page.
Visa functions are open to residents in greater than 100 counties however the on-line type is barely obtainable in Arabic and English.
There are completely different guidelines for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) counties.
Flights to Oman
One of many greatest prices of any vacation to Oman, particularly in case you are coming from the UK, goes to be your flights.
Oman Air fly direct from London Heathrow and there are one cease flights from plenty of regional airports within the UK.
The oblique flights through Istanbul, Frankfurt and different Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) international locations are typically cheaper, however these can take loads longer so it’s essential to weigh up the financial savings verses the time you might have.
We’ve got discovered Oman Air to be a superb 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 price £2.06 on the time this Oman journey information was revealed. Verify the present alternate charge.
The equal denomination to the UK Pence (or p) is Baisa. There are 1,000 Baisa in a single rial. Widespread notes embrace 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 lodges and eating places settle for playing cards. However in case you are visiting an space the place there’s restricted cellular sign, reminiscent of Wahiba Sands, you want money.
You’ll discover money factors at hypermarkets, in purchasing 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 are accessible from the road are sometimes tucked away in shelters or lobbies exterior banks, so will not be 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 objects that may make your travels extra comfy.
Oman is a Muslim nation the place it’s anticipated that you just costume conservatively. For those who naked an excessive amount of flesh it will likely be seen as disrespectful.
The one exception is in case you are in a series resort the place western clothes is OK.
Normally, strappy or vest suggestions are a no no and it’s best to ought to maintain knees coated.
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 anticipated when out in public in Oman.
Lengthy or cropped trousers, t-shirts and shirts made out 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 type shorts are your good friend when sporting attire within the warmth!
In case you are planning on exploring the Sultanate’s superb panorama you then’ll wish to learn my publish 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
In case you are 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 youths are a should for youths.
In case you are at a non-public seashore connected to a resort you possibly can put on western swimwear until the resort has particular guidelines about apparel.
Bear in mind that bikinis will draw unfavorable consideration as there shall be friends 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 sporting the precise clothes.
Males, ladies and youngsters want to totally cowl their legs and arms. Girls should additionally cowl their hair, so carry a shawl.
For those who do arrive in garments that don’t meet these necessities you possibly can rent an abaya (for ladies) or dishdasha (for males) on the entrance.
I’d advocate sporting sneakers which are straightforward to take away. You’ll must take them off to enter the prayer halls.
Learn extra about visiting in my full publish in regards to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It contains plenty of information, issues to look out for and a free exercise sheet for youths.
What ought to youngsters put on in Oman
Kids 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 that it’s sensible.
We are able to advocate quick sleeved t-shirts and lengthy cotton trousers to maintain youngsters comfy within the warmth.
Hats and solar glasses are additionally a should.
Remedy
For those who use over-the-counter remedy carry it with you as it’s possible you’ll not discover comparable medicines in Oman and leaflets are more likely to be in Arabic.
For those who take prescribed remedy carry not more than a month’s provide with you alongside along with your prescription. Some medicine are banned in Oman so it’s vital to have the ability to show what you carry is for private use if requested.
Different issues to pack for Oman
You should purchase most stuff you would possibly neglect to pack. In my expertise, there’s all the time one thing that drops off the record!
Nevertheless 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 bogs. You purchase these right here however carry a stash to get you began.
- Water sneakers – useful if you happen to 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 obtainable.
- Swim shorts and rash vests – not solely are these sensible within the local weather they’re additionally extra culturally acceptable.
In case you are 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 completely different in Oman, even when the manufacturers are acquainted. Guidelines on sugar are extra relaxed right here.
Additionally pack Calpol – this isn’t obtainable in Oman. The choice right here is liquid Panadol and it tastes horrible.
Issues to not carry to Oman
Right here’s some objects to not pack in your bag:
- Medication – there are extreme penalties for bringing any quantity of narcotic medicine 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 until you propose to use for a license to make use of it in Oman (it is going to most likely take longer to course of the paperwork than you might have within the nation). Something that appears like a drone or giant digital camera shall be picked up when your luggage are scanned on the airport.
- Pornography – depart copies of Play Boy and different ‘mild studying’ at dwelling.
Oman with children: what to see and do in Oman
We live in Oman for a couple of years however I believe we’re nonetheless going to wrestle to see and do all the pieces we wish to within the time we have now to discover.
A few of our favorite actions are within the nice outside: wild tenting, exploring the mountains and visiting Oman’s wadis. In fact these are all winter actions when the climate is deliciously delicate.
In the summertime we spend much more time indoors and particularly in malls the place there are a number of actions in addition to purchasing. Oman even has a snow park.
What to see in Oman
The record 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 prime 5 this could be our definitive record of what to see in Oman in children:
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 automotive.
In addition to having fun with the pure great thing about this 12,500 sq km desert you possibly can 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 type 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 town centre by highway.
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 possibly can 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 record of hottest issues to do in Muscat. And no surprise. Its structure, scale and environment 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 most important handmade carpet on the planet and the most important chandelier. Whereas the UAE has now claimed each data Muscat’s grand mosque remains to be awe-inspiring.
Permit a minimum of and hour and a half to discover. And be sure to put on culturally acceptable clothes.
Discover out extra, together with suggestions for visiting with youngsters, in my publish about Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Daymaniyat Islands
You’d be forgiven for pondering 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 doable to take boat journeys from Al Mouj Marina, Seeb Port and Muttrah Marina to snorkel and dive across the islands. Outdoors of the turtle nesting season (Could to October) you can too 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 serious buying and selling hub.
As we speak it’s well-known for its iconic fort, souq and Friday livestock market the place you possibly can see folks promoting goats and cows.
All of this makes it an amazing place to base yourselves for a couple of days, particularly in case you are on an Oman highway journey.
Shut by it’s best 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 children
We’ve got our own residence in Oman however we have now additionally taken off across the nation for a seven day highway journey and skilled a few of Muscat’s lodges.
Alongside this we have now loads of pals 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 a protracted 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 lodges, visitor homes and self-catering residences unfold out alongside the size of town.
Mid vary finances
If you wish to go to the Grand Mosque we will advocate the Crown Plaza Muscat*. It overlooks the sandy seashore at Shati al Qurum and is a brief taxi journey from the mosque in addition to Muscat Opera Home and the Kids’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 amazing 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 resort in Al Mouj have been you’re proper on the seashore. It’s inside straightforward attain of the marina the place you will discover plenty of firms providing snorkelling, diving and boat journeys.
We all know it finest for its completely satisfied 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 dwelling to Oman’s solely lazy river.
The Shangri-La has two lodges. Al Waha resort* 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 the most effective begin for the Friday market.
Valley Cliff Inn* provides two self-catering villas set in lush gardens with personal swimming swimming pools. We stayed right here throughout our first go to to Nizwa and liked it. It’s a brief drive from the centre of Nizwa.
For those who desire a resort the Vintage Inn* comes extremely beneficial. It’s a historically embellished resort 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 wished starry skies and large 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 non-public open roof lavatory.
Try among the different choices*.
Oman journey information: what to count on whereas right here
Right here’s some useful recommendations on what to anticipate if you end up 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 pay attention to what to do and what no to do in Oman.
Listed here are some extra recommendations on behaviour:
- Women and men mustn’t maintain palms or kiss in public. It’s completely acceptable to point out affection in the direction of your youngsters.
- In case you are invited to enter somebody’s dwelling take your sneakers off on the door.
- Don’t present the soles of your toes while 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.
Bathrooms in Oman
If you end up staying at a resort or visiting a shopping center one can find western type pedestal bogs accompanied by a ‘bum gun’ and bathroom roll.
In every single place else you’re more likely to discover conventional squat bogs with a bum gun. Carry your individual provide of bathroom roll and hand sanitiser in case you are exploring extra rural areas.
Maintain on, what’s a bum gun?
It’s not it’s official identify nevertheless it’s an acceptable 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 provide you with a extra thorough clear than you bargained for.
Clearly, don’t let young children play with the bum gun – simpler mentioned than executed while you’re crammed in a cubicle with little ones.
Tipping in Oman
Tipping just isn’t anticipated in Oman however you are able to do it at your discretion for good service.
It’s extra frequent to tip workers in lodges 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.
In case you have electronics with completely different plugs carry a journey adaptor*.
Oman occasions and vital dates
Oman holidays are introduced by the federal government within the days earlier than they’re on account of occur. This implies some dates could differ.
On these dates you possibly can 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 record doesn’t embrace Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha. These dates transfer yearly with the Muslim calendar.
Verify when Ramadan and Eid are anticipated this yr.
One of the best souvenirs
If you wish to carry dwelling some genuine souvenirs for you and your children then head to a souq. Muttrah in Muscat and Nizwa Souq are the most effective we have now been to.
Incense and incense burners are a beautiful reminder of your travels in Oman. You’ll scent frankincense burnt in all places right here.
In case you have 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 youths is a kummah – the standard Omani cap worn by males. They’re embellished in colors and patterns to characterize completely different household teams.
If you would like a deal with then Oman is legendary 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 beautiful factor to carry dwelling as a reminder of your time in Oman. Dates and halwa (see conventional Omani meals beneath) are additionally enjoyable
Oman journey information: food and drinks
Oman’s delicacies follows the Arabic type with Asian influences. Conventional menus embrace rice, spiced meats, flat breads, salad, espresso and dates.
Some conventional Omani meals to strive
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 anyplace.
One thing else children will get pleasure from is mishkak – kebabs. They’re marinated in fragrant spices and go effectively with flat bread or chips. An actual youngster pleaser!
In case your children are in any respect delicate to spices ask for a non-spicy dish and the restaurant workers will be capable to advocate one thing. We’ve truthfully discovered Arabic dishes right here will not be too spicy.
However, if you happen to do have fussy eaters chips are all the time 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 time and also you’ll see dates rising on palm bushes. These have been a staple of the Omani eating regimen for hundreds of years.
Our ladies will not be enormous 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 strive it!
The meals souq in Nizwa has loads of stalls promoting Halwa and they’re completely satisfied 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 frequent.
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 if you happen to get pleasure from wine, beer or cocktails it’s possible you’ll be questioning if alcohol is served in Oman.
Ingesting alcohol just isn’t unlawful in Oman like it’s in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, however there are strict guidelines about the place you should buy and eat it.
You received’t discover alcohol that can be purchased in supermarkets such as you would within the UK.
Guests can discover alcohol in Oman’s worldwide lodges. It’s much less more likely to be obtainable at impartial inns and lodging with eating places.
If you wish to carry your individual booze, you possibly can pack a effectively wrapped bottle in your suitcase. It’s additionally doable to purchase as much as 4 litres per individual (over the age of 21) on the airport while you arrive.
Expats and Omanis can purchase alcohol from designated retailers 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 just isn’t an choice for vacationers.
So in case you are visiting Oman the one possible way to purchase and eat alcohol, do you have to want, is by shopping for it on the airport or at a global resort.
Oman journey suggestions: well being and security
I’m not a medical skilled however I can level you within the course of recommendation about staying effectively and secure in Oman with children.
Vaccinations for journey to Oman
We have 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. Nevertheless issues can change.
Discover out in regards to the beneficial vaccinations for Oman on the Journey Well being Professional web site.
Ingesting water
We strive to not advocate plastic bottles, however we discover them a essentially evil in Oman.
Faucet water is barely 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 vital level for households visiting Oman. Carry loads of solar cream from dwelling and apply it usually. We haven’t discovered a superb family-friendly solar cream right here but.
We’ve got been capable of order day glow zinc stick solar block* from Amazon – the children love sporting this.
Additionally carry hats, solar glasses and UV protecting swimwear for the entire household.
Insect bites
The chance of malaria is low in Oman however there’s dengue fever. This flu-like virus is unfold by means of mosquito bites, so use loads of insect repellant containing DEET. There is no such thing as a vaccination obtainable.
For those who really feel unwell throughout or after your journey search medical recommendation.
Snakes and scorpions
Oman has venomous snakes and scorpions, so pay attention to this in case you are mountaineering or wild tenting. They could be hiding below rocks or, within the case of snakes, basking on prime of them.
You’re much less more likely to see scorpions within the autumn, winter and spring as they hibernate in burrows.
Nevertheless, in the course of the summer season 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 revealed this information, so nasty beasts are on the very entrance of my thoughts.
Having mentioned that, I solely noticed one snake and one scorpion throughout our first six months in Oman.
In case you are bitten or stung search quick medical help at a hospital. Don’t look forward to an ambulance if you may make your individual manner as ambulances will not be staffed with paramedics, simply drivers.
Wild canine and cats
There are wild canine in Oman or ‘wadi canine’ as they’re known as right here. However not like locations like Egypt the place they’re comparatively tame and roam virtually anyplace, in Oman they’re managed in populated areas.
For those who do discover yourselves within the suburbs or a wadi near a city or metropolis it’s possible you’ll come throughout wadi canine.
You need to keep away from them utterly 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 automotive if you happen to intend to journey past Muscat while you go to Oman with children.
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 here are every of the choices for getting round in Oman so you possibly can 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’s a number 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. For those who plan to make use of taxis usually throughout your keep then its price 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 that your driver is utilizing their’s earlier than you set off. Different on demand taxi companies will supply a set value. 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 primary terminal constructing.
Public transport
There aren’t any trains, trams or subways in Oman but (plans are within the offing) however one 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 could find 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 automotive in Oman
Until you’re a household on a sluggish journey journey you’re most likely restricted for time. Because of this we advocate hiring a automotive in case you are visiting Oman with children.
This will provide you with extra freedom and permit you to not be tied to timetables. You’ll additionally be capable to see extra of the nation.
You possibly can rent automobiles of all sizes from Europcar, Enterprise, Greenback, Finances and Alamo at Muscat Worldwide Airport and Salalah Worldwide Airport.
To rent a automotive you’ll want your UK or dwelling nation drivers license, your passport, a bank card and your Oman Visa. You don’t want a global driving allow.
You possibly can drive on a UK license for 3 months, in order that’s greater than sufficient for a seven or 10 day highway journey.
In case you are headed to the mountains you have to a 4×4, even if you happen to don’t intend to go off highway.
The principle mountain roads are steep and windy, and there are police examine factors on the backside the place they cease you to ensure your automobile is match for the journey.
Examine costs* and discover the precise automobile for your loved ones.
Baby automotive seats in Oman
For those who’re visiting Oman with children below the age of 4 it’s a authorized requirement for them to have a automotive seat in personal and employed vehicles in addition to taxis.
In case you are hiring a automotive you possibly can examine with the rental firm whether or not they can provide a seat.
Nevertheless I’d strongly advise you to carry your individual, particularly for kids over the age of 4. As these will not be a authorized requirement in Oman they don’t seem to be broadly obtainable for older youngsters.
Airways will will let you carry a automotive seat per youngster for no extra cost. Purchase a automotive seat bag for some further safety.
We are able to advocate the Roam and Rove automotive seat bag*. It has ruck sack type shoulder straps so you possibly can carry your seat palms free on the airport.
Extra important studying earlier than visiting Oman with children
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 publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks marked with *. For those who click on on one in all these and make a purchase order I’ll earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the value you pay.