Language
The official and most predominant language is Arabic. English is a second language that is widely used, especially by the tourism industry. Swahili and Urdu speakers are also found in Oman given its ties with Eastern Africa and Pakistan.
Currency
The official currency of Oman is the Omani rial (OMR). Currency exchange can be done in banks, exchange bureaux, and large hotels. Local money can also be obtained from ATMs, which are widely available. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Travelers’ checks, preferably in US dollars, can be exchanged in many major cities.
Time
Oman follows the Persian Gulf Standard Time, which is four hours ahead of GMT (GMT +4).
Electricity
The voltage used in Oman is 220 to 240 Volts, 50 Hertz. This is similar to that in the UK and Canada. Sockets will accept plugs with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle.
Communications
The county code is +968. Before 2005, Oman Telecommunication (Omantel and Omanmobile) had the monopoly. Qatar Telecommunication has since entered the game. While Internet cafés are rare, hotels and accommodations will provide internet access, among other business facilities, to their guests.
Duty-free
The products that can be brought in without incurring customs duty are two liters of alcoholic drinks (but only for non-Muslims), 227mL of perfume, a reasonable amount of tobacco and related products, and eight DVDs or related items for personal use. An Islamic slaughter certificate and an import license are required for meat products. Medicine and drugs are restricted. It is best to check with your nearest embassy.
Tourist Office
Ministry of Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat: +968-80-077-799 or http://www.omantourism.gov.om
Consulates in Oman
US Embassy, Muscat: +968-24-643-400 British Embassy, Muscat: +968-24-609-000 Canadian Consulate, Muscat: +968-24-788-890 Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Muscat: +968-24-603-706 Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Muscat: +968-24-526-067 Austrian Embassy, Muscat: +968-24-694-127 Honorary Consulate General of Finland, Muscat: +968-24-701-454 Swedish Consulate, Muscat: +968-24-708-693 German Embassy, Muscat: +968-24-832-482
Emergency
Emergency services (police, fire department, and ambulance): 999