My Travels In Oman: Tips For First-Time Travellers

I have heard several times that to travel smoothly to an international destination, having a detailed plan is crucial to avoid any last-minute goof-ups. Hence, I created an elaborate checklist to cover all aspects of my week-long trip to Oman. This included obtaining a hard copy of my visa and securely keeping my passport. I made sure to be well-prepared for exploring this desert nation with prudence. Sharing the same, here are some must-follow tips for fellow first-time international travellers to help them navigate smoothly and stay vigilant for any unforeseen incidents.Immigration CheckWhile in the immigration queue, keep your passport and visa handy. Stay prepared for multiple rows and long waiting hours. I remember collecting my luggage from baggage claim and tightening my backpack for further delay. It took our group about 40 minutes to reach the enquiry desk. If you are a first-time international traveller, expect questions about your purpose of visit, number of days, country of origin, etc. Look confident and answer with a smiling face. Sometimes, the immigration officers may give you an intimidating impression, but there is nothing to fear; keeping a stern face is a part of their job, and not all are serious, as was my case. The officer smiled throughout and made me feel comfortable as he stamped clearance on my passport, paving the way for my journey ahead.SIM CardIdeally, you can continue using your postpaid connection; however, high roaming charges and slow internet speeds may cause disruption. After consulting our tour guide, I opted for a local SIM card, which helped me travel more conveniently. You can fetch your SIM from the kiosks near the exit gates at the airport, costing INR 1,200-1,300. With 5G, these SIMs guarantee the fastest internet connectivity. Unlike Android users, iPhone users don't have dual SIM slots, so buying an e-SIM is advisable. These SIMS mainly offer a 4G/LTE connection.LanguageCommunication is relatively easy in Oman. Besides Arabic, the officially spoken language, English is widely spoken here. Ensure you learn basic pleasantries such as "as-salam alaykum" and "walaykum as-salam" to make the experience more intimate and relatable. Some of the terms I learned include "Kayfa Halish" (how are you), which helped me build rapport with locals who are your immediate point persons after guides. With a diverse diaspora comprising over six lakh Indian expatriates, Hindi, Swahili, and Baluchi are other dominant languages. Among other nationalities, people from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Nepal also reside and work here. No UPIWith no avenues for digital payments, I found it a bit inconvenient to switch to cash currency while exploring Oman's many souqs (markets). I went to the currency exchange office and got Rials (Omani currency) in exchange for Indian currency or US Dollars (applicable when you are an avid traveller and have currencies of other countries.) Among other transaction options, you can also opt for international credit cards like MasterCard and Visa which are largely acceptable.Pro tip: If you are travelling alone, ask locals about the nearest office for cash exchange.Clothing And SkincareGulf countries have strict protocols regarding the physical appearance of both men and women. Likewise, the same rules also apply to tourists with some relaxation. Oman's sub-tropical desert climate calls for light-coloured and baggy, comfortable clothes. Modest dressing is the norm in public places, especially if you are visiting mosques. Long-full-sleeved tops or kurtas supported by full-length trousers and a head scarf are ideal for female travellers. However, in restaurants and shopping malls, the clothing protocol is eased for travellers and even locals who can be seen sporting T-shirts, shorts and dresses. For skincare, sunscreen is a must-must carry item in Oman, where the temperature goes as high as 49 °C in summer. Don't forget to wear your shades and a hat when strolling around. Women can also opt for scarves to prevent sunburn. Wear comfortable footwear for smooth and comfortable walking tours, preferably sneakers or sports shoes.Shopping and FoodSouq, meaning markets, is another term I learned here. With a thriving community of expatriates and locals, Oman has many traditional markets that have dominated its cultural landscape for centuries. For example, its oldest souq, ‘Nizwa Souq’, is a paradise for those interested in clay souvenirs. Inspired by its pottery tradition that originated around 2500 BC, Nizwa has clay mementoes like pots, wall hangings, and other decorative pieces. The next must-buy is the Omani perfume. Known for its aromatic heritage, the desert nation has some highly prized fragrances like Frankincense, known as ‘luban’ in the local language. Oud is another widely sold cologne here. Muttrah Souq is your place to buy affordable and quality perfumes; however, if money is not a constraint, head to high-end perfumery Amouage. For keepsakes like chips, imported chocolates, and stationery you want to buy for friends and family back home, Lulu Mall has got you covered with its discounted rates.Though meat is the staple food here, there is no crunch of food options for even vegetarians, with offerings like vegetable broth, dal, Pita Bread, Hummus, Lebanese Bread, Vegetarian Biryani, and Falafel, to name a few. The food palate here is an enticing combination of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines. For non-vegetarians, ‘Shuwa’ is a must-have rice platter, topped with different varieties of meat such as camel, lamb, chicken, mutton, and beef. This scrumptious rice delicacy is best experienced when eaten with hands. Each morsel mixed in your favourite meat variety and a tomato condiment has the umami effect. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can not bid adieu to Oman without having its traditional halwa, a gooey dessert made of nuts and saffron with a jelly-like appearance.Getting ThereTo reach Oman, fly into Muscat International Airport through common carriers like Oman Air, Emirates, or Qatar Airways. Remember to check visa requirements and buy travel insurance before planning your trip.

My Travels In Oman: Tips For First-Time Travellers

Today Sports News

Cricket News

Football News

Tennis News

Badminton News

Trending Stories

National News

Entertainment News

US News

World News

Latest Stories