Know Before You Go OMAN
Introduction The anticipation of your holiday should give you enormous pleasure. In order to ensure you are fully prepared for your next trip we have put together this document which contains essential information about the country you are soon to visit. We know that visa requirements and electrical currents are not the most scintillating of topics but we also know that being forewarned is forearmed and we would hate for you to come back from your holiday, thinking “if only Steppes had told me that!” Travelling should be inspirational but above anything else it should be fun. We hope this information takes care of the more mundane matters of planning a trip so that you can then focus on building up excitement levels pre-travel, safe in the knowledge you’ve got everything covered.
DID YOU KNOW? “Oman is the only country to have a women-only souq. It takes place every Wednesday in the city of Ibra. It is the most colourful souk of Arabia. Men are forbidden to even stick around. Women traders sell everything from spices to jewellery and fabrics.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long are the flights to Oman? Anyone wishing to visit Oman will fly to Muscat with either British Airways or Oman Air, with the flight time taking around 7 hours and 45 minutes. What is the time zone in Oman? Oman is 4 hours ahead of GMT. What is the International dialling code for Oman? + 968. Can I use my mobile phone in Oman? Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies, but these can be expensive. It is possible to purchase a local sim card which will be cheaper when making local and international calls. Phones are available at most hotels and restaurants. Phoning from any hotel room can be very expensive, enquire at the reception. Is there an etiquette to photographing people? Being a very conservative country, when photographing people you must ask before hand to ensure you do not cause offence. To ask “May I take you picture?� in Arabic is Mumkin sura, min fadlak? (To a man) or Mumkin sura, min fadlik? (To a woman).
Is it ok to drink alcohol in public? The short answer is no. Alcohol is only available at licensed bars and restaurants (and usually found in hotels), and should only be consumed at these locations. How much luggage can I take? International airlines mostly work on an allowance of 23kg for checked bags and 1 piece of hand luggage. Do I need any immunisations or malaria tablets? Malaria is not a risk in Oman, however the best person to speak to is your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as the advice can change. Do the hotels have hair dryers? Most of the hotels throughout the country do have hairdryers in the rooms. Can I use my credit card? Yes, International Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted cards in Oman. Where can I find updates on the weather before my trip? Worldwide weather information is available: www.onlineweather.com or www.bbc.co.uk/weather
LANGUAGE We feel that it is important to try to learn the native language, even if it is only the words for hello and goodbye, not forgetting thank you.
ENGLISH
ARABIC
Hello (to one person)
Márhaba
Greeting
As salaam alaykum
How are you?
Kaifa haluka?
Excuse me/sorry
Afwan
I am fine
Bikhair, shukran
Goodbye
Ma a salaama
Please Thank you Yes/No How much is it? My name is...
Min fadlak Shukran Na'am / La’a Bikam hadha (m)/hadihi (f) Ismee...
FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE In association with the 'Know Before You Go’ campaign Steppes Travel are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Please visit the Foreign Office website for any updates: www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
VISA REQUIREMENTS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Visas are required for British Nationals. These can be applied for in advance, or on arrival in Muscat. You must have at least six months to run in your passport from the return date of travel. This is being strictly enforced by the immigration department and without this you will not be allowed entry. Other nationals please check with the respective embassies or representatives.
For your safety and peace of mind, comprehensive travel insurance is required when travelling with Steppes Travel. We suggest the specialist travel insurance brokers Campbell Irvine. To arrange cover please speak to Campbell Irvine on 020 7938 1734.
Please note that it remains your responsibility to organise visas (unless otherwise specified by your consultant) although we are more than happy to advice, help and provide the relevant supporting documentation where necessary.
If you already have travel insurance then we require confirmation that your policy provides adequate cover for the duration of your trip, covers the full value of your invoice, is sufficient for the destination(s) you are visiting and includes medical, evacuation and repatriation cover. Please send your travel consultant the insurers name, policy number and emergency contact number.
VACCINATIONS
HEALTH & SAFETY
There are no special vaccinations required for travel to Oman, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers if arriving from an infected area. However, we advise you to either check online at the Fit for Travel website www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or with your local GP/ travel clinic regarding ‘boosters’ for standard immunisations such as Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Travelling with Steppes Travel is a wonderful chance to experience a stunning array of cultures, landscapes, ecosystems and activities. At the heart of this experience are the differences between our respective ways of life. You should understand that this means that standards of health and safety will not be the same as in the UK and may often be lower. Please refer to our full health and safety information on our website, under Travellers Code.
Pre-existing conditions If you have specific medical requirements, please consult your doctor prior to departure to obtain adequate supplies of any necessary medication that may be required whilst on holiday. Please carry personal medication with you in your hand luggage (in line with current airline regulations), remembering to keep a copy of your prescription or the usage guidelines with you as well.
AIRPORT & FLIGHT INFORMATION • • • •
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While travelling, please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months. Have appropriate visa for your destination and transit points. Please note the date, time of your flight and also the time to arrive at the airport. Please be on time. Please advise if you have special meal requests (fasting, vegetarian, medical, halal/kosher, baby food, etc…), while booking your flight or buying your ticket. Food items are not allowed to be carried in the cabin or inside the hand baggage. Please affix your name and address label on the baggage. It is also recommended to put the label in side of your checked in baggage to help us identify the bag in case the baggage tag/label attached outside is detached & lost. Please do not put valuable items such as money, jewellery, cameras and other expensive electronic items in your check-in baggage. If hand baggage is collected at the check-in counter or at the gate due to its size being above the allowed limit, the airline will not be liable for the damage and loss of valuable items in the baggage. Do not carry liquids or gels of over 100ml, toy or replica guns, razor blades, household cutlery, knives, scissors, knitting needles etc. in your hand baggage. For your own and the flight's safety and security, please do not accept any item from anyone as you will be held responsible & accountable for the contents of any of the items found in your custody.
SHELF IMPROVEMENT
ETIQUETTE & CULTURE
We have put together a small list of books that are set around Oman. Both fiction and non-fiction, they will help you establish an understanding and feel for the country.
Around 60% of Oman’s population are Muslim, with Arabic being the official language. Oman remains a very traditional and conservative country, which visitors must take into account when visiting. It is generally forgotten that Oman is one of only two Sultanate countries left in the world, and is still very new to tourism in comparison with nearby countries.
Author
Title
Arabian Sands
Wilfred Thesiger
Travels with a Tangerine
Tim Mackintosh-Smith
The Prize
Daniel Yergin
Seven Pillars of Wisdom
T E Lawrence
Oman: Under Arabian Skies
Rory Patrick Allen
Sultan in Oman
Jan Morris
ELECTRICITY The electric current in Oman is 240V. Most electrical outlets are standard UK three pin plugs, with some two-pin plugs around as well. We do however recommend takings an adaptor with you wherever you travel.
Outside of the hotel, dress code should be respected, so covering up arms and legs is important to remember when out and about. As in any country you visit, we advise that when photographing people, permission should be obtained before hand. Non-Muslims are not able to enter mosques other than those open to tourists i.e. the Grand Mosque in Muscat, and drinking alcohol is only prohibited at licenced bars and restauraunts. Please be aware that you are travelling in a country where services and transport structures are very different from our own western viewpoints.
CLIMATE
FOOD & DRINK Omani cuisine ranges from Arabic, Indian through to Oriental and European, so there is definitely something for everyone. Traditional dishes combine marinated, mouthwatering meats with rice and a variety of hand-made breads. Dehydration is possibly the single biggest cause of ill health during trips to hotter climates, especially when out and about or sunbathing, so we always recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration.
Most of Oman benefits from sunshine all year round, with the best time to visit the country being from late October through to mid March. During this time temperatures range from 25-35°C with cool, balmy evenings. The southern Dhofar region catches the Indian Oceans monsoon rains from June to August (known as the Khareef), which can be a welcome break from the intense summer heat, but makes Salalah very busy during that time with regional tourism.
We want your holiday to be unspoilt by food and drink related health problems, please… • • • •
Avoid buffets in warm climates, and stick to dishes that have been freshly cooked and served, and not left hanging around in the warm. Do not buy food from roadside stalls unless you have seen it cooked in front of you. Stick to bottled water and make sure the seal is unbroken. Make sure that all fruit and vegetables eaten raw, are washed in boiled or bottled water before eating.
MONEY The currency in Oman is the Rial (OMR), which is divided into 1,000 baiza. US Dollars and Pound Stirling are the most popularly accepted currency to change, with ATMs being widespread throughout the country. To find the present, up to date currency rate of conversion (please note exchange rates go up and down over time) for where you are travelling to, log on to: www.xe.com/ucc or use the XE app.
Credit cards International Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted cards in Oman.
Tipping Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, below is a brief guideline to assist you. (The below amounts are only a guide and subject to exchange rates at the time of travelling) Porterage Hotel Staff Driver /Guides
US$6 per person per movement 10% of total bill US$10 per person
Giving money Whilst the giving of money is a matter of personal preference or conscience, Steppes Travel feels that it is best to give a donation to a proper charitable entity, as opposed to freely giving cash to individuals.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Just because we believe travel should be of benefit to both traveller and the host country, that doesn’t mean having fun is frowned upon. On the contrary, it is positively encouraged and because you’ll feel like you’re giving something back to the local people, wildlife and environment, you’ll have even more to smile about. Our policy is that we endeavour: • •
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To work with privately owned companies and hotels rather than state owned or foreign companies in the countries that you visit. To support a number of charities which promote a wide range of education programmes together with environmental and community projects in the countries we visit. When possible, we encourage you to visit these initiatives. To encourage travellers to visit unspoilt areas of the world where low impact tourism can have a hugely beneficial effect. To take you beyond the ordinary, to local markets or community craft schemes rather than large corporation tourist shops so that your money benefits those who need it most.
Our ‘responsible policy’ is not just limited to the destinations in which we operate. Responsible practice is exercised in our office with various measures put in place aimed at reducing, re-using and recycling resources where possible.
In return we ask you: • • • •
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To be sympathetic to local customs, traditions and idiosyncrasies, which to us might seem strange. To be aware of local resources, particularly water and its purity, and treat them with care. To be generous in relation to local monetary values, but do not over tip To give money where it is needed and not to hordes of children. Handing out gifts creates an air of expectancy and exacerbates the problem. Far better to give items such as pens to teachers. To not buy goods that will have a detrimental effect on either wildlife or the environment however beautiful or plentiful they may seem. It only encourages others. You are encouraged to report back on your experience and on the behaviour and awareness of our agents and local guides on your return. Only in this way can we improve and ensure our demands are being met.
We are committed to developing our Policy of Responsible Practice even further in the future. Our aim is to continually incorporate new responsible practices into our business at all levels and encourage our suppliers to do the same.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
British High Commission British Embassy Muscat PO Box 185 116 Mina Al Fahal Muscat Oman
+968 2460 9000
muscat.enquiries@fco.gov.uk
Health and Vaccinations Malaria Hotspots Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice Fit for travel
0845 8502829
www.malariahotspots.co.uk www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
The Visa Service
0870 8900185
www.cibtvisas.co.uk
Identity and Passport Service
0870 210410
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office
Heathrow Airport
0870 0002468
www.heathrowairport.com
Gatwick Airport
0870 0002468
www.gatwickairport.com
Passport and Visa requirements
Airports
Flights Airline information
www.airlinequality.com
Currency Currency converter
www.xe.com/ucc/
WHAT TO PACK You will have your own ideas from past experiences regarding your personal list of ‘utterly indispensables’ and favourite items, so the following are our suggestions to supplement your own packing list.
Important Stuff • • • • • •
Passport and photocopy (keep photocopies separate) Itinerary & Airline reference number Copy of insurance policy Credit cards/cash Emergency contact numbers International vaccination card where relevant (i.e Yellow Fever Certificate)
*Please keep your photocopies separate from your originals.
Clothing • • • • • • • • • •
Base-layer: T-shirts and vests Outer-layer: wind/waterproof jacket Comfortable walking boots or trainers Long trousers suitable for walking. Pockets helpful 2/3 Long-sleeved shirts Wide-brimmed sun hat Socks / underwear Mid –layer: Fleece or jumper Walking sandals Pashmina / Head scarf for women
Essentials • • • • • • •
Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarised Camera, memory cards, cleaning materials, spare batteries Diary, note pad, pens, reading material Torch with spare batteries and bulb Waterbottle – 1 ltr Camera Bag Wash-kit
Medical equipment • • • • • • •
Personal medical travel kit Personal prescription medicines Insect repellent Lip salve Spare prescription glasses Contact lens & cleaners Sunscreen
Please remember that the early mornings and evenings can be cool, so ensure you pack enough warm clothes.
USEFUL TRAVEL APPS
XE Currency Know how much you’re spending with live updates.
Google translate Translates between 64 languages, with audio too.
Evernote Food Document recipes you love as you travel.
Map My Walk Calculate your duration, distance, pace and speed.
Weather Pro
Pin Drop
Weather reports for up to two million locations.
Pin on a map to record locations you’ve discovered.
Flight Track
Travel Smart
Follow detailed paths of thousands of flights.
Access to emergency services & health advice.
Prizmo
Trip Journal
A pocket scanner for all your important documents.
Tipulator Nifty tip calculator, also helps to split bills easily.
Flashlight Simple gadget, always handy for travelling.
Virtual scrapbook, geotagging pictures & videos.
WhatsApp Messenger Free to send pictures, videos & sound clips over wifi
Viber International calls and messaging for free.
Packing Pro
Triposo
Packing suggestions based on your destination.
Pocket Wikitravel, internet connection not required.
THE STEPPES TRAVEL GROUP 51 CASTLE STREET CIRENCESTER GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL7 1QD
T +44 (0)1285 880 980 F +44 (0)1285 885 888 ENQUIRY@STEPPESTRAVEL.COM WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL.COM