Travel tips

Social customs
It is customary for an Omani to greet profusely even on the most casual meeting and it would be polite to return his greeting with a friendly remark or gesture if you are not familiar with the language.

Etiquette
Shaking hands is customery in Oman. The handclasp is usually light (the hearty western style handshake can be interpreted as being overly aggressive) and is sometimes accompanied by placing the other hand over the heart to indicate sincerity. Kissing between men is also a common form of greeting, usually reserved for family and close friends, consisting of a light touch to both cheeks, sometimes repeated. In the desert, Bedouin men will lightly touch noses while making the kissing sound.

Dress code is of utmost importance. When visiting the country it is important that you dress modestly but comfortably. Women should consider mid-length skirts or dresses (below the knee) with long sleeves, but short sleeves are okay. Tight-fitting clothes should be avoided as they may cause offence. Skimpy shorts should never be worn in public by men or women and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except on the beach or the hotel pool.

Ramadan
During the holy period of Ramadan, a month of fasting is observed when Muslims abstain from food, drink and cigarettes during daylight hours. Non-muslims are asked to respect those fasting by not eating, drinking or smoking in public places. Hotels provide screened off rooms for non-fasters. Bars are closed and no alcohol is served. Dress code should be strictly observed.

Dining Out
There are a wide variety of restaurants in Oman offering all types of cuisine, including Arabic, Indian, Oriental, European and American dishes. Traditional Omani meals are eaten with the hands, using the right hand especially when food is served from a communal plate. If you are invited into an Omani household it is customary to remove your shoes at the front door. Your host will invariably serve Omani coffee (qawa) and fruits, usually fresh or dried dates, oranges and melon. It is considered impolite to refuse this offering and you may decline only after the first cup of coffee.

Beverages
Most of the hotel bars and restaurants in Muscat are licensed to sell alcohol. Alcohol is not served during the month of Ramadan. It is illegal to carry alcohol while driving and drunken driving is heavily penalized.

Tipping
Hotels and Restaurants usually apply a 15% service charge to the bill, however it is customary to tip for attentive service. (It should be noted that this service charge rarely makes it into the pocket of your waiter or waitress.)

Photography
While photography is permited throughout the Sultanate, and there is beautiful scenery everywhere, photography of government and military installations is not permited. Likewise photographers should be very circumspect when it comes to photographing women. It is not advisable to take pictures of women without requesting and obtaining permission before hand. This can be done by saying "Mumkin sura, min fadlak?" (May i take your picture please?). While children usually oblige happily, women may refuse especially if the photographer is male. It is often easier to engage your subject in pleasant conversation to obtain their disposition and instill confidence. Then, if they are accomodating, you can ask for a photograph.

Environment
Oman is one of the cleanest country in the world. Littering is forbidden. Omanis have a higher regard for the environment and its maintenance than is generally thought of. When you are traveling, particulary hiking and camping in remote areas, be sure to remove any trash that you bring in. Here, the maxim "Take only photographs, leave only footprints" can be applied.

Heritage
Many of the forts and castles in Oman have been restored as national treasures. From the major forts (such as Nizwa, Jibreen, Rustaq and Nakhl) to local fortifications and towers in the wilayats, all of these constitute a key role in Oman's heritage. Many of these are open to the public and some of the larger ones charge a token entrance fee (around 500 baizas).

Other sites undergoing reconstruction and archeological digs may be off limits and require a permit from the Department of Castles and Forts at the ministry of National Heritage and Culture.

There are a number of forts, towers and other buildings that have not been renovated and are in various stages of ruination. Some of these may be structurally unstable. It is advisable to tread very lightly in and around these buildings and at most should be observed/photographed from the outside.