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Travel Information
Muscat
Muscat, the capital city of Oman lies sparkling white, topped with golden minarets in the middle of a maze of brown pleated mountains reaching down to the Arabian Sea. Described as "Arabia's jewel”, this city is a blend of the old and the new. Muscat is green as green can be, and defies being classified as part of a desert country. The roads are lined with well-manicured green lawns and trees. During winter this is interspersed with a profusion of multicoloured flowers. The city has steadfastly retained its old-world character. Old Muscat has a quaint charm about it with many forts, castles, mosques and towers doting the landscape. Of particular note are Jalali and Mirani forts flanking Al Alam Palace. The Corniche, with its promenade and souqs (markets) is one of the highlights of the city. The old souq of Muttrah is an ideal spot for tourists to buy keepsakes and treasures. Greater Muscat boasts high-rise business properties (but not too high), world-class highways, upscale suburbs rooted in traditional Islamic architecture, elegant mosques, large green parks, archaeological sites, museums and world-class hotels.
It is no wonder that Muscat is increasingly becoming an attractive tourist destination among the world's travel going public.
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR) = 1000 baisa. Notes are in denominations of OMR 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500, 200 and 100 baisa. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10 and 5 baisa. 1 EURO is about 0.53 OMR
Temperature
The month of December is characterized by gradually falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs decreasing from 82°F to 77°F (27.7°C to 25°C) over the course of the month, exceeding 85°F or dropping below 74°F only one day in ten. Daily low temperatures are around 65°F (18.3°C), falling below 59°F (15) or exceeding 71°F (21.7) only one day in ten.
Traditional Markets
Oman is a blend of the new and the old. This is true not just of the city, its architecture, its attitude and customs but also of its shopping. HERE you will find a mix of the snazziest shopping malls and the wonderfully quaint traditional markets or "Souqs".
Transportation and Moving
Airways: Oman Aviation Services operates its domestic airline Oman Air to provide service flights to Salalah, Sur, Khasab, Diba and Masirah. For enquiries and bookings, contact Oman Aviation Services Tel : 707222
Roadways: The roads in Oman can be compared to the best anywhere in the world. Driving in Oman is a pleasurable experience. The condition of the asphalt is excellent, traffic lanes are well defined, signals, driving regulations and guidelines clearly posted at regular intervals. Motorways link Muscat with all major cities and towns in Oman. There are excellent roads leading to Dubai. An international driving license is valid in Oman.
Local residents and expatriates may be required to take a driving test before a license is issued.
Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road. It is essential to carry vehicle documentation and driving licenses and it is mandatory to call the police for any accident however slight it may be.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and is strictly prohibited.
Buses: ONTC (Oman National Transport Corporation) offers regular bus service to Salalah, Nizwa, Sohar and Dubai among other destinations. For fares and schedules contact the ONTC at 590046.
Taxis: Taxis are orange and white. They are not metered so it is advisable to negotiate a fair before the start of a journey. Seeb International Airport to Muscat costs about RO 6. Shared taxis are considerably cheaper and practical. A short taxi ride from Ruwi to Muttrah would cost roughly 200 baizas.
Small vans (known locally as the baiza bus) following more or less fixed routes offer a cheaper alternative. Flag one down and find out his destination. If its where you want to go, get in. Short hauls are about 200 baizas (US $ 0.50).
Call Taxis: City Taxi (for 24hrs) Phone: 24602211, 24603363 Bid Bid Taxi. Phone: 24693377 A l Dar Taxi LLC. Phone: 24700555/24700777
Vehicle Assistance: AAA (Arabian Automobile alliance) - Ph no: 24697800 Provides 24 hrs roadside assistance (mechanical repairs, towing service, battery boosting, fixing flat tyres, lock out service, emergency fuel service) 365 days a year.
Tour Operators