Oman: A Brief Guide

Sultanate of Oman
Timezone UTC +4
Currency Omani Rial

USD 1 = OMR 0.38 Currency converter

Driving side Left
Phone country code +968
Dominant religion Islam
Electricity 240 volts, 50 Hz (adapaters may be necessary)

Plug Type G

Emergency contact 9999
Main mobile carriers Ooredoo, Omantel
Ride hailing Oman Taxi, Careem, Uber

Telecommunications

For a SIM card, consider these reputable providers:

Oman Telecommunications Companies:

Travel and Transportation

Arrive via Muscat International Airport or by land from neighboring countries. For convenient city travel, use the OTAXI app.

Currency

  • The Omani Rial is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • To exchange currency, visit local foreign currency exchange centers:
  1. Muscat Airport, Travelex & Co.
  2. City Center Muscat, Al Jadeed Exchange

Accommodation

The Hormuz Grand Muscat Hotel is the official event venue and offers accommodations for scholarship recipients. If you're covering your own expenses, consider the same hotel or these nearby options:

Cultural Considerations

  • While Oman is generally tolerant of tourists, it's important to dress modestly as Oman is a conservative country, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative areas.
  • Be aware of local laws and customs, especially regarding alcohol consumption and public displays of affection.

Scholarship Recipient FAQs

Accommodation

Q: Can I get a single room instead of a double room?

A: Unfortunately, all conference rooms for scholarship recipients recipients are double rooms.Should you prefer a single room the procedure will be different to book your room.

Q: I'm coming with my family. Can I have a room just for my family?

A: No, scholarship recipients recipients cannot host additional individuals in their double rooms due to the nature of the scholarship recipients. However, they can book additional rooms at their own expense or request for a single room.

Transportation

Q: Can I get reimbursed for my travel costs from my city to the airport and back?

A: No, these costs are the responsibility of the guests

Q: Can you change my flight itinerary?

A: The COT is not responsible for the flights and tickets. refer back to your email where you will be contacted by AMEX (Wikimedia Foundation Travel Agency)

Q: What happens if I miss my flight?

A: COT is not responsible for any additional costs resulting from canceling or missing the flight.

Q: Can you arrange transportation for me to the social event?

A: Yes, the COT provides a free shuttle service.

Q: What if I miss the car scheduled to take me to the airport?

A: COT will not bare any additional costs resulting from missing the car and/or flight or booking a new ticket. This will be borne by the Scholarship recipients recipient.

Q: My ticket is booked but I need to change the flight date?

A: Unfortunately, it can be difficult to change your flight date after confirming the booking with AMEX. We strongly recommend double-checking all details, including the flight date, in the initial email sent by AMEX before confirming your booking. If you need to make a change, please contact AMEX directly as soon as possible. Please note that changes are not guaranteed, and there may be associated fees.

Q: I paid for transportation in Oman for personal reasons. Can you reimburse me?

A: Any personal expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship recipients.

Q: I requested a hotel service during my stay. I didn't know it wasn't included.

A: Any additional hotel services must be paid by the guest upon checking out.