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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Muttrah
hotelsHistoric port district - Muttrah Souq (oldest in Arabia), corniche, fish market.
Old Muscat
hotelsOriginal walled city - Sultan's Palace (Al Alam), Portuguese forts, National Museum.
Qurum
hotelsModern district with Qurum Beach, shopping malls, restaurants. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque nearby.
faq.title
faq.subtitle Muscat
E-visa for most countries - apply online, ~20 OMR, 30 days. US, EU, UK, many others eligible. Some get visa on arrival. Process easy. GCC residents enter easily. Very tourist-friendly visa policy.
Yes, in licensed hotels, restaurants, bars. More relaxed than Kuwait/Saudi. Can't buy in shops without permit. Don't drink publicly or drive. Most tolerant Gulf state regarding alcohol. Hotels have bars.
Wadi = dry riverbed/valley. Oman famous for stunning wadis - Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid with natural pools. Swimming in emerald water surrounded by cliffs. Rent 4x4, hire driver, or join tour. Oman's natural highlights!
Less flashy, more authentic. Natural beauty over skyscrapers. Traditional culture preserved. Friendlier, slower pace. Cheaper than Dubai. Better for nature, wadis, forts, diving. UAE for shopping and nightlife, Oman for culture and landscape.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Muscat
Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - stunning white marble, can hold 20,000 worshippers. Largest mosque in Oman. Non-Muslims welcome 8:30-11am (not Friday). Dress modestly. Free. Most beautiful mosque in Gulf.
Walk Muttrah Corniche at sunset - dhow boats, mountains meeting sea, atmospheric souq. Buy frankincense (Oman famous for it). Fish market morning lively. Most photogenic spot in Muscat.
Rent car for day trip to wadis - Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid. Natural swimming pools in stunning canyons. 4x4 helpful but not essential. Pack swimwear, water shoes, snacks. Oman's natural highlight!
Try shuwa (slow-cooked lamb - special occasion dish), mashuai (roast kingfish), halwa (Omani sweet), kahwa (Omani coffee with dates). Omani hospitality generous. Food similar to Gulf but with distinct traditions.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
23°
23°75%6 м/с
Today24°22°
24°22°Tomorrow24°22°
24°22°Thu24°22°
24°22°Fri24°22°
24°22°Sat22°20°
22°20°Sun22°21°
22°21°Mon22°21°
22°21°25°
18°Jan
26°
19°Feb
30°
22°Mar
35°
26°Apr
39°
30°May
40°
31°Jun
38°
30°Jul
36°
28°Aug
36°
27°Sep
34°
25°Oct
30°
22°Nov
26°
19°Dec
Water temperature
24°
23°
25°
28°
30°
31°
30°
29°
29°
29°
28°
26°
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
location.transport.bus
—location.transport.taxi
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Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Budget meal
2 - 4 ر.ع.
~3.0 $
Mid-range
8 - 18 ر.ع.
~13.0 $
Fine dining
25 - 60 ر.ع.
~42.5 $
Street Food
Local dish
1 - 3 ر.ع.
~2.0 $
Drinks
Coffee
1.5 - 4 ر.ع.
~2.8 $
Local beer
3 - 6 ر.ع.
~4.5 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
0.1 - 0.3 ر.ع.
~0.20 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
8 - 15 ر.ع. / night
~11.5 $
Guesthouse
25 - 50 ر.ع. / night
~37.5 $
Hotel 3★
60 - 120 ر.ع. / night
~90.0 $
Hotel 5★
150 - 400 ر.ع. / night
~275 $
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercardAmerican Express
location.payment.contactless_available
location.payment.atms
widespread
location.payment.mobile_payments
Apple PayGoogle Pay
location.payment.cash
Cards widely accepted. Rial (OMR) strong currency. Contactless everywhere. Cash useful for souks, small shops. Modern Gulf state infrastructure.
location.payment.currency_exchange
Rial (OMR) - STRONG currency! Coastal capital with forts, mosques, modern malls. Cards accepted at Muscat Grand Mall, Royal Opera House, hotels. Mutrah Souq traditional market prefers cash. Bank Muscat, National Bank of Oman ATMs widespread. Contactless standard. More affordable than UAE neighbors. Beautiful blend of tradition/modernity. Arabian hospitality. Conservative dress for mosques. Safe, clean Gulf capital!
location.payment.tipping
5%
5-10% in restaurants if no service charge. Hotel staff 1-2 OMR. Taxi - round up or app tip.
Safety
High safety level
Tourist area with low crime rate
Muscat is extremely safe - one of world's safest cities. Very low crime. Omani culture welcoming and tolerant. Modest dress appreciated but not strictly enforced. Alcohol in licensed venues. Most relaxed Gulf state.