Oman Tourist Traps

  Roundabout on the way to Muscat
by ElizabethSmith
 
  • Roundabout on the way to Muscat
      Roundabout on the way to Muscat
    by ElizabethSmith
  •   Tourist Traps
    by Carlo-B.
  • Kids standing by Nizwah Fort and Mosque
      Kids standing by Nizwah Fort and Mosque
    by Faiza-Ifrah
  • Nizwa
      Nizwa
    by travelthrough
  •   Tourist Traps
    by frankcanfly
 
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Cars

by JohnniOmani

Most travellers that arrive in Oman only intend on spending about a week in the Sultanate so many tourists will rent cars. I have seen countless tourists in the airport in Seeb negotiating with the local car agencies found in the newly revamped airport and I know (after living and travelling in the country for 3 years) that they are going to pay a fortune. The best way to see the country (and cheapest) is to go to a local car rental place in the city (tons of them and usually run by Indians) and rent a car for 10 rials or 30 $ a day. It is based on the car and no per person and it will give you a lot of freedom. If you do decide to rent from the airport then at least make sure you haggle and get unlimited fuel as most offer this to tourists if asked beforehand! Use public transport.

Bargaining

by JohnniOmani

Most people know that bargaining is a way of life in the Middle East as in other parts of the world. The Arabian Gulf has a huge population of south asian immigrants working here so if you are bargaining in souq areas make sure you understand that most indians and bangladeshis only bargain to a certain degree but the Omanis and Arabs will bargain for ages. Indians tend to have a cut off point and they usually wont cross it whereas Omanis love the social aspect of bargaining so they tend to give bigger discounts.

Omani ripoffs

by JohnniOmani

1. Avoid buying anything from the first 10 shops in the Mutrah Souq. The shops deeper in the souq are cheaper.2. Avoid Sabco center as it is geared to rich British Oil Workers and the price of everything traditional is 40 % higher than other places in the city. 3. Avoid taxi drivers near the Airport and Carrefour in Muscat, Oman as they charge 50% for tourists.

Taxis

by ElizabethSmith

The price of taxi travel can be very expensive. We were told that taxi drivers are charged 5 rials every time they park at the Grand Hyatt to pick up a fare. We were recommended a driver by someone at the Hyatt who refused to discuss the price of taking us on our daily trips to the Oman Dive Centre at the other side of the town. At the end of the week when we offered him (Salem) a sum of money we felt appropriate he asked us for an extra 20 rials. I felt that this was an inappropriate way to behave and will hire a car the next time we visit this lovely country.You must be aware that EVERYONE answers their mobile phone whilst driving, no matter how fast or what type of road they are on. This can be very un-nerving to say the least! Insist on a price before embarking on the journey. Consider hiring a car - the road system is very good.

Tip Photo
Goat hair rugs.

by tlcsha

The goat herders in the mountains weave a coarse rug and then stand at the side of the road to sell them. I was negotiating with the man when a busload of very obvious tourists arrived and then the price doubled. I decided not to wait. Try to stop when there is no one else around. Know what you are willing to pay and have the correct change. Avoid large groups of tourists. Large groups of tourists are not really common in Oman and most vendors will happily negotiate with you.

5-Star Day-Tour Rip-offs..

by DesertRat

If you're considering an organized tour of the area, be aware that the ones offered through big hotels such as the Al-Bustan or the Muscat Intercontinental are vastly overpriced. Right now, they are asking US $320 for a 12 hour trip from Muscat to the top of Jebel Shams. This is idiotic! For $120 you could get a 4x4, another $10 will get you a good guidebook with maps, and for another $25 you could pay for the gasoline and the food you might need for the day!Sunny Day Tours (Tel.: (968) 698 189) e-mail: sunnyday@omantel.net.omIf you still don't want to do it yourself, this company is reliable and much more reasonable.

Unannounced closures.

by Faiza-Ifrah

The disappointment was the tendency of authorities to close to general public tourist spots without any notice in case of visits by the Ruler or some other local and foreign dignitaries. A very good attraction closed to public when we visited it was the Sultan's beautiful Palace by the seaside in Muscat. This picture shows children standing by Nizwah Fort and Mosque. Do not drive into the fort for you will be trying to negotiate your way out for next 2-3 hours and that too through an ancient back alley escape route, now heavily populated. Admire beauty from a safe distance. Keep two or more alternate attractions ready.

Tip Photo
The beach.

by Dizzyhead

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

No tourist traps!!!

by nada1712

I haven't found any tourist traps in Oman. Maybe I will find something that I don't like -one day!

Welcome to Oman!!!

by frankcanfly

The sign outside of the airport at Seeb.

Tip Photo
Tourist Attractions in Oman

Top 3 Hotels in Oman

InterContinental Al Bustan Palace Muscat  Muscat

 16 Reviews and 184 Opinions  If you have a chance to visit this prestigious hôtel , you will not regret it. Outstanding... 

 Hotels in Muscat

Hilton Salalah  Salalah

 6 Reviews and 98 Opinions  The minute I entered this hotel I knew something was special and it did not take me long to discover... 

 Hotels in Salalah

Sur Beach Hotel  Sur

 4 Reviews and 23 Opinions  This hotel is a three star option and in my opinion the best you can choose in Sur. Having stayed... 

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78 Hotels in Oman
 
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Reviews and photos of Oman attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Oman sightseeing.

Experience Oman
Tourist Traps: Cities in Oman
  1. Muscat Tourist Traps
  2. Salalah Tourist Traps
  3. Khasab Tourist Traps
  4. Nizwa Tourist Traps
  5. Ibra Tourist Traps

More Cities in Oman

 

Popular Regions in Oman

Mintaqat Masqat Tourist Traps  Muhafazat Zufar Tourist Traps  Muhafazat Musandam Tourist Traps  Al Mintaqah ash Sharqiyah Tourist Traps 

More Regions in Oman

Questions and Answers

JOSERAMON6D profile photo

Q:  who could inform me about a really good local travel agency or tour operator in oman, in order to book with them a 15 days round... 

lynnehamman profile photo

A: I recommend Nomad Tours in Oman. We stayed at Nomad Guest House in Muscat- it was excellent, and Lorna (the owner) can organize any tour that you might like to... 

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