The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be brought into Oman duty-free: 400 cigarettes (persons aged 21 and over); 2 liters of wine and 48 cans of beer (non-Muslims aged 21+ only)*; Gifts up to a value of 300 OR. [*] Failure to comply will result in a fine and confiscation of the goods.
Import regulations
A special permit is required to import weapons, but this is rarely granted in practice (see import ban). A multilingual medical certificate must be carried with you when importing painkillers, antidepressants and psychotropic drugs. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Imports
Perishable food, pork products, more than 2 liters of alcohol, dates of all kinds, pornographic materials, bees, weapons of all kinds and ammunition. Further information is available from Omani Customs.
English is often spoken in business circles, but every host is happy if the guest speaks a few words of Arabic. Appointments must be made in advance and punctuality is becoming increasingly important in business circles.
Opening hours
Business hours: Sun-Thurs 08.00-13.00 and 14.30-17.00. Business hours authorities: Sun-Thurs 08.00-14.00. All shops are closed on Fridays.
Business contacts
Commercial and Cultural Department of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman Clayallee 82, D-14125 Berlin Tel: (030) 84 41 69 70. Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce Lobkowitzplatz 1, A-1015 Vienna Tel: (01) 513 39 65. Internet: www. aacc.at Ministry of Commerce and Industry PO Box 550, OM-Muscat 113 Tel: 771 42 30. Internet: www.mocioman.gov.om Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry PO Box 1400, 112 Ruwi Tel : 70 76 74. Internet: www.omanchamber.com German Business Center Shatti Al Qurum, Building 3927, Way 3048, OM-Muscat
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code is 00968. The national telephone company is called Omantel (website: www.omantel.net.om). Public phones can usually be used with phone cards. These are available for 1.5, 3 and 5 rial at petrol stations, kiosks and supermarkets. Inexpensive international calls can be made between 9pm and 7am.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. Network operator is, among others, Omantel (Internet: www.omantel.net.om). Roaming agreements exist with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others. Purchasing a local prepaid card can sometimes be worthwhile, the network coverage is good even in rural areas.
Internet
Internet cafes can be found in the largest cities. Main providers: OMANTEL and Nawras. High-end hotels have business centers with wireless Internet access via Wi-Fi. If you buy a SIM card from a national provider, you can surf the Internet using a USB stick.
Post office
Airmail to Europe takes 8 to 10 days to arrive.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
