Moving to Oman

"No doubt. Certainly Oman is wonderful place to spend life if you are nature lover and believe in family life. The best location to move in are Al Khuwair, Al -Athaibah, Al Seeb and Al Qurum. These are decent locations with shopping mall in close vicinity," said one expat in Muscat.

"Oman is a culturally diverse country with a rich history and a unique culture. Expats should be aware that the country is a Muslim majority nation and that Islamic laws and customs are strictly enforced. Expats should also be aware that the climate in Oman is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 50°C in the summer months. It is important to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. Expats should also be aware that English is widely spoken in Oman, but Arabic is the official language. Finally, expats should be aware that the cost of living in Oman is relatively high, and that it is important to have a valid visa and work permit before moving to the country," remarked one expat who made the move to Oman.

"Take a good look around first; there are so many options. Think about the location of your chosen school, nearest shops and place of work. The biggest and newest (and often, surprisingly, the cheapest) houses are quite far out of town, and traffic jams and accidents can be a real problem as there is only one arterial road. As in most cities, the houses nearer the centre (though Muscat doesn't really have a centre, as it is spread out along the 40km main highway) are older, but usually have more character. A very important consideration is to find a good landlord, whom you get on with, and who will undertake to sort out any problems quickly. Remember that you have to sign a lease for a year so you can't get out of it once you've decided. Many people move house when their leases are up simply because they can't get basic problems sorted like AC breakdowns and water leaks. Carpe Diem; live life to the full and enjoy all the fantastic opportunities of living in another city and culture. Keep things in perspective and try not to let your pleasure be affected by the inevitable irritations of living in an unfamiliar world and the bureaucracy of another country. Of course they do things differently," explained one expat living in Muscat, Oman.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Oman is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings of apartments, villas, and other types of housing in Oman. Additionally, you can also search for classified ads in local newspapers and magazines. You can also contact real estate agents in Oman who specialize in helping people find rental properties. Additionally, you can also ask friends and family who live in Oman for recommendations," remarked one expat in Oman.

"Well, I got my accommodation through my employer in decent location. The apartment was spacious and well furnished with all basic amenities provided," said one expat in Muscat.

"Expat homes and apartments in Oman tend to be modern and luxurious, with many featuring high-end amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and private gardens. Expats can also expect to find spacious living areas, fully-equipped kitchens, and comfortable bedrooms. Many expat homes and apartments also come with access to a variety of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, and security," explained one expat living in Oman.

"Detached villa - this is typical. We have lots of space, marble floors. We like our landlord. But, we have an old-fashioned kitchen. The landlord won't refurbish it because he doesn't understand the British tradition for using the kitchen as the hub of family life. In Omani culture, the kitchen is for servants and the family would never set foot in it. So it's dark, with a small window, 70's tiling, grimy grout and an old wallbanger AC," said one expat in Muscat.

"Lower - Cost of housing in our home city, Edinburgh, is incredibly high. We would never be able to afford to live in a house this size at home," explained one expat living in Muscat, Oman.

"The cost of housing in Oman varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. Generally, the cost of renting an apartment or villa in Oman is relatively high compared to other countries in the region. However, there are some more affordable options available, such as studio apartments and shared accommodation," said one expat in Oman.

"Buying a home in Oman can be a great investment, as the country has a strong economy and a growing real estate market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Oman, as well as the availability of financing options, before making a decision. Renting a home in Oman can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to a long-term purchase, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Oman should be based on individual needs and preferences," replied a member in Oman.

"Three things I would have bought are culture, respect and nature. Three things I would have left are infrastructure development, events and happenings and traffic accidents," remarked one expat in Muscat, Oman.

"When moving to Oman, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack light, breathable clothing that will keep you cool in the hot, dry climate. Bring a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. Bring a few items of traditional clothing to show respect for the culture. Bring any necessary medications and toiletries. Pack a few books or magazines to keep you entertained. Bring a few items to remind you of home. Finally, make sure to bring your passport and other important documents," said one expat in Oman.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Oman. It is considered impolite to show public displays of affection, so it is best to avoid kissing or hugging in public. It is also important to dress modestly, covering arms and legs, and to avoid wearing revealing clothing. It is also important to respect religious sites and to avoid taking photographs of people without their permission. Additionally, it is important to be aware of local laws and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion," said one expat who made the move to Oman.

"I ate a banana in front of a very hungry Omani in the middle of Ramadan. I was shocked when I found out that I'd totally forgotten about Ramadan but the Omani was very nice about it," explained one expat living in Salalah, Oman.

"Oman is an attractive destination for expats due to its low cost of living, excellent job opportunities, and high quality of life. The country offers a safe and secure environment, with a strong sense of community and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners. Additionally, Oman boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a wide range of leisure activities. With its modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare system, and low taxes, Oman is an ideal place for expats to settle down and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle," said one expat.

"Oman offers a comprehensive healthcare system, with both public and private services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Oman can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Private healthcare is also available in Oman, and many expats opt to use private services due to the higher quality of care and shorter waiting times," said one expat.

"Oman offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialist care, and emergency services. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. The government also provides free or subsidized health care for citizens and expatriates. In addition, Oman has a number of private health care providers that offer a range of services, including preventive care, diagnostics, and treatments. The country also has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription and over-the-counter medications," replied one expat when asked about moving to Oman.