What do I need to know before moving to Oman?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Oman, they said...
"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," said another expat in Muscat, Oman.
"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," wrote a member who made the move to Oman.
Get Quote
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Oman?
- How do I meet people in Oman?
- What is life like in Oman?
- Is there a lot of crime in Oman?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Oman accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Oman like?
- Is the cost of living in Oman high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Oman?
- What are healthcare services like in Oman?
- Is the cost of living in Oman high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Oman?
- What is the weather like in Oman?
- Are there good restaurants in Oman?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Oman?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Oman?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Oman?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Oman?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Oman?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Oman?
If you live in Oman, newcomers to Oman would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.