Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In addition, Oman's wild environment requires special consideration. Tyre tracks leave
marks on the desert floor, often forever, and litter does not biodegrade in the hot, dry cli-
mate.
SHOPPING
Oman is a great centre for handicrafts, with expertise in silversmithing. Exquisitely craf-
ted
khanjars
can cost up to OR500 but tourist versions are available from OR30. Genuine
Bedouin silver is becoming scarce (read
Disappearing Treasures of Oman,
by Avelyn
Foster). Silver Maria Theresa dollars, used as Oman's unit of currency for many years,
make a good buy from OR3. Wooden
mandoos
(chests) studded with brass tacks cost
from OR10 for a new one and start at OR100 for an antique.
Other items commonly for sale include coffeepots (not always made in Oman), baskets
woven with leather, camel bags, rice mats and cushion covers. Many items are imported,
as per centuries of tradition, from India and Iran.
Frankincense is a 'must buy' from Salalah, together with a pottery incense burner (both
available in Muscat). Amouage (from OR50), currently the most valuable perfume in the
world, is made in Muscat partially from frankincense and comes in different fragrances
and preparations. A visit to one of the outlets (at city centre, Qurm or the airport) is a treat
in itself. Omani dates make another excellent gift.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Travelling beyond Muscat and the main towns of Nizwa, Sohar, Sur and Salalah can be a
lonely experience. The interior is sparsely populated and, with no established circuit of
travellers' meeting places, bumping into other foreigners is rare outside the holiday peri-
od. While Omani people are very friendly and hospitable, they are also private and you
are unlikely to be invited to stay for longer than the customary bread and salt. If you
hitchhike to somewhere remote, you may have a very long wait before you find a ride out
again. On the whole, as with any country with large expanses of remote territory, it's bet-
ter to have backup in the form of a vehicle, a companion, or at least water, a map and
compass.
TELEPHONE & FAX
Each area of Oman has its own code (for example, 24 is the prefix for Muscat). Note that
you need to use this code even if calling from within the same area.
Central public-telephone offices offer fax services in Muscat and Salalah, though the
latter only has cardphones. Phonecards are available from grocery stores and petrol sta-
tions. International phone calls can be made with a phonecard by dialling direct from most
public phone booths throughout Oman. The cost of a two-minute call to Europe and the
USA is approximately 200 baisas.
