Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Driving Licence
Most foreign driving licences are accepted in Oman but an International Driving Permit is
preferable. Some foreign residents of Oman need a road permit to leave or re-enter the
country by land. This regulation does not apply to tourists.
Hire
International car-hire chains in Oman include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Thrifty, but
dozens of local agencies offer a slightly reduced rate. Rates for 2WD cars start at about
OR16 and 4WD vehicles at OR30. Always carry water with you (a box of a dozen 1.5L
bottles costs OR1.700 from petrol stations) and a tow-rope (OR4 from any large super-
market). 'Freezer packs' (600 baisa each) will keep your cool box cold for a day, even in
summer, and you can ask hotels to refreeze the packs at night.
Insurance
Check the small print on all car-hire documents to see if you are covered for taking the
vehicle off-road.
Road Conditions
Travellers comment that some roads indicated in this topic as '4WD only' are passable in
a 2WD. Often they are right, until something goes wrong; 2WDs are not built to withstand
potholes, washboard surfaces and steep, loose-gravel inclines, let alone long distances to
the next petrol station.
If travellers' letters are anything to go by, who knows over what terrain the previous
driver dragged your hire car! Bear in mind, you'll get no sympathy from hire companies if
your 2WD breaks down off-road (and don't forget you're not insured to be off-road in a
2WD). With virtually zero traffic on some routes you are very vulnerable, especially in
extreme summer temperatures.
In short, saving on the expense of a 4WD might cost more than you bargained for.
Road Hazards
Watch out for the following potential problems on the road:
Aggressive tailgating and fast, inappropriate driving particularly in the capital area.
Camels and goats wandering onto the road, with disastrous consequences in Dhofar dur-
ing the
khareef
(rainy season) when locals continue to drive at the same speed regardless
of the fog.
Exceptionally slippery conditions after rain (a hazard of all dry, hot areas).
Failing brakes on mountain roads (low gear is a must).
Beguiling soft sand and a salty crust called
sabkha
(that looks and feels hard until you
drive on it). As a rule, always stick to the tracks: if they suddenly stop, it's time to reverse!
Flash-flooding - occurs frequently in wadis.
