Muscat, Oman Report of what it's like to live there - 06/17/25
Personal Experiences from Muscat, Oman
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Many places: India, Pakistan, Europe, Latin America, and Canada.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA. It's a two day journey from the USA. Throughout my time here I never went home (USA) due to time and financial constraints.
3. What years did you live here?
2023 - 2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is adequate but nothing special. Many issues with noise, dust, roaches, rats, and lower quality construction and maintenance throughout my stay. Commute time for me was okay, but for colleagues living in Seeb or Al Mouj, the commute can be brutal. Air conditioning is a must at all times.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most of what you need is available here at local markets like Al Meera, LuLus, Hypermax, or Sultan Center. Alcohol and pork products are expense, very limited, or non-existant.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Pork, but technically cannot bring into the country. You may be able to purchase in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Talabat delivery service. The food is pretty much Arabic, Indian, Turkish, Lebanese, or pizza and fast food. I was not too impressed with the food options here. There is not much of a restaurant scene outside of some very expensive options in the resorts and 5-star hotels that are unaffordable.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Yes: cockroaches, rats, and birds are very common. Lots of wildlife here.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I use the local post office to receive and send mail. It seems fairly fast and efficient.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic staff are expensive and a huge headache to deal with. You are better off hiring a cleaning service if available. If you have to hire a third country national (most likely from India or the Philippines), they will be live-in and you must be ready to provide for their every need per local laws. As the sponsor, you take responsibility for these employees.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes. It is very safe and a lot of outdoor hiking/swimming/exploring opportunities. The nature is pretty awesome here for outdoor crunchy-granola types. Oman in beautiful. That said, Muscat itself is not pedestrian or bike friendly. This is a very car-dependent city.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are some gyms scattered throughout the city, but I have not signed up for any. Your best bet for exercise is to just get outdoors in the winter months.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, credit cards widely accepted. ATMs are everywhere and safe to use. You will need cash in the countryside/ smaller settlements outside Muscat. Easy to setup a bank account.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is widely spoken and the only language you really need. Arabic is a plus if you speak it. It is a good idea to have the basics in Arabic down in either case.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Challenging but possible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
OTaxi is great and reasonably priced. There is very little to no public transportation. This is a heavily car dependent city.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
You should buy a GCC-spec car locally. Cars with tinted windows (only clear glass acceptable.... factory tint also unacceptable) or older than seven years from date of manufacture cannot be imported.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet has been slow for me. VPNs are illegal. Video chat, some social media, and many other sites are blocked.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local phone and Ooreedoo is the way to go. They have reasonably priced pre-pay plans.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No idea. I do not have pets. Dogs in homes are frowned upon here, as this is a cat country. There are wild Wadi dogs and street cats that you will see around town.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Teaching is the best option at the local international schools.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Dishdasha for men and Abaya for women. This is a conservative country as far as dress goes. Westerners should not where shorts or show knees or shoulders. The rules are more strict when visiting mosques: women should where headscarves and men should dress formally and conservatively.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None. Oman is an incredibly friendly and safe place.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
It gets very hot here. Summer last seven months and can be in the 40-50 C range on a daily basis. In the hottest summer month, expats typically leave town for a few months.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Nuts are common in Arabia.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Summer cabin fever as it is too hot to go outside. You will need to stick to indoor activities at home or going to malls for the most part.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extremely, extremley hot. The best months are December - February when the weather is just perfect for outdoor activities.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Some good international schools here: American and British schools. Definitely a highlight in Muscat. That said, the international schools are crazy expensive.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Some extracurriculars are available but you have to look for them. Most activities should be indoor though given the extreme heat.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Mostly nationals of India, Pakistan, and the Phillipines here. Westerners come here for vacations in the nice winter months.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is no nightlife here. There is no scene. Most social interactions are at home among family and friends. Muscat is a tranquil place.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Not for singles, as there is no scene and no nightlife; it is very conservative. For families and couples, it could be very good especially if you like nature and the outdoors.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
No. While friendly, people tend to interact with their families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No. Oman is a multi-ethnic society given its history. Folks with backgrounds from South Asia, Africa, and Arabia all here.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Nature is awesome! beautiful beaches, wadis, mountains, and endless deserts to explore. Highly recommend desert camping and boat trips to the small islands off Muscat.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Trips to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. About a six hour drive.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really. This is an expensive place.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Quiet. Some nice malls.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
So hot! Very conservative culture.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Maybe.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes, desire for nightlife or citylife.
4. But don't forget your:
snorkeling and beach gear.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
No.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Oman is a great place to earn money. Taxes are low and there are many international flights in and out.
