Medical care in rural areas cannot be compared to Europe and is often problematic in terms of technology, equipment or hygiene. In many cases, there is also a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French, while the care in the capital is relatively good. Adequate health insurance coverage valid worldwide and reliable travel insurance are strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Check ebizdir for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required from all travelers who want to enter the infection areas designated by the WHO within 6 days of stay or transit. Exceptions are transit passengers in Oman who do not leave the airport. [2] Very low risk of malaria from the predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum in the northern parts of Musandam Province. Chloroquine resistance has been reported. Travelers (visitors or returnees) from (East) Africa may have to undergo a malaria test upon arrival at the airport. This measure does not apply to arrivals from Europe or other regions.
Food and drink
The tap water comes mainly from seawater desalination plants. Due to strong warming in the summer months (intermediate tank on the house roof) it has no drinking water quality. Tap water should therefore either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before drinking, brushing your teeth and before making ice cubes. Local still bottled mineral water is recommended. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. The food supply is good. Outside of urban areas, milk is generally unpasteurized and should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Eating raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. There are isolated cases of severe respiratory infections caused by the coronavirus (MERS-CoV, the abbreviation for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus). It is unclear exactly where and how people in different countries can get infected. Close contact with camels and bats should be avoided as they are suspected to be carriers of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) assumes that very close contact with sick people can also lead to transmission from person to person. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a global problem and a threat to all who take the risk of infection. Arab countries such as Oman are only now being delayed and are still being affected in relatively small numbers. The well-known risks should also be avoided here. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly mosquitoes, does occur. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. rabies occurs. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tuberculosis occurs. Vaccination should be considered for exposure. If you are staying longer, especially in the winter months, you should think about getting vaccinated against the flu. During the summer months, make sure you have adequate sun protection and take enough drinking water with you on activities. should consider influenza vaccination. During the summer months, make sure you have adequate sun protection and take enough drinking water with you on activities. should consider influenza vaccination. During the summer months, make sure you have adequate sun protection and take enough drinking water with you on activities.
Health certificate
For work stays, an HIV test in English is required from special groups of people.
Money
Currency
1 Omani Rial = 1000 Baiza. Currency code: OR, OMR (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 1/2 OR and 200 and 100 Baiza; Coins in denominations of 50, 25, 10 and 5 Baiza. The Omani rial is pegged to the US dollar.
Credit cards
All international credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club and in some cases American Express are accepted by all international hotels, car rental companies, large travel agencies and banks. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used primarily in Muscat and Salalah at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Traveller’s checks can be cashed in Oman in the big cities at a few exchange offices (Oman UAE Exchange).
Bank opening hours
Sun-Thurs 08.00-12.00 and 14.30-18.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the national currency is unlimited. Unlimited import of foreign currency; Obligation to declare cash and valuables (precious metals, precious stones, etc.) from an equivalent value of 6000 OR. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon entry. The import of Israeli national currency is prohibited.
Currency Exchange
It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash. In remote areas, however, you should take enough cash in the local currency with you, as the exchange options there are limited.
