Internet & Communication
SIM Card & Mobile Data
A local SIM card is cheap and the easiest way to stay online on the go:
- Providers: Omantel (best network and coverage), Ooredoo (cheaper data packages)
- Price: 3–10 OMR for a tourist SIM with 5–20 GB of data, valid 10–30 days
- Purchase: At Muscat airport (Omantel and Ooredoo counters in the arrival hall, open 24h). Passport required!
- Network coverage: 4G/LTE in all cities and along main roads. No reception in the desert, mountains, and some wadis — download offline maps beforehand!
Important Restrictions
- VoIP calls: WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, and Skype calls are blocked in Oman! Text messages and photos via WhatsApp work normally, but calls only via the mobile network
- VPN: Many travelers use a VPN to bypass the VoIP block. Officially, using a VPN to bypass blocks is prohibited, but in practice, it is not enforced
Wi-Fi
Hotels, cafés, and restaurants almost everywhere offer free Wi-Fi. The speed is generally good (10–50 Mbit/s in hotels).
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 9999 |
| Ambulance | 9999 |
| Fire Department | 9999 |
| Coast Guard | 1799 |
| Roadside Assistance | 1444 |
| German Embassy Muscat | +968 2469 1600 |
