How can I get international driving license in Oman?

Getting an international driving license, officially known as International Driving Permit (IDP) is relatively easy. However, before you can drive to another foreign country, you must first prepare your valid driver’s license, passport-size photo, and credit card.

Once that’s out of the way, click on Apply For IDP. Once that’s done, fill out all the information that’s being asked as written in your valid driver’s license. Once that’s done, attach a copy of your valid license, a passport-sized photo, and a credit card.

You can wait for your IDP to be delivered and wait for email updates about it. If you plan on extending your stay as a tourist, you’ll need to obtain an Oman license.

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You will see different architectures in Oman, from modern to historical buildings, mosques, and even mountain ranges. Apart from its desert, it also promotes ecotourism by creating a reserve for sea turtles in the Indian Ocean to populate. Visit a laid-back community in Oman where you can stay in stone houses.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Start your trip to Muscat, where travelers normally land at its airport. There are so many various things you can do in the capital before driving through quieter roads. Witness the architecture of the mosques in Muscat. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open for non-Muslims. Admire the world’s largest chandelier, a Persian carpet that is one of the world’s largest and other interior features.

It can accommodate about 20,000 people. Travelers frequently visit this place in the mornings from 8 AM to 11 AM. The mosque is likely closed on Fridays to visitors because of its weekly Friday prayers. And before leaving Muscat, witness the beauty of Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace. This, however, is closed to travelers, but you can head to the harbor to view its beauty. The twin forts Al Jalali and Al Mirani that stand as guards over the palace are groomed into a museum and are open to everyone.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid sits in the Eastern Region of Oman. With its emerald and turquoise-like waters, travelers will surely not miss this destination. Wadi is a long, narrow ravine that guides waters from the mountains to the lowlands. Some call this an oasis in the desert. You can choose from the biggest pools to smaller ones. Just be careful with the slippery rocks when walking through different pools.

The best time to visit Wadi Bani Khalid is from January to March. This month of the year has an average minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius, while its peak can reach as high as 30 degrees Celsius. It’s better to visit here when the sun is out so you can appreciate the colors of the water.

Bahla

Architecture and pottery all in one place are what the city of Bahla in Oman will offer to its visitors. Located in the northern part of Oman, Bahla is known for its fort that is considered one of its oldest. Built in the 13th century, the Bahla Fort is mostly made of mud brick. To top everything, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bahla City also presents a vast selection of local pottery. Traditional methods of pottery here are not practiced by many due to modern technology. While it lasts, explore the different stages of pottery in Bahla. The source of clay for their pottery is from the wadi or river bed. Recommended times to visit Bahla are during the winter months of September to March. However, you can always visit this in the summer if you want to.

Sharqiya Sands

Any desert is a must-visit when you travel to countries in the Middle East. Experience the life of the Bedu people here if you want to witness authentic and traditional Omani life. Experience day dune bashing, watch the sunset into the sand’s golden waves, and during the night, you can camp out and sleep under thousands of stars.

It is best to visit here during the winter months from October to March when the weather is cold. In the desert, summer is quite a challenge for anyone as the temperature can hike as high as 50 degrees Celsius. It is expected that deserts can be scorching and sweaty during the summer months.

Hajar Mountains

The Hajar Mountains, also known as the Al-Hajar Mountains, is one of Oman’s most prominent tourist destinations and the highest mountain range in the Eastern Arabian Peninsula. The mountains act as the gateway to spectacular mountain destinations, including Jebel Shams (Oman’s highest peak), Jebel Akhdar (the fruit bowl of Oman), and Wadi Ghul (the Grand Canyon of Arabia).

Misfat al Abriyeen

Take a break from the city and appreciate the quiet in this mountain village on the southwestern side’s Al Hajr mountains. Misfat al Abriyeen is a traditional Omani village where houses and other buildings are made of mud and stones. From afar, you can see that stone houses are in orange and brown colors.

You can safely park your car and tour the village with your feet. Pass through the narrow lanes in the town and admire the lush greenery. You can stay overnight here and enjoy a traditional Omani home-cooked meal. Don’t forget the coffee! To appreciate the beauty of this mountain village, you can visit here during the summer months, between April and September.

Musandam Fjords

Experience different kinds of watersports in Musandam Fjords. Musandam sits in the northernmost portion of Oman and is bordered by the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. Some parts of this region are isolated and have served as home to mountain villages and coastal communities—a place for nature lovers, as they say.

There are few things here which you can do: scuba diving, riding a dhow, or a traditional Omani boat to spot dolphins and witness different rock formations. You can visit here and enjoy the cool breeze from October to January as the temperature is relatively lower. Also, you visit here in the summertime, but the weather will be scorching.

Omani authorities take the Omani driving rules seriously. Due to many road accidents in recent years, they've become stricter in issuing driving licenses and enforcing road rules. If you're a tourist renting a car in Oman, it's essential to be aware of the Omani driving rules throughout your stay.

Obey the Speed Limit Rule

Overspeeding has been the number of accidents and casualties on the road in Oman, hence the amendments for stricter road rules. For a tourist, you are expected to drive defensively and carefully and be overwhelmed with the foreign land has to offer. You are expected to drive at a maximum speed of 120KPH on expressways, 90KPH on rural roads, and 40-80KPH in urban areas.

Wearing a Seatbelt and Securing Child’s Safety

Secure everyone riding the vehicle and fasten your seatbelts. Police will not tolerate and will possibly stop you if you don’t follow this rule. For kids below four years old, they have to have car seats; you can always bring one if you don’t want to have it as an add-on to your car rental. Children twelve years old and below must be positioned at the rear seat with their own seatbelt.

Observe Road Signs while Driving in Oman

Road signs are provided so that you will be guided on your way to your destination. Be mindful of them during your drive. This way, apart from being guided, you can also prevent possible road accidents. Most traffic signs are the same as other countries; if not, Omani traffic signs are also translated into English, so it will not be a problem.

Watch Out For Animals Crossing the Streets

This may not be common in some countries, but you have to be alert with camels and goats suddenly appearing and crossing the streets in Oman. This usually happens on provincial roads with fewer cars. Always look ahead to avoid accidents.