Oman is a beautiful Gulf country, a neighbor of the famous United Arab Emirates. Even though it does not attract as many tourists as UAE, Oman is an emerging destination that welcomes a growing number of tourists. The best way to get around Oman is of course, by car.
As you are most likely going to fly in the country, there is a big chance that you are going to need to rent a car. Luckily, there are many options for that in Oman, so we made a brief guide for you.
Choosing the company
There are many companies you can choose from, and their services and prices are various. Many international rental companies are also located in Oman. If you already used services of Europcar, Hertz or Sixt, you are familiar with them, so can use rent a vehicle from those companies in Oman too. They have the offices at Muscat airport as well, so if you are arriving and departing by plane, that is the most convenient option. If your drop-off location is different from the pick-up location, an additional fee may apply.
Of course, prices depend on the type of vehicle and the number of days. The fuel prices in Oman are very affordable, so renting a car can be your cheapest option to conveniently travel across Oman and explore this beautiful country and its natural and historical sites.
If you plan to go to the UAE with a rented vehicle, make sure to find the agency which permits it. The same rule applies the other way around as well – if you are already in the UAE and want to drive to Oman with a locally rented vehicle, make sure it is allowed.
The requirements
Generally, the driver must be at least 25 years of age and have a license for at least one year. Some companies do not strictly require it and allow the driver to be at least 21 years old. In those cases, the insurance premium and rental fees for younger drivers are significantly higher. The companies also have policies regarding driving licenses, and some of them may require an international driving license instead of the national one. That is why it is important to make a research before arriving in Oman, so you can ensure that you have the correct type of license. In any case, passport and credit cards are mandatory.
When choosing the vehicle, think about your itinerary. If you plan to visit cities only, any car will suffice, so you can choose a more economic and compact option. However, for visiting off-road sites and desert camps, you will most likely need a larger vehicle (4×4). Sometimes, the police checkpoints exist, and drivers would not be permitted to proceed to certain sites without a 4×4 vehicle, for their safety.
When on the road, make sure you follow all the applicable laws. Omanis drive on the right side of the road. The usage of the seatbelt is mandatory, and there is zero-tolerance for driving under the influence. Children under 4 years of age must be in a car seat. Like in most countries, it is illegal to use the phone while driving. Beware of the cameras and pay attention to the speed limits! Generally, they are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on open roads, and of course, lower in urban places.
Consider the purchase of the vehicle
If you are planning to join the increasing number of ex-pats who are staying and working in Oman for a longer time, we advise you to consider buying a car. You can purchase an affordable used vehicle. For example, Carzaty in Oman offers a great choice of cars, and they are all assured, passed a rigorous inspection, and are adhering to high safety standards. All vehicles are made in 2014 or later, and the specifications are suitable for all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries.
Moreover, you can decide to invest a bit more to improve the performance of your car and customize it according to your needs. Of course, Carzaty sells new vehicles as well, so the choice is completely up to you. And if you want to sell your car – Carzaty will assist you with that too. There are no hidden costs or fees, and they are transparent in their business. Their motto is “Driven by quality. Fueled by satisfaction” and they work hard every day to live by it.
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