Is driving in Oman safe? Do I need a 4×4 for a round trip in Oman? What are the road conditions like in Oman? What type of driving license do I need in Oman? How fast can I drive in Oman? These were the questions that ran through our heads before our big Oman round trip. However, we knew from the very beginning that we wanted to travel around Oman on our own.

For us, there’s simply nothing better than traveling through a country independently and flexibly. With our Toyota RAV4 (pick-up: Muscat Airport), we were perfectly prepared for the 17-day adventure. In the following article, we would like to provide you with all the important information and travel tips you need for driving in Oman. Enjoy browsing!

• Can you drive yourself in Oman?
• What type of driving license do you need in Oman?
• Do I need a 4×4 in Oman?
• How much does a rental car cost?
• What do I need to consider when booking a rental car?
• How fast can you drive in Oman?
• What are the road conditions like?
• Off-road through the mountains and wadis
• Off-road through the desert
• Are there any particular hazards on the roads?
• How and where can I refuel?
• Is it easy to park locally?
• Driving in Oman – What is the best way to navigate?
• Are there roadside checkpoints?
• Are there speed cameras?
• Can I safely leave my luggage in the car?
• Is there Are there special traffic rules in Oman?
• Driving in Oman – Our Conclusion

Can you drive yourself in Oman?

Yes, you can drive easily and safely in Oman. Oman has a well-developed road network and is very well prepared for car traffic. Considering the high temperatures in summer, this is not surprising. Every meter you have to walk outside in these temperatures is torture, and you would much rather sit in an air-conditioned car.

Driving in the Sultanate – Quick Facts:

• In Oman, traffic drives on the right.
• Minimum age to drive a rental car in Oman is 21.
• International driving license not required when renting a car.
• Signage is usually bilingual in Arabic and English.
• Using a cell phone while driving & Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
• Seat belts are mandatory in Oman.
• Dense network of gas stations in Oman.
• Many speed cameras in the north of the country.

What kind of driver’s license do you need in Oman?

One important thing first: You do not need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Oman. At least, that’s what it says on the Federal Foreign Office website, in all the travel guides, and in all the travel blogs. Outside of Europe, we still like to have our international driver’s license with us, as it can save us a lot of questions. And let’s be honest, we certainly have the €15 to €20 to spare.

During our Oman tour, we were stopped by the police 6 times (5 times on the way to Salalah). We always had to show our passport and our German driver’s license. When we noticed that the police officers were taking significantly longer to examine our “regular” German driver’s license, we also pulled out our international driver’s license. How could an Arab police officer know what was written on our German driver’s license?

For a good year now, we no longer have the familiar international driver’s license, which you can get at the Citizen’s Office or City Hall for around €20, but simply a certified translation of our license. The international driver’s license from City Hall is essentially nothing other than a certified translation. And we easily applied for such a translation online at lingoking*.

Do I need a 4×4 in Oman?

One of the most frequently asked questions our readers and followers have asked us: Do I need a 4×4 in Oman? Our answer: It depends! For the sights in Oman, you usually don’t need a four-wheel drive. You can easily drive to Nizwa, Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab, Sur, the Bimma Sink Hole and Turtle Reserve, or even Misfaht.

However, if you want to drive into the mountains to Jebel Akhdar, a four-wheel drive is necessary. There is also a checkpoint on this route where your vehicle will be inspected. Drivers in regular cars will not be allowed through and must turn around.

Alternatively, you can drive into the mountains to the popular Jebel Shams viewpoints. The road is almost entirely paved (Musaidira-al Arf Rd), only the last 10 kilometers are unpaved but in good condition. With a regular car, you simply have to drive a little slower and more carefully. Two kilometers past the Sama Heights Resort, you’ll find the first magnificent viewpoints and the cute Cliff Café.

If you want to drive into the desert (e.g., Wahiba Sands) on your own, you’ll also need a 4WD. However, you can usually book a transfer at the respective desert camp. Since we also wanted to drive south to Salalah, a robust and larger vehicle with more ground clearance was important to us. In the south of the country, we actually only needed the 4WD for the trip to Fazayah Beach. We could have reached all the other highlights with a car.

A 4×4 is necessary here:

• Jebel Akhdar
• Wahiba Sands Desert
• Wadi Tiwi
• Wadi Al Arbeieen
• Snake Canyon (Wadi Bani Awf)

Here A car is enough:

• Jebel Shams
• Nizwa, Bahla and Sur
• Wadi Bani Khalid & Wadi Shab
• Misfaht & Birkat al Mouz
• Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve

How much does a rental car cost?

The costs for a rental car in Oman vary and depend, among other things, on the travel time, rental period, vehicle class, and included services. We paid the equivalent of approximately €60 per day (25 OMR) for our Toyota RAV4 (all-wheel drive SUV from Europcar) during the November travel period.

Small cars: Prices for small cars can start at around 15 to 30 OMR per day, depending on the model and car rental company. Currently, you can get a small car for as little as €35 per day.

Mid-size cars: For mid-size vehicles, prices can range from 20 to 50 OMR per day. Currently, you can get a mid-size car for as little as €37 per day.

SUV/Off-road Vehicle: Due to the scenic nature of Oman, off-road vehicles are popular. Rental prices can vary between 30 and 70 OMR per day. Currently, you can get an SUV for as little as €70 per day.

4×4 with Roof Tent: These off-road vehicles with accessories are very expensive in Oman. Depending on the travel period, you can easily pay €150 to €200 per day (60–85 OMR) for a 4×4 with a roof tent. Providers: iDrive4x4, Active Oman, or Nomad Tours.

What do I need to consider when booking a rental car?

When booking your rental car, you should consider a few points to ensure you are on the safe side during and after your trip.

Insurance: We book our rental cars Always include the following insurance policies: fully comprehensive and theft protection (no deductible), glass, tire, and underbody protection, as well as liability coverage with at least €1 million.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to read the fine print. Most contracts prohibit driving on unpaved roads, even with an off-road vehicle (4×4, SUV). If you don’t comply with the regulations, your insurance coverage will no longer be valid.

Free Kilometers: Make sure that all kilometers are free. Some providers only allow 300 kilometers per day and then charge up to €0.50 per kilometer. This adds up quite a bit depending on the route and length of the trip.

Fuel Policy: We always book with the “full/full” fuel policy. This means that you pick up the rental car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Be sure to check the fuel level upon pickup and take a photo of the full tank before returning the car.

Deposit: You will be required to pay a deposit to the rental company on site. In most cases, this can only be paid by credit card. The cardholder’s name and the name of the main driver specified in your booking must be the same. In Oman, the deposit is usually quite high.

How fast can you drive in Oman?

The speed limits in Oman can vary depending on the type of road. Here are the general speed limits that apply as of now (December 2023):

• Urban areas: 40 to 60 km/h (mostly 50 km/h)
• Rural roads: 80 to 100 km/h (mostly 80 km/h)
• Motorways: 100 to 120 km/h (mostly 120 km/h)

What are the road conditions like?

Road conditions in Oman are generally very good, especially in urban areas and on major roads. The Government of Oman has invested significantly in improving infrastructure to promote transport and tourism in the country. Highways in Oman are very well developed, with often multi-lane options. The road quality on the main connecting roads between cities is generally very good.

Country roads are also generally in good condition. However, in more remote regions, the quality of the roads can vary. We saw only one pothole during our trip through the country. Crazy, right? When traveling to remote areas or desert regions, you should book an off-road vehicle to cope well with the varying ground conditions.

Caution! Speed bumps

In Oman, as in many other countries, there are so-called “speed bumps” or “speed breakers”, which are essentially designed to limit or reduce speed. There are plenty of them in Oman, and they’re usually installed at exits, in residential areas, or along main roads where speed control is important.

These bumps in the road are sometimes noticed too late, forcing you to brake a bit harder. There should always be traffic signs indicating these speed limiters (usually marked in yellow), but this wasn’t always the case.

Off-road through the mountains and wadis

A four-wheel drive vehicle is certainly the best way to explore the country’s unique natural scenery. There are beautiful areas in the mountains or in the desert that you wouldn’t be able to reach without one (unless you go on foot).

And we can also tell you that exploring more remote areas was incredibly fun. But you shouldn’t underestimate driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, because off-road tracks also pose dangers.

Many Omani tracks lead through wadis (dry riverbeds). Wadis can flood very quickly due to heavy rainfall (called flash floods). The water quickly collects in the higher areas and then rushes through the wadi at great speed. These flash floods can be life-threatening, as they can cause severe currents and landslides. This danger is very high in the winter months, especially in the mountains.

If you have to drive through water in a wadi, check the depth beforehand (with poles if necessary). This way, you won’t suddenly drive into a deep hole. You will also often see posts in Oman marking the water level. If the water level has exceeded the red mark, you should not continue driving. You should inform yourself about the condition of the trails before setting off (e.g., from the police, hotels, tour guides, locals).

Off-road through the desert

An off-road tour through the desert can be a unique experience, but it requires careful preparation and following a few safety tips. Make sure your vehicle is in top condition and suitable for sandy roads. Lower the tire pressure (to about 50–60% of normal) to ensure you have enough grip on soft surfaces.

Since the distances between gas stations can be quite long, be sure to have enough fuel – especially if you’re traveling to more remote regions. It’s best not to travel alone, but rather in a convoy or with friends. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense desert sun.

A solid emergency kit is a must: Pack first aid kit, tools for minor repairs (e.g., a shovel, sand boards), a flashlight, a spare tire, and more. Finally, reliable navigation aids such as GPS and maps ensure that you don’t get lost in the vastness of the desert.

Are there any particular hazards on the roads?

In small towns and on single-lane roads (and sometimes on larger roads), camels or goats may unexpectedly cross the road. So always stay focused! However, the roads are usually straight, so you can see the animals well. Still, be alert and slow down when approaching them. They can suddenly change their minds and run and jump anywhere.

If you want to drive from the north to the south of the country on the highway, you should plan several breaks. The straight (seemingly endless) roads and the lack of traffic can be very tiring. Gas stations are located at regular intervals along the almost 1,000-kilometer route.

We do not recommend driving at night, especially in the south of the country. It is pitch black on the roads there, and camels could cross the road. So always plan your route so that you arrive at your destination during daylight.

How and where can I refuel?

Oman has a good infrastructure of petrol stations. Petrol stations are readily available in most parts of Oman, both in urban and rural areas. However, in desert areas or remote regions, the distances between stations can be greater.

Gasoline and diesel are commonly available in Oman. It’s important to know which fuel type is suitable for your vehicle. Currently, 1 liter of petrol costs €0.55 (prices are the same throughout the country). Most gas stations are open between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

There are several gas station brands in Oman, including Oman Oil and Shell. Drive to the pump, tell the attendant what fuel you want and how much you want them to fill up. Then you can pay the attendant (cash or credit card).

Gas stations in Oman generally accept cash and major credit or debit cards. Our AMEX didn’t always work. In more remote areas, they may only accept cash. It’s always a good idea to have some cash in your pocket.

Is it easy to park on site?

We never had any problems finding a parking space. We also never saw any paid parking spaces. However, there are supposed to be some in Muscat. We were always able to park for free in the rest of the country.

There are usually many designated parking spaces along the roadside, in parking garages, in shopping centers, at popular tourist attractions, and in public squares. Hotels and accommodations also generally offer parking for their guests. Parking is usually free in Oman.

Driving in Oman – What’s the best way to navigate?

Before our Oman tour, we downloaded the country’s offline map from Google Maps. This allowed us to easily navigate through the country. We also had an eSIM from Airalo* in our phone, which gave us mobile internet access ($3 credit with our code “NICOLE2629”).

This allowed us to check the latest traffic reports on Google Maps when needed. The Waze app is also recommended. For long drives through the desert, you should use a decent GPS-enabled device and carry maps if necessary.

Are there roadside checks?

There are frequent checks by the Royal Oman Police or the military. But you don’t need to worry about them. Present your passport and driver’s license. After a few moments, you can continue driving. We were checked 6 times in Oman and never had any problems. The men were always very nice to us. Sometimes they also check what you have in your car. It’s important to note that carrying alcohol is prohibited.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: In the border regions of the tri-border area between Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, there is a risk of violent attacks and travel restrictions. Police and military checks are to be expected here. However, it’s best to generally avoid the border region with Yemen. More information can be found here: Travel advice for Oman.

Are there speed cameras?

There are many stationary and mobile radar systems in northern Oman, so you should strictly adhere to the speed limits. Violations are severely punished: Careless driving can result in a fine of 300 OMR and even more than one month in prison.

Speeding or reckless driving costs between 100 and 500 OMR, with the possibility of 10 days to two months in prison. Using a cell phone while driving is also expensive: at least 300 OMR and/or up to 10 days in prison – you can really save yourself the hassle!

Can I leave my luggage in the car without worry?

In Oman, you don’t really have to worry about your car being broken into and valuables being stolen. However, we recommend safely stowing your luggage in the trunk during the day. Don’t leave anything visible on the seats. You know, opportunity makes thieves. If possible, you shouldn’t leave valuables in the car.

If absolutely necessary, we recommend at least the PacSafe* with its integrated steel mesh. We always pack our valuables in it (e.g., laptops, passports, etc.) and place it under the driver’s seat so it’s not visible. Additionally, the bag is secured with a lock and tied down, so removing it would take a little longer.

Are there special traffic rules in Oman?

The traffic rules in Oman are largely similar to those in Germany. There are few traffic lights; most intersections are controlled by roundabouts. Children under 12 years of age or shorter than 145 cm must be secured in appropriate child seats or booster seats. Furthermore, you must always use your dipped headlights during the day.

Driving in Oman – Our Conclusion

Driving in Oman is really not difficult and offers a great opportunity to explore the country on your own. The roads in Oman are very well developed, traffic is very quiet outside of the major cities, and the price of gasoline or diesel is very reasonable.

We spent just €152 on gasoline for approximately 3,500 kilometers. Amazing, right? Marco found driving in Oman very pleasant and stress-free. We would rent a car again on our next trip and explore the country further.