This will be contingent on your preference and the time of year you travel. Generally, we suggest that travelers pack lightly and bring comfortable, casual clothes in natural, “breathable” fabrics because of the humidity. Choose versatile styles that can be layered. A lightweight (preferably non-plastic) raincoat or poncho is a good idea, as well as a sweater or lightweight jacket for early morning/evenings and air-conditioned buildings. A sturdy pair of walking shoes is a must, as sandals may not be comfortable for some sightseeing activities. Some hotels have pools, so you may want to pack your swimming suit. Do not forget to bring sunblock, sunglasses, insect repellent, pocket packs of tissues, a sunhat, an umbrella (for both the sun and rain), and any medications you may need. Most hotels offer reliable laundry and dry cleaning services.

Deciding what to wear in Oman can be challenging if you try to dress for the desert heat while also respecting Islamic traditions. Knowing what to wear relies heavily on which part of Oman you are traveling to. Although Muscat, for example, is considered to be a bit more liberal than other parts of the country, it is still an Islamic state that adheres to traditional values. Be respectful when deciding what to wear and dress in clothes that would not offend the local culture. Always wear what you are most comfortable traveling in, but a reasonable amount of modesty ought to be exercised. In most areas, comfortable, casual clothes such as short-sleeved shirts, long trousers, long skirts, etc., are great for sightseeing. Remember that temperatures will likely be hot and humid, so wearing light, loose-fitting fabrics is a good idea.

When walking around and visiting shopping malls or souks, women must be covered from their shoulders to their knees. Long-sleeve tops, short-sleeve T-shirts, and three-quarter trousers are acceptable. Also, not tight or revealing, and do not wear see-through clothing. This means one should avoid tank tops, spaghetti straps, shorts, mini-skirts, etc. Signs at the entrances of shopping malls and souks remind visitors to dress modestly. When visiting traditional souks, women should dress conservatively to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

When visiting a mosque in Oman, remember that these are places of worship, so one should dress politely in modest and conservative clothing as they would at any other religious site. Clothing such as short sleeve T-shirts, polo shirts, and bottoms or skirts that cover the knees are acceptable.

For both men and women, plan to cover most of your body, including your shoulders, upper arms, and legs.

Women: Women should have all skin covered; knee-length skirts or pants are required. Pants or skirts that are too revealing, clingy, or tight should not be worn. Sleeves should reach each wrist, and a headscarf should cover the hair.

Hotels may impose a hefty charge on international calls. Check your hotel’s policy before placing any calls. You can use a calling card from your local, long-distance carrier to avoid hotel markups. Several United States cell phones manufactured today can operate overseas on the GSM (Global System for Mobile) standard. We recommend contacting your cell phone service provider to determine if your phone runs on the GSM and what activation may be required. In Indonesia, reception on any cell phone can be unreliable and unpredictable. In some locations, transmission is not possible at all. If access to e-mail is critical during your trip, please check availability in advance. Most hotels have business centers or in-room WI-FI service, and surcharges may apply.

The nationwide emergency phone numbers are:

Ambulance: 9999

Fire: 9999

Police: 9999

• On the Border of the Great Desert: A Journey in Oman by Samuel Barrett Miles
• Lonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula (Country Guide) by Jenny Walker, Stuart Butler, Anthony Ham, and Andrea Shulte-Peevers
• Insight Guides: Oman and the UAE
• A History of Modern Oman by Jeremy Jones