Posted in Oman forum
Hello to everyone,
I am a single 40 year old woman who has been offered a job in Oman. I have done a lot of reading on various forums and blog posts about life in Oman. Everything has so far been positive. My only experience of the ME has be a 2 week holiday to the UAE where I visited Dubai and Al Sharjah. I want to be realistic so a balanced view would have to include the negatives. Other than the heat and occassional floods I couldn't find much else that was negative. Please feel free to correct me on that. My mind is made up and I will be moving to Oman. I could do with a bit more help preparing for the big move so any advice will be gratefully received. Things that I'm unsure about include (this is not an exhaustive list lol)
1) Clothing - what exactly does conservative dress mean? I'm guessing no 'skinny jeans'!
2) Alcohol - although not a big drinker I do enjoy a glass of wine on occassion, would this mean going to a hotel each time I wanted one?
3) Social life- I think I'm a pretty laid back sort of person and will hopefully make a few friends. Do people tend to stick to their own? That is to say Brits stick with Brits etc etc.
4) Dating - I have read on some sites that this is frowned upon and can mean the local Omani people loose respect for you. I wouldn't want to offend but am not a hermit!
5) Banking - I noticed in the UAE @ Dubai airport mostly, HSBC adverts everywhere, are they the recommended for expats working and living in the ME?
6) Saving money - I guess this is the biggest issue for me. I want tocome over, work and save money, simple fact. Can anyone give me an idea of what percentage of my salary I can expect to save? I don't have any expensive tastes or habits (that being said I've not been let loose in the gold souqs yet!).
7) What to pack? I am being provided with single accomodation, I'd hate to get rid of stuff here only to have to buy it over there - defeats the purpose! Is shipping stuff over worth it e.g flat screen telly, kitchen utensils etc
Thank you all for your help in advance.
about to land...
posted by jo peter in Oman forum
You are curious, Right..and many questions around you... .
I am not sure if my answers are gonna help you, in fact i have lived in many countries and i find Oman is much easier, and safer, compared to some african countries....eg South africa, congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya....Nigeria...the big scene..
Let me put things in order, so that you can find them appropriate.. I am Joe from every where...Sri Lankan, Born Indian, grew up in France all my teens and and mind 20 ees, left to Africa, for 8 years, But still no many can figure my age...well, that he secret of the story....
I found Oman is very nice and welcoming..no doubt, but in questions of Finance it is a bit expensive...for sure..but no one tries to grab you money, as it happens in Africa..I am sorry it happens every where, but here you can feel safe, Getting contact in Oman is the biggest deal, when you find your circle....then things will be on the flow....
I can recommend you to stick with some Female friends and i think that could be the best way to get into the rythum, of oman....
..bec her you really dont find women getting out ...yes some do for sure...but you have to stay connected to them ...how to find a lead...few contact...like couch surfing, face, social sites ect... into your questions and answers...
1) Clothing - This is mostly one amoung the biggest concern for omanies.In fact i never came across many I could say, just be very modest and just...no too much of every thing is good, if you are completely closed then you cannot get many links or contacts, but when you are too open some may take advantage...
2) Alcohol - its a hectic scene, alcohol, they say its not fair to drink ect....but i can say 80 % of locals whom ....I have seen they drink...so, the same here, just be discreet and you will get to know about it, grab few wine bottles when you come..you can have them for a month at least...
3) Social life- get in touch with fine open minded women and they can lead you the way...
4) Dating - Omanis generally keep to themselves and allow you to live as you'd like. I think you have not chossen the right place. why not....any thing could happen at any time...
5) Banking - HSBC, CITI, Brakleys ect..all inter national banks are present....
6) Saving money - you have harly save 500 - 600 RO a month, that is what I do, but it depends of your standars...too...
7) Packing - Depends if your employer is providing you a place to stay or paying you the accomadation..Make sure you bring your medi care kit, as in the beginning you might not have get along with the dust and climate...so preferable your stomach concerned medecines ect...probabily if you have to get your eye belongings...yes bec they are very very expensive..... I hope that helps. If you are intrested in getting...more women comments..then I can leave you some... then it all depends the way you move through...
Take care -
Joe....
Arriving in Oman January
posted by Matthew Herbst in Oman forum
Hi....Hopefully some of you are still in the country :) Thanks for the tips and advice! Love to meet any of you especially Susan (you're hilarious - loved the souq comment hahhaha). Regards
hi
posted by Deleted user in Oman forum
we come in oman aim in muscat if you need my help you can send to me more infromation via my email ,[...]
don't worry
posted by Deleted user in Oman forum
wellcome to oman
whene arrive oman don't worri it's free countree
i can hellpe u if u wanet
i'm from muscat
Many things..
posted by Kyle McGee in Oman forum
Looks like you have many questions.. I'll try to help. First, let me say that I am a 42 year old, single male in Oman and I had some of the same concerns as you. I've been here 1 1/2 years now and hopefully I'll be able to help.. Regarding your questions:
1) Clothing - This is mostly a concern for locals. While I would not recommend walking around in a bikini, I would say that business casual dress is generally fine in public (out for the night). Around town, jeans and a normal shirt will be fine. Your work may gave specific requirements. Obviously, don't show too much cleavage. ;)
2) Alcohol - You can either go to an expensive hotel for alcohol or you can get your own license. This is easy enough assuming your employer is fine with it. There are also a few (maybe 4-5) restaurants / bars that are separate from hotels that you can go to as well. The license is a passport like item you get from the local police that allows you a certain amount of liquor a month (OR 50 or whatever).
3) Social life- You will find some places are more friendly than others. I have met lots of folks here though many are through work. There is also an internations group here that meets once a month. This group is only for expats who'd like to meet someone.
4) Dating - Dating Omani men is generally frowned upon, yes. They can't marry outside of their religion and generally have a wife set up for them anyways (whether they'll admit it or not). Of course foreign men are available. As you might guess, just observe conservative rules of public displays of affection. It's not a big deal. Omanis generally keep to themselves and allow you to live as you'd like.
5) Banking - Yes, they do have a HSBC, but they have very few locations for ATMs. You are better off with a Bank Muscat account as they have ATMs everywhere and you will save lots in fees. They do not pay interest however, but you can send money home to get some interest if you'd like.
6) Saving money - I generally save over half my Salary a month. Of course this depends a lot on you and your salary. I spend 6-700 RO a month (at most) and I rent a car (yes, you will NEED a car) and pay for my apartment).
7) What to pack? - You might want to ask your employer what they will be providing. Most employers will give furnished places, but even if they don't furniture, TVs, etc are all available for reasonable prices. I would bring clothes you like - perhaps those you will need for work. Clothing can be expensive. Shipping TVs and big things would probably not be worth it. Bring a laptop, a phone, etc. All electronics are generally available, but they can be expensive here. So, I brought a phone and my computer. The rest I bought locally.
I hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any more questions. It may be better for you to direct message me. When are you supposed to arrive?
Take care -
Kyle
hii
posted by mero mohamed in Oman forum
you should not be worried of any of these, Oman is an amazing country, you can wear whatever you want, you can get a liquer licence and so buy any liquers you want from stores or even you can get it from the airport,
the weather is relatively hot but the beaches and nature are amazing here, omani peolpe are having good hospitality and respect to other nationalities and they are really kind, also you can save some money, depends on yur salary and your expenses and also you dont need to pack much stuff, you can buy whatever you want from here and the prices are not expensive or may be you can go to one of the garage sales and get whatever you are missing.
i am not Omani, but i was here for the past 3 yrs and really enjoy ithi dear
posted by Deleted user in Oman forum
i am in oman now and want to help you so tell me more about you and specillay ask me which kind of job you wanna do here