General advice
Arrival & Departure
Our tours do not include international flights. Guests are responsible for arranging their own airfare. Please ensure that your flight arrives in Muscat the day before the tour. Please check the flight times carefully as sometimes the flight departs on one day, but flies through the night and lands only the next day.
Landing on the starting day of the tour is risky. We do not recommend it as a full day of driving and visiting sites lies ahead of us.
However, if this is your choice of travel, please ensure to land at the airport well before 9:00 am to allow sufficient time for immigration and baggage claim. Guests arriving later than this, risk missing the scheduled departure at 09:00 am. In such cases, the itinerary may need to be shortened, or certain stops may be omitted without refund.
The same applies to the departure day. On the last day of the tour, you might not be back in the city before 6:00 pm. Please arrange for your departure the next day. Should you choose to depart on the last day of the tour, the itinerary may need to be shortened, or certain stops may be omitted without refund.
Good to Know Before You Travel to Oman
Pick-up point & Availability of Guide
Pick-up point is at the main participant's accommodation. Location has to be given prior to start of the tour. Your guide will be at your location at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Please make sure you are there on time as a courtesy to your guide.
Punctuality Matters
To ensure a smooth experience and allow enough time to visit all planned sights, we kindly ask all guests to be punctual. In the event of a late start caused by the guest, the itinerary may need to be adjusted. This could affect the timing of visits, access to certain sites, or even the possibility of completing all scheduled stops.
We appreciate your understanding that no refunds
can be offered in such cases.
If the delay exceeds one hour, The Local Lynx
reserves the right to cancel the tour without refund.
Cultural Respect & Etiquette
- Modesty
is important — both in dress and behavior. Public displays of affection should be avoided.
- Always ask before photographing
people, especially women.
- During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours should be avoided out of respect.
- Greetings
are warm and respectful — handshakes are common but wait for the other person to offer, especially across genders.
Dress Code in Oman
Out of respect for Omani culture and traditions, we kindly ask our guests to dress modestly during all tours. This means covering shoulders and knees for both men and women and avoiding tight or revealing clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are best for staying comfortable in the heat while being culturally appropriate.
For mosque visits, women are required to wear long sleeves, long trousers or a skirt, and a headscarf. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless shirts.
While wearing a bikini is perfectly fine at hotel beaches, please be aware that at natural sites like springs, wadis, and public beaches, modest swimwear is required:
women should wear leggings and a T-shirt so that shoulders and knees are covered.
Please note:
If guests arrive dressed in a way that does not meet these requirements and cannot be changed within a reasonable way and time, we reserve the right to cancel the tour without refund. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in showing respect to the local communities we visit.
Climate & Comfort
- Oman can be hot, especially inland and in the summer. Wear sun protection, stay hydrated, and bring light, breathable clothing.
- Evenings in the mountains and desert can be cool — bring a jacket.
- Comfortable closed shoes
are recommended for uneven terrain and fort visits.
Religious Sites
- When visiting mosques, follow the dress code and remove your shoes before entering. Women must cover their hair.
- Avoid loud talking and be respectful of people praying.
Laws & Local Norms
- Alcohol
is only available in licensed venues; public intoxication is illegal.
- Drugs
are strictly forbidden and carry severe penalties.
- Swearing, rude gestures, or arguing loudly in public can be seen as disrespectful or even punishable by law.
Cleanliness & Environment
- Oman is proud of its clean streets and natural beauty
— please don’t litter.
- If camping or visiting remote areas, always leave no trace.
Language & Hospitality
- Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourism.
- Omanis are known for their warm hospitality
— a smile goes a long way!
Money Matters
- The local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR). Credit cards are accepted in many places but carry some cash for small shops and remote areas.
- Tipping
is appreciated but not obligatory: 5–10% is a kind gesture.
