Cars are the most popular mode of transport in Oman. Extremely low petrol prices and long distances unserviced by rail have contributed to Oman’s love of automobiles.
As of 2015, expats are only allowed to import one car per year and should hold an Omani residence card. Lefthand-drive vehicles are not allowed to be imported into the country under any circumstances.
Here is a list of all the required forms and steps that have to be taken to register your imported car:
Registration can be done during office hours, and the entire process will be finished during that time. Expats will immediately receive their permit for the vehicle. Payment in cash is not permitted; only by credit card. More information and a table of fees can be found here .
Renting a car in Oman is very common, with some expats even opting to rent a car long-term. The best option is to rent a car at one of the airports. Oman Air, which is located 32 km from the city of Muscat in the Seeb district, has a lot of rental options. Renting a car at one of the airports is also safer than renting one from a local town dealership, as they always provide insurance and most of them work internationally.
While driving in Oman, it is smart to always know where you need to go. Missing a turn or an exit can cost you a lot of time since the distances are so great. If you do not have access to the internet or a GPS, then make sure that you bring a paper map with you. And don’t be afraid to ask for directions!