7 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Oman

5. Slow down for some coffee and dates.

Take a break from browsing the souq or after trekking the rugged slopes of the Jebel Shams and relax with a cup of Omani coffee. The coffee is excellent here and is usually accompanied with dates. It is traditionally served in small handle-less cups and flavored with spices, rather than milk or sugar. If offered coffee by an Omani, it is polite to accept at least one cup to respect the hospitality offered. Expect a taste on the bitter side -- cloves and other spices are usually added -- but the dates provide a balancing sweetness. Fortunately, dates are easily purchased at souqs, grocery stores, and roadside stands alike. The souq in Nizwa, Oman’s second largest city, even includes a substantial section just for dates.

6. Expect it to be a dry trip.

We mean dry in both senses. There’s a very dry climate, and alcohol is difficult to come by, too. Outside of Muscat and some beachside resorts, alcohol is not frequently sold, and if it is, it’s expensive. There are, of course, no local brews, so the selection is limited to more mass-produced international brands, such as Heineken. You can use this to your benefit and make your trip to Oman a relaxing alcohol detox.

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