Oman stands out as one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world, inviting travelers to explore its stunning landscapes and rich culture with confidence. To ensure a smooth and memorable visit, understanding Omani cultural norms, safety practices, and practical travel tips is essential.

Safety in Oman: Tranquility Meets Vigilance

Oman consistently ranks among the safest countries globally, with a low crime rate and a reputation for hospitality. Travelers can enjoy peaceful streets and warm local interactions, but basic caution is advised. Keep valuables secure when leaving them in vehicles or on beaches, and avoid driving at night in rural areas to stay safe. Roads in Oman are well-maintained, and respecting traffic rules, especially roundabouts, ensures a smooth journey. Downloading offline maps ahead of time aids navigation across the country’s breathtaking vistas.

According to the Global Peace Index, Oman is among the top 10 safest countries worldwide, further reinforcing its appeal as a worry-free travel destination.

Mastering the Omani Rial: Currency Confidence

The Omani Rial (OMR) ranks as one of the strongest currencies globally, outranking even the Euro and British Pound. Divided into 1000 Baisa, currency notes range from OMR 1 to OMR 50, with smaller denominations like 100 and 500 Baisa used for minor purchases. While coins are common, smaller denominations like 5 and 10 Baisa may not be widely accepted.

Cash remains king in many markets, though credit and debit cards—particularly Visa and Mastercard—are accepted in hotels, malls, and major stores. ATMs are plentiful in urban areas, airports, and gas stations, offering convenience to visitors. Travelers are advised to install a currency converter app that works offline to facilitate seamless purchases.

A Guide to Omani Etiquette: Respect and Warmth

Omanis are known for their generosity and hospitality. Showing respect to local customs enhances the travel experience and fosters meaningful connections. Visitors should dress modestly, avoiding revealing attire, especially in religious places and during Ramadan. While women aren’t required to wear headscarves outside mosques, modest clothing is appreciated.

Photography is another important cultural consideration. Always ask permission before photographing locals, and avoid sensitive sites like government buildings and airport areas. Recreational drones are prohibited to protect security.

Simple gestures such as greeting with “Salam” (peace) open doors to friendliness and trust. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, so maintaining respectful behavior is key to a harmonious visit.

Shopping Smarts: VAT Refunds for Tourists

Oman offers an attractive value-added tax (VAT) refund scheme for tourists spending over OMR 25 on qualified goods purchased within the past three months. Items like cigarettes, food, beverages, and fuel are excluded from refunds. Tourists residing outside the GCC and staying less than three months are eligible.

Refunds can be claimed at airports, land borders, and ferry terminals before departure. For purchases above OMR 500, the Oman Tax Authority’s website allows online refund applications, while the Oman Tax Refund App streamlines the process. Packing purchases in carry-on or checked luggage and collecting all tax receipts ensures a hassle-free claim.

Essential Contact Numbers and Practical Tips

• For emergencies, dial 9999.
• Need a taxi in Muscat? Call +968 9914 3222 or use apps like Marhaba and Oman Taxi.
• Keep in mind the working week runs Sunday through Thursday; embassies and consulates often close or operate reduced hours during Ramadan.

This preparedness guarantees peace of mind and swift assistance when needed.

Customs Declaration: Know the Rules

Travelers leaving Oman must declare any cash, currency, or negotiable instruments exceeding OMR 6,000 (about $15,582). This declaration complies with Omani customs and ensures transparency in financial transactions.  For inquiries, visit https://customs.gov.om or call +968 8008 0022.

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Air Cambodia is poised to expand its fleet with up to 20 Chinese-made C909 regional jets, marking Cambodia’s entry into a growing roster of Southeast Asian customers for China’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer, COMAC. The move was confirmed through a memorandum of understanding signed on Tuesday in China, guaranteeing 10 firm orders with an option to acquire 10 more.

COMAC, aiming to challenge aviation giants Airbus and Boeing, is developing commercial jets to increase its global footprint. While its larger narrow-body jet, the C919, competes with popular models like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, it remains operated exclusively by Chinese airlines. Conversely, the smaller C909 regional jet has gained traction in Southeast Asia, already in service with carriers in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos, and with orders placed by an airline in Brunei.

Recently, Lao Airlines received its second C909 and began cross-border flights to Bangkok, signaling successful regional deployment. COMAC has also shown interest in expanding its influence by proposing a majority stake acquisition in Laos’ national carrier, which is facing debt challenges.

Cambodia maintains strong ties with China, underscored by King Norodom Sihamoni’s attendance at China’s largest-ever military parade last week. COMAC emphasized that it will work closely with Air Cambodia on aircraft delivery, operational support, and industry development as part of the partnership.

The C909, formerly known as the ARJ21, seats up to 90 passengers and represents China’s first jet-powered commercial plane to reach production, having entered service in 2016. Details on the delivery timeline of the jets to Air Cambodia have yet to be announced.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a renewed safety alert warning airlines about the ongoing risks posed by lithium batteries carried onboard by passengers and crew. These batteries, found in common devices such as cell phones, laptops, portable power banks, e-cigarettes, and hearing aids, carry the potential to malfunction and ignite fires through a phenomenon known as "thermal runaway."

According to the FAA, lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins or inside carry-on bags are particularly hazardous because they can be hidden, hard to access, and difficult to monitor. This obscurity can delay the detection of overheating or fire, increasing danger during flight. The alert warns that firefighting efforts may also be hampered if the battery is not easily reachable.

The warning follows a recent on-camera demonstration for CNN by the FAA, showing how quickly a thermal runaway in a battery power pack stowed in a seat-back pocket can erupt, showering sparks and igniting flames. While Halon fire extinguishers can temporarily suppress flames, they do not stop the dangerous runaway reaction, which requires large volumes of water to cool and extinguish effectively.

Through August 2025, the FAA has documented 50 verified incidents involving battery-related fires or malfunctions on aircraft, highlighting the persistent nature of this threat. Airlines are urged to rethink how lithium batteries are stored, especially discouraging their placement in areas that are not visible or easy to reach during the flight, such as overhead bins or packed carry-on compartments.

Among major U.S. carriers, Southwest Airlines stands out for its policy requiring portable chargers and power banks to remain in plain sight when in use onboard to help mitigate risks.

Passenger safety guidelines continue to prohibit spare lithium batteries in checked luggage altogether, signaling the FAA's commitment to reducing fire hazards linked to these powerful but potentially dangerous power sources.
As air travel grows busier and device use more prevalent, this FAA safety alert serves as a crucial reminder for airlines and passengers alike to remain vigilant about the risks of lithium batteries in the skies.

Air India Express has announced special support measures for passengers traveling to or from Nepal amid escalating protests triggered by a social media ban and corruption concerns. Passengers with bookings until September 17, 2025, can reschedule their trips free of charge or cancel to receive a full refund. This initiative aims to ensure passenger safety and convenience during the ongoing unrest in Kathmandu and other major Nepalese cities.

The airline’s spokesperson stated that affected travelers can access this support easily through Air India Express’s AI-powered chat assistant, Tia, available on the airline’s website, WhatsApp, and mobile app by typing "NepalTravel." The airline confirmed that operations to and from Nepal remain unaffected beyond September 17 but emphasized monitoring the situation closely.

The protests began on September 8 after the Nepalese government imposed a ban on more than 20 major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity reasons. Protests quickly escalated, with demonstrators demanding an end to institutionalized corruption, favoritism, and insisting on more accountable governance. At least 19 people were killed and 500 injured in violent clashes between security forces and protestors, prompting curfews in several cities, including Kathmandu.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid growing unrest, and Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily closed due to security concerns before reopening after 24 hours. The airport closure led to cancellations of flights by multiple Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Airlines have since resumed operations, with added flights to assist stranded passengers.

The social media ban was later lifted, but protests continued as broader calls for political reforms and transparency intensified. The crisis remains a significant challenge to Nepal’s political stability and highlights the deep frustrations among its youth and citizens over corruption and governance issues.

Starting in January 2026, American Airlines will offer complimentary inflight Wi-Fi on approximately 90% of its fleet, making it the largest domestic carrier in the U.S. to provide free internet access on more planes than any other airline. This service will be available exclusively to members of its AAdvantage loyalty program, which is free to join. The move comes as part of a partnership with telecommunications giant AT&T, which will sponsor the Wi-Fi service.

The complimentary Wi-Fi will be offered on aircraft equipped with high-speed satellite systems from Viasat and Intelsat. American Airlines has already tested the free Wi-Fi on select routes, with performance exceeding expectations. The airline is also upgrading over 500 regional aircraft to satellite-based high-speed connectivity by the end of 2025 to ensure widespread access when the service launches.

Before this change, passengers paid for Wi-Fi access with prices ranging from $10 for a single flight to monthly or yearly passes. Now, loyalty members will get this benefit at no extra cost, which will enhance connectivity for work, communication, social media, and entertainment during flights. However, some older wide-body jets using different satellite technology may not have the free Wi-Fi feature, and passengers on those flights might still need to pay for internet access.

This rollout follows similar offerings by other U.S. airlines, like Delta, which introduced free Wi-Fi for frequent flyers in 2023, and United, which is partnering with Starlink for future connectivity upgrades. JetBlue has offered free inflight Wi-Fi for years.

Heather Garboden, American Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer, said, “Our customers greatly value staying connected while in the air, whether communicating with friends, getting work done, checking in on social media, or streaming their favorite subscription services. We’re proud to offer those services at no cost to our most loyal customers.”

The partnership between American Airlines and AT&T highlights a trend in the aviation industry toward improving passenger experience through enhanced digital connectivity, aiming to make flights more enjoyable and productive.

A viral video from Nepal has captured senior government officials clinging to ropes tied to an emergency military helicopter as they made a desperate escape from an enraged mob of protesters. The extraordinary footage powerfully illustrates the country’s escalating political crisis and social unrest. The officials, accused by crowds of entrenched corruption, mismanagement, and nepotism, were unable to make their way through the throngs demanding accountability, forcing them to hang from the helicopter’s rescue slings as it lifted off.

The demonstrations erupted following a government ban on 26 social media platforms, which fueled widespread anger among mainly young protesters—often referred to as the Generation Z protests—who were already frustrated by soaring inflation, lack of job opportunities, and the flaunting of wealth by politicians’ families. The protests quickly escalated into violent confrontations, with government buildings vandalized and homes of officials targeted. The massive unrest led to Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and several ministers resigning and fleeing the country.

The political crisis has deep roots, with many Nepalis disillusioned by years of instability; since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal has seen frequent government changes and struggles with corruption and economic hardship. The pro-monarchy movement has grown alongside these protests, with demands to restore the Hindu kingdom as an alternative to the current federal republic system.

In response to the chaos, the military was deployed to restore order, patrolling Kathmandu and enforcing curfews amid rising death tolls and injuries. The helicopter evacuations of officials and their families symbolize the desperation of a political elite trying to evade public outrage and justice. The turmoil marks Nepal’s worst unrest in decades and underscores significant challenges in governance, economic development, and political stability.

The protests and government upheaval have drawn international attention, with regional powers like India and China closely monitoring the situation given Nepal’s strategic importance.

This shocking episode reflects deep-seated grievances among Nepal’s youth and citizens, whose demands for transparency, accountability, and change continue to shape the nation’s turbulent political landscape.