Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping
Tipping (Bakhshish) is customary in Oman, but not as expected as in some other countries:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10% (service charge often already included) |
| Hotel room cleaning | 0.5–1 OMR per day |
| Taxi driver | Round up (e.g., 3.5 → 4 OMR) |
| Tour guide (full day) | 5–10 OMR |
| Desert guide/driver | 5–10 OMR |
| Dhow boatman | 2–5 OMR |
| Hotel porter | 0.5–1 OMR per piece of luggage |
Etiquette — Do's & Don'ts
- Greeting: Place your right hand on your heart and say "As-Salamu Alaykum" — always well received
- Photography: Always ask people (especially women) before photographing! Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, and oil facilities
- Left hand: Eat and greet with the right hand. The left is considered unclean
- Soles of feet: Do not point them at others — considered offensive
- Sultan & Royal Family: Always speak respectfully. Criticism is punishable and socially taboo
- Hospitality: If offered coffee or tea, accept at least one cup. Refusal is impolite
- Shoes: Remove them in mosques and private homes
- Alcohol: Only in licensed hotels and restaurants. Never in public. Being drunk in public is punishable
- Couples: Avoid public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) in public. Holding hands is acceptable for married couples
- Ramadan: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day (even as a non-Muslim)
What Omanis Appreciate About Tourists
- If you speak a few words of Arabic — even a clumsy "Shukran" brings a smile
- If you show interest in their culture and ask questions
- If you praise their country — "Oman jamil wajid!" (Oman is very beautiful) is the key to every heart
- If you mention Sultan Qaboos with respect
- If you dress appropriately — it shows respect for their values
What Irritates Omanis
- Photographing without asking
- Equating Oman with "the Emirates" — Omanis are proud of their independence
- Excessive haggling in the souk (fair trading, not trying to take advantage)
- Comparisons with Dubai (Oman sees itself as a deliberate contrast)
- Disregarding the dress code in mosques or conservative areas
