Job Discussion Forums

[Biz Girl]

Hi

I've been an avid follower of these forums for some time and now that I'm moving to Oman in January have got a few questions about what's available in terms of services and things to do. Sadly I won't be in Muscat but about 100 km away, so not too far, I hope, for weekend trips.

* Can anyone recommend a good hairdresser in Muscat for regular trims and highlights?

* Are SKII, Clarins and Clinique available widely in Oman? The website shows SKII is only available in Dubai, which I believe is a 5 hour drive or thereabouts from my location. Do teachers sometimes get together for shopping drives across the border?

* What are the sports facilities in smaller cities? Is it OK to go swimming in the ocean any time? Are there expat or local badminton or volleyball teams? I like to keep active and want to settle into a regular routine asap after arrival.

* Should I stock up on feminine hygiene products at home or are they widely available in local stores? My searches have turned up zero on this front.

Many thanks for any advice, from guys and girls. If there are any other tidbits you have to offer, yes please!

Biz Girl

[grahamb]

I searched Google using the words "muscat +ex-pat" and found a number of relevant web sites. You could try this one for a start:

http://www.expatwoman.com/oman/

Oman is a developing country, but it's by no means in the stone age. There are hairdressers a-plenty in Muscat. Ask for a recommendation when you arrive. There are numerous shopping centres which sell all the usual girly products, including (gasp!) feminine hygiene products. Going to Dubai is not necessary for everyday shopping purposes.

Certain medicines which can be bought over the counter in your own country are more strictly controlled, or even unavailable, in Oman. Painkillers containing codeine are one example.

Sports facilities are limited outside the bigger cities.

Swimming in the sea is, as far as I am aware, generally safe. If you find yourself in Salalah during the Khareef (Monsoon) season, however, you should not swim in the sea.

Oman is an Islamic country, so leave the tight jeans and skimpy t-shirts at home, and don't even consider topless sunbathing.

[jm2505]

Most things are readily available (especially deodorants, tampons etc) -

Supermarkets, especially Carrerfour, plus malls such as Muscat City Centre Seeb, (there is an M&S and a few other UK brands such as Monsoon) can supply most stuff.

No idea about hairdressers but I don't think you will have any problem finding one (I do my own).

You can swim in the sea, but be prepared to be stared at!

HOWEVER, I do recommend a good dentist (no I'm not married to him) - Dr Peter Vlot (he is Dutch) at Qrum Medical Centre. Not the cheapest around but he really is excellent. To be found at: http://www.qurummedicalcentre.com

Wait till you get here, sort out your transport arrangements, your exact location & get a map first.

I have found that in Oman, businesses are not hot on internet marketing. There is a lot here , but you often find out things by word of mouth.

[nomad soul]

It would help to know which city you'll be in. But basically, if you have favorite brands like Clinique and Clarins as well as those for personal products, bring a year's worth from home. You can find basic feminine products in the major supermarkets; however, the quality won't be up to snuff and the supplies may be inconsistent.

[Geronimo]

A couple of useful links for new arrivals in Oman...

http://www.businessdirectoryoman.com/ and

http://theweek.co.om/ with its classified ads towards the end.

Geronimo

[Biz Girl]

Hi

Thanks to everyone who replied.

grahamb - I'll be sure to ask around for recommendations. Of course they will have some products but I was a bit surprised by how difficult it was to buy them in other, so-called developed countries, hence my worry. Am sure I will be OK.

jm2505 - Thanks for the dentist recommendation, always appreciated. The swimming bit, yes, will wait to see what happens and follow other teachers' leads.

nomad soul - I agree it seems like a good idea to bring enough with me to last til summer at least and then stock up again at home.

Geronimo - Thanks for the links, will have a look at them in a mo.

Biz Girl

[Sleepwalker]

Clinique, Clarins, female products readily available in many shops throughout Muscat.

Hairdressers Lucy's Beauty Salon (24571757)

Other information https://www.facebook.com/Muscatwherecanifind?fref=ts

[Biz Girl]

Thank for the info, Sleepwalker.