Job Discussion Forums

[Charybdis]

Thanks for the information about prices. Seems consistent with what I've been told (about $350/mo). Has anyone done better than that and is there a reputable dealer to rent from in Nizwa?

[veiledsentiments]

Another useful piece of paper to bring along with a current driver's license that runs a year or more, is a "no-claims" letter from an insurance company. It will cut your insurance premiums by a large amount if you buy.

VS

[natureguy]

In Sohar (the price may vary slightly from one town to the next but should be in the same ballpark), a car rental will cost RO 140--160 ($365--416)) for an economy car such as a Toyota Yaris. Many of the car dealers offer rentals as well as some international car hire agencies. One might want to check in Muscat as the cost may be slightly lower since there is more competition among dealers.


You can drive legally with your country (or USA--State) driving license as long as you are still in the country on a tourist visa. Once your sponsor has completed your work visa (good for 2 years) you will be required to get an Omani driving license. It is important to get the Omani driving license ASAP once the work visa has been processed as the auto
rental insurance will no longer cover you in case of an accident.

[Mojoski]

[natureguy]

Hi Mojoski,

CFBT and Hawthorne, the agencies who hire for the Colleges of Applied Sciences, both bring new hires in on a tourist visa (obtained by the individual on arrival at the airport in Muscat) handle work visa) and then process the work visa. The sponsor will take your passport while the work visa is being processed in Muscat. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.

Other recruiting organizations and private colleges may handle it differently but most official matters in the Gulf happen very slowly so be prepared to wait it out. Visa runs across the border aren't necessary as the sponsor will/should automatically renew your tourist visa while the work visa processing is taking place. Just be sure to note the date you arrive in Oman and remind your sponsor when it is time for the visa to be renewed. While this is clearly the recruiter's/employers job, it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution as it's you that will be in violation if something comes up.

I mention this because I had an accident while driving a rental car during the period of time that my work visa was being processed and the insurance company initially refused to pay for the damage (ouch!). Thank goodness Hawthorne (my sponsor) was actually on top of that one and had renewed my tourist visa which made me legal as I was still driving on my US driver's license. I just want other new teachers to be aware of Oman's laws while driving on a foreign driving license. The law is also very specific about having an Omani driving license once the work visa has been stamped into one's passport.

Hope this helps and prevents some stress for new hires.

[natureguy]

Sorry, just read my last post and am not sure it was absolutely clear regarding obtaining an Omani driving license.

It is a bit of a catch-22 since an individual cannot obtain an Omani driving license until the work visa has been processed. Since you may have rented a car soon after arrival based on your tourist visa and foreign country license, it is imperative to keep track (via your sponsor) of the work visa process, dates etc. Just be aware and try to expedite the Omani license with your sponsor/employer as it is necessary for them to supply you with a letter for the Royal Oman Police in order to obtain the Omani driving license.

Some rental agencies do not make new clients aware of this catch-22, and, once again, you will be the one to suffer in case of an accident.

[sliderama]

I was renting a car in Salalah for 150 OMR a month which roughly equates to the $375 mentioned. But I bought a used car after a three months as I figured it was a waste of money to rent for more than one year.

[veiledsentiments]

[xolotl]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for quite some time now. I may be moving to Nizwa in the near future and I must say that I've been really encouraged by the posts here.

A quick question for those of you who live in Nizwa and/or Muscat: what are your thoughts on buying/renting a scooter or motorcycle to get around, in lieu of a car? Is the traffic in general just too crazy to entertain such a possibility?

[jdl]

There is quite a serious biking community in Oman so a motorcycle is a good way to go. Can't beat the weather!!!!! The friendships are great and not of the esl instructor variety so you will get a social break. Check out Bikersoman Motorcycle Club or any of the dealerships in Muscat (HD, Honda, Yamaha, BMW)

http://www.sjsoman.com/bikersoman/aboutus.htm

In my opinion Oman has some of the best riding in the world and definitely the best roads! Nizwa is right in the middle of it! I had my Harley for 3 years, put on 25,000 km and saw most of Oman on it. What an experience. Go for it!

Two friends of mine have dual purpose bikes..off/on road and that may be a better way to go if you want to do some wadis and desert. Although I have driven the Harley through Wadi Tyeen (50 km or so) I would not recommend it except for the lark.

Driving a bike in Oman I found to be no more dangerous than driving in North America(perhaps less). The roads are in better condition and often divided and if you have experienced LA, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, San Antonio, Houston, Miami or any other large city, Muscat is a piece of cake. Nizwa is no problem.....been there, done that and am living to tell about it.

"Live to ride, ride to live". Anyone can rent/buy a Rio to get around in.....if you want to experience Oman get a bike or a 4x4 pickup.