Job Discussion Forums

barmadu · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Posts: 43

Hi there, is there any truth to some of the posts here that say there are no alcohol vendors outside of Muscat? Can beer be found in Salalah?

Another question, how much do flats go for in Salalah? Can furniture be found cheaply? Do teachers/expats have fire sales when they are leaving?

Any info would be great.
Thanks

manoflettersk466 · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 22

Oh Yes, there is booze in Salalah. I shopped regularly at least 3 outlets that I recall. Prices are great, and the selection is, well, interesting. If you are after beer specifically, they usually carry around 10 different types, mostly from Europe. I paid roughly 1/3 the price for a bottle of Vodka or Gin than I would have done here in Canada. But please NEVER drink or even smell of booze in public. no no no no.
oh yes...you will need the PERMIT to buy booze....or hook up with another teacher who has one.........
I think flats (semi-furnished) should run you around 80 - 120/month.
There are lots of shops to buy cheap furniture in. Yes teachers often sell things.

barmadu · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Posts: 43

Thanks for that!!! Sounds fine. How much does beer cost? Just curious.

abufletcher · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:06 pm Post subject:

One thing I learned from 12 years in the Gulf. It is possible to have a full and satisfying life without alcohol. Most Omanis seem to get by just fine without.

manoflettersk466 · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 22

Very true words of wisdom.....then again, they get to have 4 wives, no taxes, and they can chew qat occasionally...........

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Well... nowadays few can afford 4 wives. My students whose father had more than one were quite adament that they thought one was enough. Laughing

I have never heard of Omanis using qat, but I suppose that it may show up around the borders with Yemen.

And... perish the thought... there has even been discussion of taxes!! Shocked

VS

barmadu · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Posts: 43

Thanks for the morality lesson regarding alcohol, I'll try and keep it in mind. That aside, does anyone know the price?
Thanks again

manoflettersk466 · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 22

Ironic isn't it ....that alcohol is one of the few Arabic words in the English Lexicon......and they have rejected it .... anyway I don't actually remember the price of beer, although it was cheaper than I would pay in Canada ... there was usually a brand or two on sale as well at very good prices....watch out for the older red wines though ...that desert conditions just doesn't respect the grape...

abufletcher · Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 1:52 pm Post subject:

abufletcher · Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 2:10 pm Post subject:

BTW, several years ago I was in Moscow at the same time there was an international Jehovah's Witness conference going on. There were more than 100 Jehovah's Witnesses staying at my hotel alone. What I found really fascinating was to to see The Jehovah's Witnesses from Spain buying big bottles of Vodka for their end of the week celebrations. I asked them about this (yes, I actually initiated a conversation with a Jehovah's Witness) and they said "it's fine as long as you don't pollute your body."

For the Russians though, my protestations that "Ya ne pyu" ("I don't drink") was as nonsensical as stating that "I don't breath." At one medical clinic I visited in Kamchatka the doctor said that over 90% of the medical problems she experienced were alcohol related.

Aliskander · Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 50

Be aware that many flats have increased their rents this year by quite a lot. If you have someone in the know you may still find a decent one at around 80. Al Sikeena (Haj Mohammed) are really good. Check that you can have a permanant contract rather than a Khareef contract other wise every year you and your furniture have to move out! Where you go no one cares!
Alcohol is available in Salalah although even most of the expat community don't drink like they used to. It is accepted but not as freely as in the North.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

carnac · Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:31 am Post subject:

abufletcher - "It is possible to have a full and satisfying life without alcohol. Most Omanis seem to get by just fine without." Not around Muscat, if the hotel bars are anything to go by. Packed with good Muslim Omanis swilling down the hootch and very happy. Not a "typical" Muslim country, but then, most folks seem to think that Saudi Arabia is the model. It's not. From my students (adult) when we are planning a beach party: "Teacher, can you bring wine?" They can't buy it from a store, only at a hotel bar. I never, never would do this - absolutely haram, could be arrested and deported for this. My housemaid scolded me for leaving a bottle of stuff visible through my window, saying that Omanis would break into my flat to steal alcohol. She knows, since she has seen it happen with other clients.
Agree with previous comment to never go out with alcohol on your breath, but this would apply everywhere, including the West, I would imagine. Shows poor taste and judgement.
OP was looking for prices: Dunno much about beer. But, it's all cheap. If it can be measured by this comparison, vodka runs maybe RO2.5/bottle; a good Muscadet is maybe RO4, where in the US the price would be at least double. So I would estimate at least half the price of what you may be used to. A carton of cigarettes which would these days be around $50-$60 is here RO6, about USD15.
Up to the user whether or not to commit slow, cheap suicide.
Very Happy

abufletcher · Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 7:51 am Post subject:

boundforsaudi · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 243

A case of 24 bottles of 330ml Stella Artois will run you 10 rials, but you have to have a license. You can buy up to 50 rials worth of liquor/month for two years by buying a 36 rial license. Or you can buy up to 100 rials worth/month on a 72 rial license. Cheers!