Job Discussion Forums

[apollolight]

Hi

I've just been offered the following job offer in Sohar:

Basic salary: 885 O.R. per month
Accommodation Allowance 250 0.R. per month
Transport allowance; 80 0.R. per month
Scarcity allowance: 75 O.R. per month

I would like to come to Oman to have an interesting life experience but also to save money while I am there. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if this job offer will allow me to do so and still have a reasonably decent lifestyle. I am not into shopping/designer clothes, expensive restaurants etc so I can live quite simply.

I currently don't drive or hold a license but I am thinking that I may try and obtain one before I arrive in Oman. I will be in the U.S. in January so I was thinking of getting a driving license while I am there. Would a driving license from the U.S. be considered valid in Oman? If I can't get a license will it be possible for me to live in Sohar without a car?

Also, if I take up the offer I will have to find an apartment. Does anyone know if it is possible to get furnished apartments in Sohar and how much they may cost? I would like to live somewhere relatively near the coast - maybe near the old souk?

The job won't start until February so any information about all this would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

[Mushakil]

I have lived in Sohar, it is quite remote so I think a car is really important.
Unless you want to spend most of your time in your flat.

They do accept U.S. licenses there, but get an international one from AAA for like $20.

You could always rent a car for a month or a weekend too.

[StampLover]

Don't waste your time and money getting an international driving license.

With an American one, you just pay 20 OMR and they will transfer it and give you an Omani one.

[WiseSheikh]

[Geronimo]

It should be possible for you to save a significant proportion of your salary whilst you reside in Sohar, apollolight .
However, I found that a fair amount of my savings evaporate during the long summer vacations...

I've known people who've lived in Sohar without a car
-and I've given them lifts! The majority of teachers opted for their own vehicle, though.
S-o-h-a-r is stretched out. It must be at least 20 km from the archway on the Muscat side to the Sohar Crowne Plaza Hotel.
So, whilst taxis are cheap enough,
most opt for their own set of wheels -saloon or 4WD.

Most apartments were unfurnished. There were affordable ones down by the Corniche, not far from the fort.

BTW, the Sohar Music Festival website has been updated...
www.soharmusicfestival.com

Another SMF could be on the way in 2012!

You might want to check out the 2009 "Sohar Source" newsletter before you arrive in Sohar, too.
It is still available at:-
http://soharsource.wikispaces.com/

Geronimo