Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Apr 20th 2013, 4:31 am
#1
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Joined: Apr 2013
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 7
Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Kia Ora folks.
I am a New Zealand teacher and have been offered a job in Muscat Oman, which I am really keen to take up. The idea of living in this part of the world is really exciting for me, however, I have some questions about what it is like to live and work there. Any help and advice would be much appreciated.
Social life etc
Obviously as a "somewhat" young, single man I would like to know if there are options for me to socialize. Is going out for a couple drinks and stuff an acceptable thing to do? Are there bars? Cafes? Cinemas etc? Also, I am a keen sportsman, do you think there would be any problem in me looking to get involved with a local club for an activity to keep me interested in my spare time? I am a cricketer and a rugby player, is there any clubs you could recommend?
Transport
I understand that I will be transported to and from work. How easy is it to get around in my own time? Is public transport an option, or would you recommend buying a car?
Internet
Considering I will be so far away from home I would really like to be reassured that I could get decent quality internet connection for cheapish?
Also, anything else you think would be useful to know?
Thanks very much for your help everyone, it will be much appreciated.
I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
I am a New Zealand teacher and have been offered a job in Muscat Oman, which I am really keen to take up. The idea of living in this part of the world is really exciting for me, however, I have some questions about what it is like to live and work there. Any help and advice would be much appreciated.
Social life etc
Obviously as a "somewhat" young, single man I would like to know if there are options for me to socialize. Is going out for a couple drinks and stuff an acceptable thing to do? Are there bars? Cafes? Cinemas etc? Also, I am a keen sportsman, do you think there would be any problem in me looking to get involved with a local club for an activity to keep me interested in my spare time? I am a cricketer and a rugby player, is there any clubs you could recommend?
Transport
I understand that I will be transported to and from work. How easy is it to get around in my own time? Is public transport an option, or would you recommend buying a car?
Internet
Considering I will be so far away from home I would really like to be reassured that I could get decent quality internet connection for cheapish?
Also, anything else you think would be useful to know?
Thanks very much for your help everyone, it will be much appreciated.
I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Apr 20th 2013, 6:23 am
#2
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,578
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Sadly, you will have to put your sporting activities on hold. With ambient temperatures in the high 30degCs over six months a year and oppressive humidity, only indoor sports can be considered. As for an active social life, Dubai would be much better. Public transport is virtually non-existent. Good luck though.
Apr 20th 2013, 6:49 am
#3
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Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 7
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Sadly, you will have to put your sporting activities on hold. With ambient temperatures in the high 30degCs over six months a year and oppressive humidity, only indoor sports can be considered. As for an active social life, Dubai would be much better. Public transport is virtually non-existent. Good luck though.
Any idea on the quality of internet access in the city?
I have noticed a few cricket clubs around in Muscat that I am in contact with and I see they play from September through to March, so I'm still holding out hope
I'm not a huge party animal so I am more just wondering if it is "culturally acceptable" in Muscat to go out for a few drinks etc.
Apr 20th 2013, 7:18 am
#4
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,094
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Ignore mentaltits mate, he talks out of his arse 99% of the time
The weather is beautiful 8 months of the year. I never lived in muscat but I guarantee there will be cricket and rugby teams and yes you can go for a beer but it's expensive and nothing like you'd enjoy in NZ.
Muscat's a quiet but lovely place, somebody who lives there will be along to fill you in
Internet will be expensive and slower than you're used to but better than nowt
The weather is beautiful 8 months of the year. I never lived in muscat but I guarantee there will be cricket and rugby teams and yes you can go for a beer but it's expensive and nothing like you'd enjoy in NZ.
Muscat's a quiet but lovely place, somebody who lives there will be along to fill you in
Internet will be expensive and slower than you're used to but better than nowt
Apr 20th 2013, 7:28 am
#5
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,096
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Get yourself the indispensible Explorer guide for info on setting up
http://www.askexplorer.com/shop/inde...visitors-guide
Also they do an off road Oman one.
Muscat is a fantastic place. The local rugby club is Muscat Pirates. Lots of tournaments across the Middle East. I was speaking to a Kiwi last night who's playing Rugby League in Dubai next week so both formats catered for.
Good luck
http://www.askexplorer.com/shop/inde...visitors-guide
Also they do an off road Oman one.
Muscat is a fantastic place. The local rugby club is Muscat Pirates. Lots of tournaments across the Middle East. I was speaking to a Kiwi last night who's playing Rugby League in Dubai next week so both formats catered for.
Good luck
Apr 20th 2013, 7:30 am
#6
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Buraydah , Saudi Arabia
Posts: 2,863
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
I'm in Saudi so similar weather . I do badminton and running outside and it's okay . I'm imagining as a teacher you will have July and August as holiday so you probably wouldn't be there at the hottest time .
Apr 20th 2013, 7:56 am
#7
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 7
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Ignore mentaltits mate, he talks out of his arse 99% of the time
The weather is beautiful 8 months of the year. I never lived in muscat but I guarantee there will be cricket and rugby teams and yes you can go for a beer but it's expensive and nothing like you'd enjoy in NZ.
Muscat's a quiet but lovely place, somebody who lives there will be along to fill you in
Internet will be expensive and slower than you're used to but better than nowt
The weather is beautiful 8 months of the year. I never lived in muscat but I guarantee there will be cricket and rugby teams and yes you can go for a beer but it's expensive and nothing like you'd enjoy in NZ.
Muscat's a quiet but lovely place, somebody who lives there will be along to fill you in
Internet will be expensive and slower than you're used to but better than nowt
Also, Thanks for the heads up on mentalist
Apr 20th 2013, 7:58 am
#8
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 7
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Get yourself the indispensible Explorer guide for info on setting up
http://www.askexplorer.com/shop/inde...visitors-guide
Also they do an off road Oman one.
Muscat is a fantastic place. The local rugby club is Muscat Pirates. Lots of tournaments across the Middle East. I was speaking to a Kiwi last night who's playing Rugby League in Dubai next week so both formats catered for.
Good luck
http://www.askexplorer.com/shop/inde...visitors-guide
Also they do an off road Oman one.
Muscat is a fantastic place. The local rugby club is Muscat Pirates. Lots of tournaments across the Middle East. I was speaking to a Kiwi last night who's playing Rugby League in Dubai next week so both formats catered for.
Good luck
Apr 20th 2013, 7:59 am
#9
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 7
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Yeah that seems to be the time of year where the main break for schools happen. thanks for the post
Apr 20th 2013, 9:44 am
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: Al Sadd
Posts: 47
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
http://muscatrugby.com/
Link to Muscat rugby club for you. I'm sure there are cricket leagues etc. there too.
Link to Muscat rugby club for you. I'm sure there are cricket leagues etc. there too.
Apr 20th 2013, 12:51 pm
#12
womble
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,675
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Obviously as a "somewhat" young, single man I would like to know if there are options for me to socialize. Is going out for a couple drinks and stuff an acceptable thing to do?
YES. BUT DONT DRINK AND DRIVE. I HAD A TW*T REVERSE INTO ME ON THE MAIN ROAD RECENTLY AND MY INSURANCE GOT HIT AS HE CLAIMED IT WAS ME THAT DROVE INTO HIM. ANY SNIFF OF ALCOHOL AND IT IS AUTOMATIC CAR IMPOUND AND 72 HRS IN SLAMMER. GET AN OVERPRICED TAXI OR A LIFT.
Are there bars?
YES
Cafes?
HAHAHA - YES ABSOLUTELY. LOADS. BUT DO CHOOSE WHERE YOU LIVE CAREFULLY. IF YOU WANT TO PM WHERE THE SCHOOL IS AND WHAT YOUR HOUSING ALLOWANCE OR PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION IS FEEL FREE.
Cinemas etc?
YES - although most nudity is skipped as is swearing - although the rape scene in one of the Batman movies was kept in.
Also, I am a keen sportsman, do you think there would be any problem in me looking to get involved with a local club for an activity to keep me interested in my spare time? I am a cricketer and a rugby player, is there any clubs you could recommend?
YES - MUSCAT PIRATES, ALTHOUGH THE SEASON HAS JUST ENDED. 47 TODAY! DEG C!
I understand that I will be transported to and from work. How easy is it to get around in my own time? Is public transport an option, or would you recommend buying a car?
GET A CAR. PREFERABLY AS BIG AS YOU CAN AFFORD. OMAN HAS HIGHEST PER CAPITA DEATH RATES IN GCC, AND I THINK IS NO3 OR STUPID IN THE WORLD. CARS ARE BIG, THEY GO FAST, THEY TEXT/CALL/DO MAKEUP IN 3 TON STEEL MACHINES AT 160 KMPH. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE IN THE WAY OR YOU WILL GET VERY HURT. BUY BIG.
Considering I will be so far away from home I would really like to be reassured that I could get decent quality internet connection for cheapish?
RELATIVELY DECENT - YES. HIGH SPEED? NO. CHEAPISH? NO. AFFORDABLE, YES. GOOGLE NAWRAS OMAN AND OMANTEL FOR THEIR WEBSITES FOR RATES.
Also, anything else you think would be useful to know?
SIGN UP FOR A VPN BEFORE YOU LEAVE. KEEP YOU LOCAL BANK ACCOUNT BACK HOME.
SCHOOL SEASON IS NORTHERN HEMISPHERE TIMINGS. 2 MONTHS OFF JULY/AUGUST, 1-2 WEEKS AT DECEMBER, 2 WEEKS IN EASTER, PLUS ASSOCIATED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ASK IF YOU NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ELSE. SORRY ABOUT CAPS LOCK BUT I CANT BE ARSED TO SORT OUT FANCY FORMATTING
YES. BUT DONT DRINK AND DRIVE. I HAD A TW*T REVERSE INTO ME ON THE MAIN ROAD RECENTLY AND MY INSURANCE GOT HIT AS HE CLAIMED IT WAS ME THAT DROVE INTO HIM. ANY SNIFF OF ALCOHOL AND IT IS AUTOMATIC CAR IMPOUND AND 72 HRS IN SLAMMER. GET AN OVERPRICED TAXI OR A LIFT.
Are there bars?
YES
Cafes?
HAHAHA - YES ABSOLUTELY. LOADS. BUT DO CHOOSE WHERE YOU LIVE CAREFULLY. IF YOU WANT TO PM WHERE THE SCHOOL IS AND WHAT YOUR HOUSING ALLOWANCE OR PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION IS FEEL FREE.
Cinemas etc?
YES - although most nudity is skipped as is swearing - although the rape scene in one of the Batman movies was kept in.
Also, I am a keen sportsman, do you think there would be any problem in me looking to get involved with a local club for an activity to keep me interested in my spare time? I am a cricketer and a rugby player, is there any clubs you could recommend?
YES - MUSCAT PIRATES, ALTHOUGH THE SEASON HAS JUST ENDED. 47 TODAY! DEG C!
I understand that I will be transported to and from work. How easy is it to get around in my own time? Is public transport an option, or would you recommend buying a car?
GET A CAR. PREFERABLY AS BIG AS YOU CAN AFFORD. OMAN HAS HIGHEST PER CAPITA DEATH RATES IN GCC, AND I THINK IS NO3 OR STUPID IN THE WORLD. CARS ARE BIG, THEY GO FAST, THEY TEXT/CALL/DO MAKEUP IN 3 TON STEEL MACHINES AT 160 KMPH. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE IN THE WAY OR YOU WILL GET VERY HURT. BUY BIG.
Considering I will be so far away from home I would really like to be reassured that I could get decent quality internet connection for cheapish?
RELATIVELY DECENT - YES. HIGH SPEED? NO. CHEAPISH? NO. AFFORDABLE, YES. GOOGLE NAWRAS OMAN AND OMANTEL FOR THEIR WEBSITES FOR RATES.
Also, anything else you think would be useful to know?
SIGN UP FOR A VPN BEFORE YOU LEAVE. KEEP YOU LOCAL BANK ACCOUNT BACK HOME.
SCHOOL SEASON IS NORTHERN HEMISPHERE TIMINGS. 2 MONTHS OFF JULY/AUGUST, 1-2 WEEKS AT DECEMBER, 2 WEEKS IN EASTER, PLUS ASSOCIATED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ASK IF YOU NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ELSE. SORRY ABOUT CAPS LOCK BUT I CANT BE ARSED TO SORT OUT FANCY FORMATTING
Last edited by OriginalSunshine; Apr 20th 2013 at 12:54 pm.
Apr 20th 2013, 12:56 pm
#13
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2011
Location: Windscale....
Posts: 5,712
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
^^ No need to shout, but of all the GCC states, Oman is the one I'd go back to without any hesitation at all. I liked the people, the landscape and the laid back atmosphere. The only thing I didn't like was my boss, and, it goes without saying, he was a Brit....
Apr 20th 2013, 1:22 pm
#14
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 7
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
Obviously as a "somewhat" young, single man I would like to know if there are options for me to socialize. Is going out for a couple drinks and stuff an acceptable thing to do?
YES. BUT DONT DRINK AND DRIVE. I HAD A TW*T REVERSE INTO ME ON THE MAIN ROAD RECENTLY AND MY INSURANCE GOT HIT AS HE CLAIMED IT WAS ME THAT DROVE INTO HIM. ANY SNIFF OF ALCOHOL AND IT IS AUTOMATIC CAR IMPOUND AND 72 HRS IN SLAMMER. GET AN OVERPRICED TAXI OR A LIFT.
Are there bars?
YES
Cafes?
HAHAHA - YES ABSOLUTELY. LOADS. BUT DO CHOOSE WHERE YOU LIVE CAREFULLY. IF YOU WANT TO PM WHERE THE SCHOOL IS AND WHAT YOUR HOUSING ALLOWANCE OR PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION IS FEEL FREE.
Cinemas etc?
YES - although most nudity is skipped as is swearing - although the rape scene in one of the Batman movies was kept in.
Also, I am a keen sportsman, do you think there would be any problem in me looking to get involved with a local club for an activity to keep me interested in my spare time? I am a cricketer and a rugby player, is there any clubs you could recommend?
YES - MUSCAT PIRATES, ALTHOUGH THE SEASON HAS JUST ENDED. 47 TODAY! DEG C!
I understand that I will be transported to and from work. How easy is it to get around in my own time? Is public transport an option, or would you recommend buying a car?
GET A CAR. PREFERABLY AS BIG AS YOU CAN AFFORD. OMAN HAS HIGHEST PER CAPITA DEATH RATES IN GCC, AND I THINK IS NO3 OR STUPID IN THE WORLD. CARS ARE BIG, THEY GO FAST, THEY TEXT/CALL/DO MAKEUP IN 3 TON STEEL MACHINES AT 160 KMPH. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE IN THE WAY OR YOU WILL GET VERY HURT. BUY BIG.
Considering I will be so far away from home I would really like to be reassured that I could get decent quality internet connection for cheapish?
RELATIVELY DECENT - YES. HIGH SPEED? NO. CHEAPISH? NO. AFFORDABLE, YES. GOOGLE NAWRAS OMAN AND OMANTEL FOR THEIR WEBSITES FOR RATES.
Also, anything else you think would be useful to know?
SIGN UP FOR A VPN BEFORE YOU LEAVE. KEEP YOU LOCAL BANK ACCOUNT BACK HOME.
SCHOOL SEASON IS NORTHERN HEMISPHERE TIMINGS. 2 MONTHS OFF JULY/AUGUST, 1-2 WEEKS AT DECEMBER, 2 WEEKS IN EASTER, PLUS ASSOCIATED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ASK IF YOU NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ELSE. SORRY ABOUT CAPS LOCK BUT I CANT BE ARSED TO SORT OUT FANCY FORMATTING
YES. BUT DONT DRINK AND DRIVE. I HAD A TW*T REVERSE INTO ME ON THE MAIN ROAD RECENTLY AND MY INSURANCE GOT HIT AS HE CLAIMED IT WAS ME THAT DROVE INTO HIM. ANY SNIFF OF ALCOHOL AND IT IS AUTOMATIC CAR IMPOUND AND 72 HRS IN SLAMMER. GET AN OVERPRICED TAXI OR A LIFT.
Are there bars?
YES
Cafes?
HAHAHA - YES ABSOLUTELY. LOADS. BUT DO CHOOSE WHERE YOU LIVE CAREFULLY. IF YOU WANT TO PM WHERE THE SCHOOL IS AND WHAT YOUR HOUSING ALLOWANCE OR PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION IS FEEL FREE.
Cinemas etc?
YES - although most nudity is skipped as is swearing - although the rape scene in one of the Batman movies was kept in.
Also, I am a keen sportsman, do you think there would be any problem in me looking to get involved with a local club for an activity to keep me interested in my spare time? I am a cricketer and a rugby player, is there any clubs you could recommend?
YES - MUSCAT PIRATES, ALTHOUGH THE SEASON HAS JUST ENDED. 47 TODAY! DEG C!
I understand that I will be transported to and from work. How easy is it to get around in my own time? Is public transport an option, or would you recommend buying a car?
GET A CAR. PREFERABLY AS BIG AS YOU CAN AFFORD. OMAN HAS HIGHEST PER CAPITA DEATH RATES IN GCC, AND I THINK IS NO3 OR STUPID IN THE WORLD. CARS ARE BIG, THEY GO FAST, THEY TEXT/CALL/DO MAKEUP IN 3 TON STEEL MACHINES AT 160 KMPH. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE IN THE WAY OR YOU WILL GET VERY HURT. BUY BIG.
Considering I will be so far away from home I would really like to be reassured that I could get decent quality internet connection for cheapish?
RELATIVELY DECENT - YES. HIGH SPEED? NO. CHEAPISH? NO. AFFORDABLE, YES. GOOGLE NAWRAS OMAN AND OMANTEL FOR THEIR WEBSITES FOR RATES.
Also, anything else you think would be useful to know?
SIGN UP FOR A VPN BEFORE YOU LEAVE. KEEP YOU LOCAL BANK ACCOUNT BACK HOME.
SCHOOL SEASON IS NORTHERN HEMISPHERE TIMINGS. 2 MONTHS OFF JULY/AUGUST, 1-2 WEEKS AT DECEMBER, 2 WEEKS IN EASTER, PLUS ASSOCIATED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ASK IF YOU NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ELSE. SORRY ABOUT CAPS LOCK BUT I CANT BE ARSED TO SORT OUT FANCY FORMATTING
May 4th 2013, 2:11 pm
#15
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: Ruwi Muscat
Posts: 1
Re: Muscat, Oman. Living and working there,
I have only just registered with Britishexpats
I have been exporting in the Middle East for about 26 years employed by a UK manufacturer.
However just recently I was offered a two your contract in Muscat with the client I have been involved with for this 20years.
I am looking to rent a small property hopefully semi furnished one or two bedrooms or even a self contained studio room as I am not intending brining my family out as it is not worth it.
Finding somewhere to live in Muscat rather than the normal hotel accommodation is a bit strange.
I don't know anyone can point me in the right direction or offer any advice it would be most welcome. I have emailed a number of property companies but they are not responding.
Thank you
Peter Dowdy
I have been exporting in the Middle East for about 26 years employed by a UK manufacturer.
However just recently I was offered a two your contract in Muscat with the client I have been involved with for this 20years.
I am looking to rent a small property hopefully semi furnished one or two bedrooms or even a self contained studio room as I am not intending brining my family out as it is not worth it.
Finding somewhere to live in Muscat rather than the normal hotel accommodation is a bit strange.
I don't know anyone can point me in the right direction or offer any advice it would be most welcome. I have emailed a number of property companies but they are not responding.
Thank you
Peter Dowdy