Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Oman uses 240V / 50Hz with mainly Type G sockets (the UK-style three rectangular pins); Type C is also seen. Bring a Type G adapter; travellers from 100–120V countries need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage.
- Voltage
- 240V / 50Hz
- Sockets
- Type G (Type C seen)
- Adapter
- Type G needed
- Most phone/laptop chargers are 100–240V and fine with an adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
The main operators are Omantel, Ooredoo and Vodafone Oman. Prepaid SIMs are sold at the airport and in shops, and registration requires your passport. 4G/5G is good in cities, but coverage weakens in the desert and mountains.
- Operators
- Omantel, Ooredoo, Vodafone
- Where
- Airport and shops (passport)
- Coverage
- Good in cities, weak in desert
- Registration requires your passport
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
Travel eSIMs are a convenient option in Oman: buy one online before arrival and install it in minutes, with no physical SIM or shop visit. Local operators also offer eSIM plans.
- Convenience
- Buy online before arrival
- Setup
- No physical SIM
- Local
- Operators offer eSIM too
- Check your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, malls and cafés across Oman. Use a VPN on public networks for sensitive tasks like banking. A SIM or eSIM is handy for staying online while touring the desert and mountains.
- Availability
- Hotels, malls, cafés
- Quality
- Generally good
- Security
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
- A SIM/eSIM helps for on-the-go essentials
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
Most apps and services work normally, but some VoIP calls (such as WhatsApp calls) have at times been restricted; the situation has been improving, though it can still be unstable depending on the place. If calling matters to you, consider preparing a VPN or eSIM in advance.
- General
- Most services work
- VoIP
- Calls sometimes restricted
- Tip
- Consider a VPN/eSIM
- Conditions vary by place and time
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Handy apps include ride-hailing like Otaxi and Marhaba, Google Maps, a translation app, plus contactless payment apps such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Download maps offline before heading into the desert or mountains.
- Ride-hailing
- Otaxi, Marhaba
- Everyday
- Google Maps, translation
- Payment
- Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Download offline maps before remote areas
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Oman's country code is +968. App-based calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime and similar) are common, though some VoIP calling has at times been restricted, so a VPN or eSIM can help. Save numbers in full +968 format so they work from any network.
- Country code
- +968
- Calls
- App-based common
- VoIP
- Sometimes restricted; VPN helps
- Save numbers in full +968 international format