How to call Oman | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Oman from the United States is essential for many reasons, whether business or personal.

Oman has thriving sectors such as oil and gas, tourism, and logistics, making it a significant player in international business. Its rich cultural tapestry, showcased in traditional festivals, stunning architecture, and unique cuisine, adds an extra layer of cultural interest.

Understanding the nuances of interacting with Oman is crucial for nurturing relationships, and ensuring meaningful, successful connections.

Guide to calling Oman

Before dialing, check the rates your carrier charges for international calls to Oman. You should also make sure your connection is reliable to avoid any issues caused by latency or choppy voice transmission.

1. Check the time in Oman

Considering the time difference is important when calling Oman. The country operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4. This means Oman is typically 8–12 hours ahead of U.S. time zones, depending on your specific location in the U.S. and daylight saving time adjustments.

You should always check the local time in Oman to ensure your call is made at a convenient hour.

2. Dial the exit code

The exit code for international calls from the U.S. is 011, indicating you're making an international call.

3. Enter Oman's country code

Next, dial Oman's country code (+968) to connect your call to Oman.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Start with 011, followed by 968, the country code for Oman.

For a landline

Input the area code for the specific region in Oman you're calling, which can be one to three digits, followed by the seven-digit local number.

For example, to call a landline in Muscat with the local number 24643400, you would dial 011-968-24-643400.

For a mobile phone

Dial the mobile number directly after the country code, starting with 9, followed by the rest of the number, making it a ten-digit sequence.

For instance, to call an Omani mobile number like 992312345, the correct sequence would be 011-968-992312345.

Tips for a successful call

Before calling Oman, ensure you have a strong and reliable connection to avoid interruptions. Have a backup plan in case the call drops, such as deciding who will call back.

Understanding and respecting Omani business culture and etiquette is crucial for a successful call. Omanis value formalities and respect in business interactions. Begin calls with a polite greeting, such as "As-Salaam-Alaikum" (Peace be upon you) and use appropriate titles. Address professionals with their titles, such as “Doctor” or “Engineer,” followed by their surname.

Be aware of local holidays and events, which can affect business operations. Key holidays include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, during which businesses may close for several days. Plan your calls around these periods to ensure availability.

While Arabic is the official language, English is commonly spoken in business settings. Using simple Arabic greetings can help build rapport and demonstrate respect for the local culture.

Finally, be patient and flexible when conducting business calls with Oman. The pace of communication and decision-making may be more deliberate compared to U.S. practices. Allow for ample time and show understanding if discussions take longer than anticipated.

Considerations for calling Oman

When planning to make calls to Oman, consider several factors that can affect the success of your communication. These factors include language and cultural nuances, time zone differences, and call costs. By understanding these elements, you’ll have smoother and more respectful interactions with individuals in Oman.

Language and culture

The official language of Oman is Arabic. While English is widely spoken, particularly in business and tourism, being mindful of cultural sensitivities is crucial for building rapport.

Here are some common Arabic greetings:

• As-salamu alaykum: This traditional Islamic greeting translates to "Peace be upon you." It's a respectful way to initiate a conversation, particularly in formal settings.
• Wa alaykum as-salam: The appropriate response to "As-salamu alaykum," meaning "And upon you be peace."
• Sabah al-khayr: "Good morning."
• Masaa al-khayr: "Good evening."

Beyond greetings, demonstrating cultural awareness can make a significant difference. Oman is an Islamic country with conservative values. It's advisable to be mindful of topics that might be considered sensitive and to maintain a respectful tone throughout the conversation.

Time zones

Oman follows Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4. This means Oman is significantly ahead of various U.S. time zones.

Here's a breakdown of the time differences:

How much does it cost to call Oman?

Call costs to Oman can vary significantly depending on your service provider, the type of call you're making (landline or mobile), and the time of day. It's always best to check with your carrier for specific rates to Oman.

Carrier rates are especially important to consider, as different providers offer different pricing structures for international calls. These rates can fluctuate based on your plan, whether it's a standard pay-as-you-go model or a specialized international calling package.

Some carriers might provide discounted rates during off-peak hours or as part of a bundle that includes a certain number of international minutes. Review your carrier's pricing details and any available international calling options to ensure you get the most cost-effective solution.

The length of your call also plays a significant role in determining the cost. Naturally, longer calls will result in higher charges, so it's wise to be mindful of the duration of your conversations, especially if you're on a pay-per-minute plan.

The time of day when you make the call can also affect the cost due to variations in peak and off-peak rates. Calls made during peak hours, when demand is high, might be more expensive than those placed during off-peak periods, such as late evenings or early mornings. Again, this depends on your carrier's specific rate schedule.

By considering these factors and planning your calls accordingly, you can effectively manage your communication expenses while staying connected with individuals in Oman.

Make affordable calls to Oman with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Oman with confidence.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global calling, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication.

Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services.

Our elastic SIP trunking services make it easy to call nearly every country in the world. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of local phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective calling solutions with unmatched expertise.