Everything you Need to Know About Renting a Car in Oman

After visiting Egypt and Jordan last April, I always had the inspiration to visit the lesser-known middle eastern country of Oman. Oman had been know to truly be off the beaten path and somewhere that has little tourism, so of course, that drew my attention even more. During my time here, I found that best, and most affordable way to see Oman was by renting a car and road tripping. Taxis in Oman can cost well over $40 to drive one way for less than 15 mins, and there is very little public transportation here. It’s a no-brainer that renting a car is the best decision for your Oman trip.
Driving and renting a car in another country can be confusing or intimidating, but I promise if you read this guide, I will share with you the best company to rent with, plus tell you everything you need to know about having a successful car renting experience in beautiful Oman! For more travel advice to Oman, don't hesitate to reach out to me for 1:1 travel advice. 

Things you need to know about renting a car in Oman

A USA drivers license is accepted in Oman for Renting a Car
As long as you have your passport and US drivers license, they will accept it in Oman. There is no need to obtain an international license in Oman.

The best rental car company in Oman

Kish Rental is the company I chose to rent a car from during my 17 day trip in Oman. The owner is so nice and helpful. The prices for their car rentals are extreamly affordable, plus they will even drop off and pick up the car at your accommodation, making for an effortless process. They offer many good options for all ranges of budgets.

I had nothing but a good experience with this rental company. There are many rental companies, but Kish would be my best recommendation! Here is their WhatsApp (+968 7100 0620) if you want to inquire about your rental car in Oman.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Oman? 

If you choose to rent with Kish, you will find their prices to the best you’ll find in Oman. We were able to rent a 5 seater, small car for under $25 USD per day.

There are many types of cars you can choose to rent and prices increase as the car gets larger or has more features. If you plan on going into the mountains or driving to Wahiba Sands yourself, keep in mind you need to rent a 4x4. For what I did in Oman, I found having a regular small car was fine.

Kish Rental does not charge hidden fees. Upon arrival you will pay for the car, insurance, and an additional deposit fee that you will get back as long as you obtain the rules of the road (more info on this later in my post).

To fill up a 4 door car tank, it costs about $20 USD worth of petrol which is very affordable and cheaper than it would be in the states. The cars at Kish Rental are new models and well taken care of, so they have great fuel economy. You will not have to fill up the car often which is great! Don’t forget to always ask the rental company what kind of petrol the car gets prior to your trip.

Flexibility and freedom of renting a car in Oman

Diverse and Stunning Landscapes

One of the main reasons to embark on a road trip through Oman is the opportunity to witness the country's diverse and stunning landscapes without the overcrowd of tourists. Oman's terrain ranges from vast deserts, such as the iconic Wahiba Sands, to the lush greenery of the Salalah region, and the awe-inspiring islands off of Muscat. By driving through the country, you have the freedom of seeing the amazing historical sights and landscapes at your own pace, stopping whenever and wherever you please. As mentioned earlier, taxis also cost an arm and a leg. Renting a car will pay for itself quickly and you will get the best bang for your buck.

Is it safe to rent a car in Oman?

Absolutely, it’s safe to rent a car in Oman! The country as a whole is ranked one of the safest for solo female travelers. The kindness of Omani locals is beyond heartwarming. Additionally, all the roads are extremely well-kept and probably will be nicer than any of the roads in your home country. All of the signs are in English and the rules of the road are almost identical to driving in the USA. Other drivers are kind and not too aggressive. There was never a time where I felt unsafe driving in Oman or intimidated by other drivers. If you’re a slower driver make sure to respect the rules of the road and stay on the left side of the lane.

Be aware that the roads in Oman are actually operated electronically. They have speed meters EVERYWHERE. As mentioned above, upon renting you will pay a deposit for speeding tickets. If you receive speeding tickets, this will be deducted by your deposit, if you don’t then you will get the full refund. The speeding meters will charge 10 Omani riyals (approx 25 usd) per ticket. They will scan you starting 10 KMH over the speed limit.

Make sure you get a SIM card to use your GPS if the rental car you choose doesn’t come with navigation. Service in Oman will work virtually everywhere, so you won’t have a problem. Use my code ARIAHN516 for $3 off your airalo eSIM card!

Places you should visit during your Oman road trip

Below are some of my best recommendations of where you should visit during your road trip in Oman in order

Muscat

• Wadi Shab
• Boat tour to Daymaniyat islands

Bidiayh

• Wadi Bin Kahlid

Wahiba Sands: if you don’t have a 4x4, that’s okay. You can normally drive to a parking lot and your accommodation will pick you up!

• Book a one night stay in a luxury glamping tent. Check out my blog post all about this unique experience.  

Nizwa

• Nizwa Fort, Nizwa
• Jibreen Castle, Nizwa
• Nizwa Market

Back to Muscat

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

There's no better way to experience the captivating beauty of Oman than by embarking on a road trip through this diverse and enchanting country. From the awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history to the warm hospitality and thrilling outdoor activities, a road trip allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Oman. So, pack your bags, rent a car, and hit the open road for a journey of a lifetime. For additional help with planning your Oman trip or if you need 1:1 travel advice and help, book a call with me using this link.