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United Arab Emirates Entry Regulations: V isitors must hold a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of departure from the United Arab Emirates. 30-day visas are automatically issued upon arrival. A confirmed return/on-ward ticket is required. Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Americans. Climate: Summer is June to September, and it is very hot and has very little rain. Winter is from October to May. Winter is generally considered to be the better time to visit because of the more moderate temperatures. Currency: Local currency is the Dirham (AED). The Dirham is valued to the American dollar at a rate of 3.67 AED. As exchange rates fluctuate many times every day, this rate might not accurately reflect the rate during your trip. Please check exchange rates closer to your date of travel. Tip: To get more of a bang for your buck, watch exchange rates carefully and change your money when your currency gains on your destination’s currency. Electricity: 220-240V AC, 50Hz Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room. Language: Arabic is the official languages. English is widely spoken. Health Requirement: No vaccination certificates are required unless coming from an infected area. For all health requirements and recommendations, travellers should check with their doctors for change in requirements. Airport Facilities and Tax: The main airports are in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There is a departure tax of 30 AED at some airports; this is usually included in the price of a ticket. Shopping: As customs duties are low, luxuries are cheaper in UAE than in most places. Duty-free shops provide shoppers with incredibly low-priced goods at North American standards. Souk markets sell handcrafted goods that usually make perfect souvenirs. Cuisine: Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a wide variety of restaurants available. Everything from Middle Eastern to Thai food can be found. For more information please visit: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/290/country_guide/Middle-East/United-Arab-Emirates.html _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Oman Entry Regulations: Visitors must hold a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of departure from Oman. 1-month visas can be issued upon arrival, but it is recommended that travellers obtain their visa from an Oman Diplomatic Mission so they do not experience lengthy delays upon arrival. A return/on-ward ticket is needed to enter Oman. Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Canadians. Climate: Rain is almost unheard of in most of Oman, where the weather is hot and dry all year round. Inland temperatures in summer reach unbearable heights, and it is only slightly cooler on the coast, exacerbated by high humidity Currency: Local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR). The Rial is valued to the American dollar at a rate of 0.38 OM. US Dollars are recommended. American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are readily accepted in large shops and hotels and by an increasing number of traders in the souq. Most banks in cities and towns have ATMs. As exchange rates fluctuate many times every day, this rate might not accurately reflect the rate during your trip. Please check exchange rates closer to your date of travel. Electricity: 220/240V AC, 50Hz Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room. Language: Arabic is the official languages. English is widely spoken. Health Requirement: No vaccination certificates are required unless coming from an infected area. For all health requirements and recommendations, travellers should check with their doctors for change in requirements. Airport Facilities and Tax: The main airport is Muscat International. The departure tax is 5 OMR, but this is usually added into the price of a ticket. Shopping: Shopping in Oman is good. There are Western shops available and Middle Eastern Souks provide travellers with perfect souvenirs. Cuisine: Many cuisines are available in Oman. Many tourists dine in hotels in Muscat. For more information please visit: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/80/general_information/Middle-East/oman.html |
