Oman – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Oman, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Oman’s country calling code is +968. To dial an Omani number from outside the country, use your international access prefix (usually 00 or +), then 968, followed by the relevant area code and local number. The complete format is: 00 + 968 + city area code + local number.

Within Oman, landline numbers begin with the digit 2, whereas mobile numbers open with either 9 or 7. Unlike phone systems in countries such as France or Germany, Oman does not use a leading zero convention — numbers are dialled in their entirety after the country code when calling from abroad, with no zero to drop.

Oman has 7 area codes in total. The table below covers the regional codes relevant to areas where expatriates most commonly settle:

Area codes are not required when making domestic calls within Oman, but they do indicate the geographic origin of a fixed-line number. Muscat carries area code 24, Dhofar uses 23, and Al Batinah together with Musandam share area code 26. One interesting exception worth noting: calls between Buraimi in Oman and Al Ain in the UAE are handled as local calls, though specific dialling prefixes apply depending on which direction the call is made.

Who are the major landline providers in Oman, and how can you contact them?

Fixed-line services in Oman are delivered by Class I licensed operators including Omantel and Ooredoo Oman, as well as additional providers recognised by the TRA, among them Awasr. For the majority of households seeking a conventional telephone line, Omantel remains the go-to option.

Omantel holds the distinction of being Oman’s founding and principal telecommunications company, with the government retaining a 51% ownership stake. As the country’s longest-established telecoms provider, it delivers a comprehensive portfolio of services spanning fixed-line telephony, mobile connectivity, high-speed internet, and enterprise solutions.

Omantel’s fixed-line customers benefit from a flat tariff structure covering all domestic calls, with an unlimited local calling option priced at OMR 7.9 per month as of 2024 — visit omantel.om to confirm current pricing, as plans are subject to revision. Ooredoo Oman rounds out its portfolio with mobile, landline, and internet products for both home and business customers.

Awasr has established itself as a specialist telecoms provider in Oman, concentrating on high-speed fibre optic connectivity for residential, commercial, and government clients throughout the country. Although broadband is its primary focus, Awasr holds fixed-line access rights in areas where its fibre infrastructure has been laid. A full register of licensed fixed-line providers is published by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) at tra.gov.om.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Oman, and how can you contact them?

By the mid-2020s, Oman’s mobile market is home to three licensed mobile network operators (MNOs): the long-standing incumbent Omantel, Ooredoo Oman, and Vodafone Oman, which was granted its Class I mobile licence in 2021. Prepaid and postpaid plans are on offer from all three.

Omantel has earned Opensignal’s Consistent Quality award in Oman, posting a score of 68.9% — a measure of whether the network can reliably support the demands of common mobile applications at a standard users would consider adequate for typical data-intensive tasks. Omantel also holds first place in 5G Coverage Experience with a score of 4 points, ahead of Ooredoo at 2.9 points and Vodafone at 1.2 points.

Vodafone represents the newest addition to Oman’s mobile landscape, having officially launched its services in 2022. By March 2024, its subscriber base had grown by 42%, giving it approximately 10% of the overall market within just two years of operation. In major urban hubs such as Muscat and Salalah, all three operators deliver solid 4G performance. More remote parts of the country continue to face the infrastructure challenges common to rural telecoms provision, and signal quality may be less consistent outside populated areas.

Oman also hosts MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) including FRiENDi Mobile, which focuses on prepaid mobile services and offers cost-effective plans that may appeal to new arrivals looking for a flexible, low-commitment starting point. Always verify up-to-date pricing and plan details directly on each provider’s official website, since tariffs are regularly updated.

How do I get a landline connected in Oman?

Setting up a new residential landline in Oman is primarily handled through Omantel, the incumbent fixed-line operator with the broadest residential network in the country. Omantel provides a formal application process for new fixed-line connections, which can be completed either at a service counter or through an account manager. The steps below outline the process for establishing a new line:

1. Choose your provider: For the majority of residential addresses, Omantel is the main fixed-line choice. Where Ooredoo or Awasr fibre services are available in your area, these providers may offer fixed-line or VoIP-based connections as alternatives. Check each provider’s coverage map on their respective websites before submitting an application.
2. Gather your documents: Residents will need to present their civil ID (Resident Card). Visitors and tourists can use their passport for identification. Depending on the provider and the type of subscription, proof of address may also be requested.
3. Submit your application: You can apply in person at any provider retail store or service centre, or — where the option is available — online. Omantel applications can be initiated through omantel.om or at any Omantel branch. Bring original copies of all required documents.
4. Pay any applicable connection fees: Providers may levy an installation charge, generally in the range of OMR 15 to OMR 30, though introductory promotions for new customers frequently waive this fee (as of 2024 — contact your provider to confirm current charges, as pricing and promotions change). A refundable security deposit may apply depending on your residency status.
5. Schedule installation: Following approval of your application, the provider will arrange a technician visit to connect the line. Timescales can vary based on the infrastructure situation at your property. Request an estimated installation date when you apply.
6. Activate your service: Once the line has been installed, test it by making a call to confirm everything is working. Register for the provider’s online portal or mobile app to manage your account, track usage, and handle billing.

If you are a tenant rather than a property owner, it is worth discussing the matter with your landlord beforehand — particularly if any physical installation work is needed at the property. For the most current documentation requirements, reach out to Omantel directly or consult the TRA (tra.gov.om), which is responsible for upholding consumer rights across the telecoms sector.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Oman?

Acquiring a mobile SIM card in Oman is a straightforward and accessible process, with both prepaid and postpaid options readily available. One important distinction — standard across much of the Middle East and comparable to practices in countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia — is that identity verification is a legal requirement for all SIM registrations. Unlike some countries where prepaid SIMs can be bought without ID, this is not permitted in Oman.

All major telecoms operators maintain authorised retail outlets and dedicated customer service centres in most cities throughout the country, where SIM cards can be purchased with ease. SIM card kiosks representing the major operators are also found at the main airports, so getting connected the moment you land in Oman is entirely feasible.

For a prepaid SIM: Head to any operator store or authorised retailer. Residents should bring their civil ID (Resident Card), while tourists and short-term visitors can present their passport. Newcomers who have not yet received their residency card can generally register a prepaid SIM on the strength of their passport alone — a practical interim solution while waiting for residence documentation to come through.

For a postpaid contract: Postpaid plans typically demand proof of Omani residency, including a valid residence permit and civil ID. Some operators may also conduct a credit assessment for postpaid applications. If your residency paperwork is still being processed when you arrive, you will almost certainly need to begin on a prepaid plan and convert to postpaid once your civil ID has been issued.

The overall experience of getting a SIM in Oman is broadly comparable to doing so in other Gulf states, and generally less complicated than in parts of Europe where postpaid contracts may hinge on an established local credit history. Once your civil ID is in hand, applying for a postpaid contract in person at any major operator outlet is typically completed on the same day.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Oman?

The majority of phone and internet bills in Oman can be settled through digital channels. Every major operator has its own website and mobile app through which payments can be processed, and most banks allow telecoms bill payments through their own online platforms. Once you have a local bank account, managing your bills becomes a convenient routine.

The standard payment methods available from providers include:

• Provider app or website: Omantel, Ooredoo, and Vodafone all offer dedicated apps and web portals where customers can review bills, add prepaid credit, and pay postpaid invoices.
• Internet banking: The majority of Omani banks — including Bank Muscat, HSBC Oman, and National Bank of Oman — incorporate telecoms bill payments within their online banking services.
• In-person at operator stores: Payments for both mobile and landline accounts can be made at any official operator outlet or customer service centre.
• Automated top-up (prepaid): Prepaid customers can configure auto top-up through the operator’s app, buy scratch cards at petrol stations and convenience stores, or use ATMs to add credit.
• Third-party payment kiosks: Self-service payment terminals located in shopping centres and service hubs across Oman accept payments for all major operators.

Invoices are issued and expected to be settled monthly. Failure to pay on time can result in your line being suspended or disconnected. This is consistent with telecoms billing practices in most countries, but it is worth being aware that in Oman, service can be cut relatively promptly after a missed payment. Setting up automatic payments or scheduling regular reminders is particularly useful in the early weeks of settling in, when you may be juggling numerous new accounts simultaneously.

If you find yourself in dispute over a bill or experiencing an unresolved service issue, the TRA (tra.gov.om) offers a formal consumer complaints process and is the correct authority to approach when direct resolution with your operator has not been possible.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Oman as a newcomer?

eSIM availability

Oman stands among the first countries in the Middle East to officially introduce eSIM technology, enabling users to activate operator profiles directly on compatible mobile devices without needing a physical nano-SIM card. Omantel was the trailblazer, launching eSIM services for qualifying Apple iPhone models (iPhone XS and later), with eSIM profiles obtainable from Omantel retail stores and customer care centres across the country. Ooredoo Oman followed with eSIM support introduced for the iPhone 14 range. If your handset supports eSIM, enquire about digital activation when visiting any major operator store on arrival.

Network quality and 5G

Oman’s mobile networks span GSM (2G), LTE (4G), and 5G technologies across all licensed operators. The national 3G network was reported to have been phased out as part of spectrum refarming efforts to enhance 4G and 5G capacity, with the countrywide shutdown described as having concluded by July 2025. Most devices will therefore use 4G as the standard baseline, with 5G accessible in urban centres. Network speeds are generally at their highest in Muscat and Salalah.

Number portability

If you wish to switch mobile operator in Oman while retaining your existing Omani number, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) makes this possible. Submit a transfer request with your new provider, who will walk you through the steps involved. Any outstanding balance owed to your current operator should be cleared before initiating the port to prevent delays. The TRA requires the porting process to be completed within 5 working days, though in practice most transfers conclude within 24 to 48 hours — a timeline broadly comparable to number porting in many other countries, with the entire process managed in-store or through the receiving operator.

Keeping your foreign number

Porting a number from a foreign network into the Omani system is not possible — number portability here applies exclusively to numbers already registered within Oman’s numbering plan. If staying reachable on your existing number is important for keeping in touch with family or work contacts abroad, consider using a dual-SIM handset to run your home country SIM alongside your new Omani number simultaneously.

VoIP and internet calling

Towards the end of 2024, local media reported that users found WhatsApp voice and video calls working without the need for a VPN, though no formal official statement accompanied these reports. The regulatory stance on consumer VoIP applications has shifted in Oman over recent years. It is worth checking the current position with your operator or the TRA at the time of your move, as the rules may vary considerably from what you have been used to elsewhere.

International roaming

International roaming is available through all three major operators. Prior to travelling outside Oman, it is advisable to activate a suitable roaming package via your provider’s app or in-store to avoid unexpected costs. Partner networks and roaming rates differ between operators — consult your provider’s website for the latest information on covered destinations and bundle pricing, as these details are subject to frequent updates.

Satellite broadband in remote areas

During the mid-2020s, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband services received licensing approval in Oman, with the TRA’s Class I register including Starlink (Starlink Muscat) among its listed licensees. For expatriates based in or working from remote or rural parts of the country where traditional mobile and fixed-line coverage falls short, satellite broadband may offer a viable connectivity solution.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Oman?

No — number portability in Oman is restricted to numbers that are already part of the Omani numbering plan. Transferring a foreign number across to an Omani operator is not an option. A common workaround among newcomers is to use a dual-SIM handset, keeping their home country SIM active alongside their new Omani number until all relevant contacts have been updated.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Oman?

Residents must present their civil ID (Resident Card) to register a SIM, while tourists and visitors can provide their passport. For postpaid plans or landline subscriptions, some providers may also ask for proof of address. A prepaid SIM generally requires only a passport, which makes it accessible to new arrivals who have not yet established a fixed address in Oman.

Can I get a postpaid mobile contract before I receive my residency card?

Postpaid contracts ordinarily require a valid Omani residence permit and civil ID. Newcomers whose residency paperwork is still being processed are typically advised to start on a prepaid plan and upgrade to postpaid once their civil ID is available. This switch can usually be completed at any operator store in a single visit.

How long does it take to get a landline installed in Oman?

Installation timescales are influenced by the infrastructure already in place at your property and the provider’s current schedule. When you submit your application, ask Omantel or whichever provider you choose for a projected installation date. In well-served urban areas like Muscat, connections tend to be completed more quickly than in outlying or rural locations.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Oman?

Omantel holds the strongest overall coverage position in Oman, with Ooredoo ranking closely behind. Both operators offer the most reliable nationwide reach and are well-suited to users who need consistent service when travelling across the country. Vodafone is a competitive option in larger cities and urban centres.

Are eSIMs available in Oman?

Yes. Oman is recognised as one of the first countries in the Middle East to have introduced eSIM technology. Both Omantel and Ooredoo offer eSIM support for compatible Apple iPhones, enabling users to activate a mobile plan digitally without inserting a physical SIM card. Contact your chosen operator to find out which handset models are currently supported, as the range continues to expand.

What should I do if I have a complaint about my phone service in Oman?

Your first step should be to raise the matter with your operator’s customer service team. If the issue remains unresolved, it can be escalated to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the official body tasked with consumer protection in the telecoms sector. The TRA oversees the telecommunications industry under Royal Decree No. 30/2002, with a mandate covering market development, consumer protection, technical standards, competition, and service quality.

Is WhatsApp calling available in Oman?

Reports from late 2024 suggested that users were able to make WhatsApp voice and video calls without requiring a VPN, although no formal official announcement confirmed this. The regulatory environment around internet-based calling applications has been evolving in Oman. Check the current status with your operator or the TRA when you arrive, as the situation may differ from practices in your home country.