Arriving in Muscat, the airport is very comfortable, and we were able to get money out and get into a cab easily. It turns out that despite clear directions, our cab driver took us to the wrong hotel, and when he finally took us to the right hotel, he tried to increase the rate. With a little resistance, we did win. At the time, we thought he was trying to rip us off, but given how well the rest of the trip went, it might have been a genuine misunderstanding.
Unlike Dubai, we found taxis in Oman to be relatively expensive.
Taxis in Oman are much more expensive than in the UAE. In theory, at least, the airport taxis have fixed (not cheap) fares to different parts of the city. Taxis from hotels also charge a surcharge in comparison to flagging a cab down.
The problem is that taxis in Oman are not metered so the driver can decide what you pay. However, most taxi drivers are honourable and honest, but as a westerner you will not pay local/asian rates. We have lived in Muscat for almost 10 years and we never get in a cab without first agreeing the fare, if it is too high, wait for the next cab.
A simple solution to the airport and hotel surcharge is to walk away from the hotel and airport and flag a cab down on the road.
[Reply]
Ian replied on November 17th, 2008 8:54 pm:
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. At the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, we walked 5 minutes to the main road and the taxi fare back to town dropped substantially. However, at the airport, with a lot of luggage, it’s a little more difficult!
Ian
[Reply]
hi there,
i think you have mistaken after living so long in muscat that there are metered taxis…. called HELLO Taxi which are accuratetly metered and i foun they have better rates. they work 24X7 days.
Hello Taxi is more reliable and always on time.
you may call them on 24607011 or 24607012
peter.
[Reply]
I like reading your site for the reason that you can always get us new and cool stuff, I think that I should at least say thanks for your hard work.
– Henry
[Reply]
Wendy replied on October 24th, 2010 9:08 pm:
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you’ve enjoyed the site!
[Reply]
my name is ali. am ataxi driver .i speak english very well . am redy any time to any where … just call me 93381444
[Reply]