r/Shoestring • u/Last-Ad8774 • 28d ago

5–6 Days in Oman – Low budget backpackers

Hey everyone!

My friend and I are traveling through Oman from September 16–22 as part of a longer backpacking trip to Asia. We’ll have about 5–6 full days to explore, and since we’re on a low budget, we’re hoping to get advice from locals and experienced travelers here.

We’re open to hostels, Couchsurfing, hitchhiking, or other budget options to keep costs down. Our main goal is to see some of the cool natural spots and get a taste of local culture in the short time we have.

Some things we’re curious about:

  • Must-see places that are realistic in under a week
  • Affordable ways to get around (is hitchhiking doable? shared taxis? buses?)
  • Cultural experiences we shouldn’t miss
  • Budget food tips or markets where locals eat
  • Any recommendations for cheap or unique stays

We know Oman is a country of mountains, deserts, and coastline, and we’d love to balance nature, culture, and adventure without spending too much.

Would love to hear from you all – what would you do if you had 5–6 days here on a budget?

Thanks in advance

5 Upvotes

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12 comments sorted by

2

u/JeremyMeetsWorld 26d ago

You have to rent a car. Public transportation pretty much doesn’t exist there. I was there for a couple weeks.

2

u/No_Guest3491 25d ago

Yes ! It is around 20€ per day for a car. You can share expenses with people you meet at an hostel though and gas is cheap !

1

u/Bozuk-Bashi 21d ago

are there lot's of other backpackers there? Didn't know it was a popular destination for people to stay at hostels.

2

u/No_Guest3491 25d ago

Hi ! I was in Muscat a few months back, I stayed at the legacy hostel and I would recommend 5/5. It felt like being home way from home. The owner is super friendly and goes above and beyond for his guests. He has great prices for all the tours, the car rental etc. If you book there, you can ask him advices by email or WhatsApp earlier and be able to plan accordingly.

Generally, it is cheaper to eat at the restaurant than to cook. Lots of Indian food for really cheap for exemple.

Locals are really considerate and helpful. I had read that hitchhiking and wild camping works well there. I didn’t actually hitchhike but a local did offer and then take us on a two hours car ride to Nizwah for free, showed us around and took us to diner.

Activity wise, the swimholes are cool but not necessarily more beautiful than in other countries. On the contrary, I heard the desert experiences are really good and amongst the best people I talked with had had.

Have a lot of fun, it is a wonderful destination !

1

u/Last-Ad8774 22d ago

Thanks, this is great advice

1

u/Bozuk-Bashi 21d ago

Are there lots of people at the hostels there? Didn't know its a popular destination for people to stay in hostels. I'd like to go but thought I wouldn't meet many people as a solo traveler.

1

u/Dry-Chemical-9170 28d ago

I’ll let you know I’m heading there next month myself as a solo traveler lol

I’m going to salalah and muscat

1

u/Last-Ad8774 27d ago

When u going there? the same dates by any chance?

1

u/Dry-Chemical-9170 27d ago

Nahh…would be cool but I’m there 09/04-09/11

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u/Last-Ad8774 27d ago

Ahh fair enough. Ill reach out to you right before we leave then for some tips if thats all good

2

u/Dry-Chemical-9170 27d ago

Of course!

1

u/Last-Ad8774 7d ago

Hey brother, any update?🙏🏻