THEN…
AND NOW…
Oman has come a LONG way in the past 40 years since Sultan Qaboos began ruling. That goes not only for education, industry and infrastructure but extends even to the simple necessities of life such as GETTING A HAIRCUT! There seem to be barbershops everywhere! Almost every barbershop in Oman has either Indian or Pakistani barbers (and the occasional Filipino).
When I was in Canada on vacation, I remember my 2 brothers, Mark and David, discussing a great deal in Terrace, BC for a $15 haircut. I told them that that is nothing compared to 1 RO (or about $ 3.20 for a haircut) here in Oman! Some things in Oman are INCREDIBLY cheap! Here’s another quick example of why living in Oman is awesome!
That’s 3.6 Omani Rials or about 11.5 Canadian dollars to fill up my tank! (And that’s “super unleaded”-even cheaper for “regular”!!!) With prices like THAT, you never have to worry if this happens…
Empty tank of gas?! At only $11.50 CAD, fill ‘er up!!! For those of you who are paying WAY too much for gas elsewhere…
The book of Revelation in the New Testament describes 7 seals which represent the beginning of Christ’s judgment of unbelievers on the earth during the Tribulation period. (The purpose of the Tribulation period is to punish unbelievers for their sin and rejection of Christ and to bring the remnant to faith in Christ.) The 3rd seal represents inflation and famine. “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:6) The balances or scales are related to commerce and trade. The word penny, better transliterated “denarius“, represented about one day’s wages. Wheat and barley were considered necessities of life. A measure was about one quart. The price given is about 10 times what was normal. The command hurt not the oil and the wine may indicate a restriction on the effects of the famine in this early part of the Tribulation. Here’s a must see video a friend told me about on facebook – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62Vsgl6SUZ0&feature=player_embedded
….OK, back to barbers in Oman…If you are looking for a great/cheap barber in Muscat, I highly recommend City Barber which is located on the way to Crowne Plaze. First, pass by the Qurum Natural Park and continue straight through the next roundabout. As you approach the next curve in the road (to the left), you will see this mosque (Abdullah mosque).
Turn right just after this mosque and you can find City Barber-next to Muscat Pharmacy, behind the Fisherman’s Lodge Restaurant and next to Qurum Clinic with Dr. Smita Lulla.
This is my regular barber! If you end up going here, make sure you tip well!!! Here’s today’s Bible verse on haircuts:
“Doth not even nature itself teach you that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?” (1 Corinthians 11:14)
21 responses so far ↓
Surekha Dhas // March 30, 2009 at 6:04 am |
Hi Andy & Che,
Your blog has been very interesting and informative as well… I will be relocating to Muscat around May 15th. You have helped me find a church to go and also lot of places to visit. I am from India, getting married and moving in there. God bless!
Thanks,
Surekha
andydbrown // March 30, 2009 at 7:24 pm |
Dear Surekha,
Thanks for the friendly comment! We are so glad to know that our website could be of some service to you. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and also on your relocation here! If you need any assistance or have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us at andydbrown@hotmail.com Hopefully we’ll see you and your soon-to-be-husband here in Muscat sometime in the near future!
MANY blessings!
S.Das // May 14, 2009 at 12:24 pm |
I am a bachelor. I will be relocating to Muscat. I am offered a salary of 700 R.O. with free Air Conditioned Accomodation & free flight home once every year. Is it a good salary to survive over there? mail me at sd_messo@yahoo.co.in
andydbrown // May 22, 2009 at 10:39 am |
It depends on what line of work you’re in and what your current salary is now. If it is more than what you are making at the moment, then I would recommond accepting the offer. Free accomodation is a very important point to consider seeing how rent can be overpriced quite a bit here in Muscat. I hope this helps you a little as you consider such an important career/life choice. Many blessings!
Behnam Kheradmand // July 31, 2009 at 11:48 pm |
1/08/09
I am an Occupational Therapist have been selected by a medical center in Dubai to join their branch in Oman with a salary of 5000 dm without any benefit someone please advise me about this salary and cost of living in Oman i have to join before 6 of this coming week thanks for your guidance waiting
andydbrown // August 19, 2009 at 2:37 pm |
Dear Behnam,
First of all, please forgive me for not replying earlier! I really think the medical center you are thinking of joining is really not offering you much at only 5000dm (That’s 500 Omani rials, right?!) Email me at andydbrown@hotmail.com and let me know more details and I’ll get RIGHT back to you. Blessings!
ionerenzo // August 19, 2009 at 7:24 pm |
hi mr. andy thanks for this informative site u have..
i would like to ask for your advise regarding oman salary bracket for profession like architect..can u pls give me an idea..thanks and more power..God bless you and your family
-ionerenzo-
Andy // August 25, 2009 at 6:15 am |
Dear ionerenzo,
Greetings! One of my good friends from the church is a Srilankan architect and I asked him about your question. Of course the salary will depend on your experience and education. In addition, they give out different salaries depending on which passport you’re holding. The lowest salary any architect might receive here in Oman (I was told) should not be less than 1,000 R.O. I hope this helps.
Sheila // August 28, 2009 at 4:04 pm |
hello its me again. thank you for the help you are extending me. i very much appreciate it. il be there on sept 4rth. im so excited. oman air will take care with our transportation from the airport to our accomodation. my only problem would be the food especially now that its ramadan. anyway, is your church near the muscat airport. i was told that we will live near the airport. i hope im not bothering you so much with my questions.
andydbrown // August 30, 2009 at 6:56 am |
Hi, Sheila!
Good to hear that you decided to take the job! Congratulations! If you let me and Che know when you are flying in, we’d like to be there to greet you (also in case your transportation doesn’t make it). Tell us this info through email if you’d like at andydbrown@hotmail.com Not to worry you, but there was one Filipino girl who showed up at the airport recently and was picked up by someone claiming to be her sponsor. They took her somewhere and she was raped. She went to the embassy of the Philippines but there was nothing they could do to help her. Asian ladies REALLY have to be careful in this part of the world-this type of thing is never reported in the newspapers for the sake of “image”.
Yes, our church is near the Muscat airport. That is the one in Ghala with church service on Friday mornings. There is also one in Ruwi with service on Sunday evenings.
PLEASE don’t think you are bothering us with your questions. We totally understand the nervousness/excitement/curiosity of coming to a completely new land and we only hope that we can help you as much as we can.
Ronnie // September 2, 2009 at 6:07 am |
I am a Chemical Engineer with 3 years experience. What is the minimum salary at musct of a Chemical Project Engineer with 3 years of experience?I am a bachelor. I will be relocating to Muscat. I am offered a salary of 700 R.O. with free Air Conditioned Accomodation & free flight home once every year. Is it a good salary to survive over there?
andydbrown // September 5, 2009 at 6:02 pm |
Hi, Ronnie!
It really depends on your previous experience, education and previous salary.
700RO would be considered too little for some and quite a bit for others. It is definitely enough to “survive” over here.
Hope it all works out for you. Blessings!
Azhar Suharwardi // October 24, 2009 at 4:38 am |
Hi Andy,
I am an MBA fresher living in India and I am being offered a job with a salary of 300 OMR.Whether this is with or without food/accomodation I do not know yet. Going through the above posts made me realize that this is probably not a very good offer. Do you think that one could survrive on that under a simple but decent life style.
I would really apprertiate the help.
andydbrown // October 25, 2009 at 7:03 pm |
Hi there Azhar
I think you better ask your potential employer what benefits come with the job. That will help you make a more informed choice of course. It really depends on how it compares with what you were making in India. God bless as you try to make such an important career choice.
Azhar Suharwardi // October 28, 2009 at 1:54 am |
Hi again,
Thanx for the interest. The employer, in addition to 300OMR is also offering free accomodation, a vehicle and medical facilities but no food expenses. 300OMR equals 36000 INR, which is more than what I expect to earn in India, as I do not have a job experience. So do you think I should accept the offer?
andydbrown // October 28, 2009 at 8:16 pm |
Hey Azhar,
Well from your own lips, you mention that it’s more than what you would expect to earn in India, so why not, right?! Why not get some overseas experience that looks good on the resume while enjoying life in this beautiful country.
Ultimately, it’s your choice and one you have to live with so may God bless you as you make this important choice regarding your future. Blessings!
Stalin // December 4, 2009 at 6:15 am |
Hi,
i have offer as Occupational Therapist in Muscat with 415 riyal and free accomodation .This is ok to serve life with my wife
andydbrown // December 6, 2009 at 3:31 am |
Hi Stalin,
It really depends on what kind of salary you have received up to now. 415 riyals would seem like a LOT of money to those earning only 100-150 rials in various jobs here. It would seem extremely low for others in more professional fields. The fact that you get free accomodation is sweet. I’m really not sure how much occupational therapists make in Oman so it would be good if you could find out from people working in that field. All the best!
Sajid Shaikh // December 18, 2009 at 7:13 pm |
Hi Andy,
i have been offered with a package of 900 Omr im an electrical engineer wid 3 yrs exp. actually i want to know at wat cost i can get a sharing flat and individual single bedroom flat and abt food and transportation expenses. can u pls help me in this matter
Syed Hasnain // December 18, 2009 at 10:05 pm |
Hello Andy,
Can you please advise if USD 9000/ month is a good salary for Sr. IT Consultant. I have been offered a Job in a Global Oil & Gas Company in Muscat.
I Will be moving from USA, also above salary includes the additional perks like housing, Medical Ins., yearly ticket back home, etc.
My concern is my kids schooling, I know if they go to American or British school it will cost lot of money, do you know is there a discount in those schools for an american citizen?
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Syed
Prabhakar mudgal // December 19, 2009 at 10:32 pm |
hello andy,
i got selected for the oman shapoorji company as a quality control/ assurance engineer in muscat. Its an construction company. They are offering me 375 rial omani per month..they are also providing a.c accommodation,food and other required utilities including transportation. Should i accept this offer and how much i can save from it. i’ m a bachelor and having a habit of smoking and drinking occasionally..