Emergency numbers and help in Oman

The number

• It is 9999, four nines. Not 999 and not 911, both of which people try first and neither of which is the Omani number. Save it before you need it.
• Operators generally handle English.

If something goes wrong

• Have the insurance certificate ready. Private hospitals will treat you and bill you, and an unsettled bill can stop you leaving the country.
• Contact your insurer's assistance line at the same time as the hospital, not afterwards.
• A road accident: do not move the vehicles until the police arrive. This is enforced.

In a wadi or a flood

• Get to high ground. Do not cross flowing water, on foot or in a vehicle.
• Tell someone your route before driving into the mountains or the desert, and a time you will check in. There is no phone signal out there and no passing traffic to flag down.

On the road

• Fines are automatic and attach to the rental car, and then to you. Settle them before returning the vehicle.
• Do not drive after any alcohol at all. The offence carries imprisonment and there is no permitted level.