International Calling
Reach family, friends, and business contacts in Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, and across Oman at competitive international rates. Connect in seconds from any device.
Oman
Country code +968
$0.80
Landline
$0.80
Mobile
~60%
vs retail*
Same per-minute Sayfone rate for landline and mobile calls.
Average call quality
*Illustrative savings vs 2.5× directory rate — not a carrier quote.
Simple steps
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220
min / month
~$39.20/min
~$29.60/min
~$17.60/min
~$4.00/min
$0.800/min
Annual saving vs. AT&T
Based on 220 min/month
GETTING STARTED
Calling Oman is quick and straightforward. No app downloads, no calling cards, no complicated setup — just open your browser and start talking.
Instant access
Visit the calling page from any device — phone, tablet, or desktop. No app install or account creation is needed to get started.
Dialer
+00 000 000 00
Type the Oman phone number using the +968 country code followed by the 8-digit local number. Our dialer validates the format for you.
HD audio from your browser
Hit call and you're connected in seconds. Enjoy clear audio quality and see your per-minute cost upfront before the call begins.
UNDERSTANDING COSTS
International calls to Oman often carry premium pricing due to the structure of the country's telecommunications sector and regulatory environment. Here's what drives those costs up.
Omantel, the dominant fixed-line and mobile operator, is 70% government-owned. This concentrated market structure limits price competition for international termination, keeping per-minute rates elevated for inbound international calls.
Oman imposes a 12% levy on gross telecom revenue — higher than typical GCC norms. This tax burden reduces operators' flexibility on pricing and gets passed through to international call termination rates.
Omantel historically held a near-monopoly on landline and internet services. While competition has grown in mobile, the fixed-line market remains concentrated, which keeps landline termination costs comparatively high.
International voice traffic into Oman is routed through tightly regulated gateways. The licensing framework for international gateway operators means fewer competing routes, which contributes to higher termination charges for calls originating overseas.
Sources
Supports claims about TRA establishment and regulatory structure
Supports claims about Omantel's government ownership and market position
Supports claims about telecom royalty levy and termination costs
ALTERNATIVES COMPARED
There are several ways to place international calls to Oman, each with trade-offs on cost, reliability, and convenience. Here's how the main options compare.
Traditional Carrier (AT&T, Verizon, etc.)
Major US carriers charge steep per-minute rates for calls to Oman. Rates vary by plan but are typically among the most costly options for regular callers.
International Calling Cards
Once popular among diaspora communities, calling cards have declined as hidden fees, connection charges, and expiration dates make true per-minute costs hard to predict.
WhatsApp / VoIP Apps
Oman has historically restricted VoIP calling services. While WhatsApp calling access has recently improved, regulatory uncertainty means these services can be inconsistent for reaching contacts inside Oman.
Browser-Based Calling (Sayfone)
Call any Oman landline or mobile directly from your browser. Calls terminate over the regular phone network, bypassing VoIP restrictions entirely. No app needed, no recipient setup required.
Bar lengths reflect relative cost tiers for each option — not survey percentages.
VOIP LIMITATIONS
Oman has one of the strictest regulatory environments for VoIP services in the Gulf region. While recent developments suggest loosening restrictions, the reality for callers remains complicated.
Sayfone calls terminate on the regular Omani phone network — landlines and mobiles alike. Because the call arrives as a standard phone call, it's unaffected by VoIP restrictions and doesn't require the recipient to have any app or internet connection.
The problem
Oman's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has historically restricted VoIP services, including WhatsApp calls, Skype, and FaceTime. The primary motivation has been to protect revenue for state-linked telecom operators like Omantel.
In late 2024, users reported that WhatsApp calling began working without a VPN. However, the TRA has not officially confirmed a permanent policy change, leaving the status uncertain. Apps that work today may not work tomorrow.
Even when VoIP apps work, both caller and recipient need the app installed, a stable data connection, and compatible devices. For calling Omani landlines or reaching people who don't use these apps, VoIP simply isn't an option.
Sources
Background on Gulf VoIP bans and their impact
COVID-era temporary VoIP relaxation
2025 regulatory clarification on VoIP apps
TIPS & TIMING
Oman runs on Gulf Standard Time (GMT+4) year-round with no daylight saving adjustments. Plan your calls around these time differences and cultural norms for the best experience.
Oman Time Zone
GMT+4 (Gulf Standard Time)
No daylight saving time
US East Coast → Oman
+8 hours
9 AM EST = 5 PM in Oman
US West Coast → Oman
+11 hours
9 AM PST = 8 PM in Oman
UK → Oman
+4 hours (winter) / +3 hours (BST)
9 AM London = 1 PM Oman (winter)
Account for the Split Business Day
Many Omani businesses follow a split schedule: morning work, a long midday break (especially in hot months), then afternoon hours. Schedule business calls during active periods.
Ramadan Hours May Shift
During Ramadan, working hours and social schedules shift significantly in Oman. Expect shorter business hours and plan personal calls for after iftar (the evening meal).
Use the +968 Format
Always dial +968 followed by the full 8-digit number. Oman doesn't use trunk prefixes for domestic dialing, so simply add the country code to the local number.
Greetings Matter
Begin calls with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) for a respectful start. Omani culture values courtesy and warmth in greetings before moving to business matters.
Patience in Conversation
Omanis tend to prefer a more measured, polite conversational pace. Avoid rushing directly to business topics — a few minutes of personal inquiries (health, family) are expected and appreciated.
Respect for Hierarchy
In business contexts, address senior contacts with appropriate titles. Decision-making can be slower as it often involves consultation with superiors, so allow for follow-up calls.
Sources
GMT+4, no DST
POPULAR DESTINATIONS
Whether you're reaching family in the capital or connecting with contacts along the coast, here are the most-called cities in Oman and tips for reaching them.
Muscat
Muscat is Oman's capital and largest population center. It's the primary destination for business calls, government contacts, and family connections. Landline numbers begin with 24.
Best time to call: 8 AM – 1 PM or 4 PM – 9 PM Oman time
Photo brief: Muscat Oman cityscape waterfront Unsplash
Salalah
Salalah is the capital of Dhofar governorate and Oman's second-largest city. Known for the annual khareef (monsoon) season, it's a key calling destination for families in the south. Landline numbers begin with 23.
Best time to call: 6 PM – 10 PM Oman time for personal calls
Photo brief: Salalah Oman green mountains khareef Pexels
Sohar
Sohar is the largest city in the Al Batinah North region and home to major industrial operations and a growing port. It's frequently called for business and trade contacts. Landline numbers begin with 26.
Best time to call: 8 AM – 12 PM or 5 PM – 8 PM Oman time
Photo brief: Sohar Oman fort coast Unsplash
Nizwa
Nizwa is the cultural heart of Oman's interior, known for its historic fort and traditional souq. Callers often reach family and cultural contacts here. Landline numbers begin with 25.
Best time to call: 5 PM – 9 PM Oman time (evenings preferred)
Photo brief: Nizwa Oman fort market Pexels
DIALING GUIDE
Oman uses the country code +968 and a straightforward 8-digit numbering system. There are no trunk prefixes — just add the country code to the local number.
+968 9XXX XXXX
+968 2X XXX XXX
| City / region | Code |
|---|---|
| Muscat | 24 |
| Salalah (Dhofar) | 23 |
| Nizwa (Ad Dakhiliyah) | 25 |
| Sohar (Al Batinah) | 26 |
| Sur (Ash Sharqiyah) | 25 |
Sources
Supports country code, 8-digit NSN structure
Supports number format details and prefix identification
COMMON QUESTIONS
Get answers to the most common questions about calling Oman — from dialing formats and costs to VoIP restrictions and time zone planning.
Have a question not covered here? Our support team can help.
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