Best currency and prices

Hi, we're booked onto Serena later this winter, we've been to Dubai and Muscat before, but are looking for some recent clarity.

what is the best currency to use in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Khasab, local currency or us dollars?

how much is a taxi to the sultan qaboos mosque in muscat?

is it possible to walk freely from the ports in khasab and abu dhabi to local city?

is the free shutle bus still available from dubai port to the small mall near jumeirah road?

ps any other recently experienced opinions are greatly accepted.

Also, is there an admission fee to the sultan qaboos mosque?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both in the United Arab Emirates and use the Dirham (AED). Muscat and Khasab are in Oman and use the Omani Rial (OMR).

It is always better to use local currency, of course.

In both countries credit cards are widely accepted, even in small shops, especially in touristy places.

ATM are widely available and you can draw local currency with any card that has the Maestro and/or Cirrus logo on it.

Nearly all places in Oman will also accept the AED, basically at a 10:1 exchange rate. (10 AED = 1 OMR).

A taxi from SQ port to SQ Grand Mosque is no more than 10 OMR. And that is the white-face rate. You should be able to negotiate a rate for 20 to 25 OMR (maximum) for a round trip and waiting time at the mosque.

It is good in any case to have a "local" with you when going there. You are les likely to be stared at. The mosque is open to visitors Saturdays to Wednesdays between 8 to 11 am only! The grounds and outside can be visited most other times (depending how the mood of the security staff is).

Unlike the mosque in Bahrain, where they are falling over themselves to show you around and give you a free copy of the Holy Quaran in any language you can think of, in Muscat they can be extremely standoffish and rude to non-Muslims who want to see the mosque independently. (This is NOT the norm in Oman otherwise!).

There is no entrance fee to see the mosque.

Remember to wear respectful clothing. No shorts for men.

Dresses / pants well below the knee for ladies. No bare arms or shoulders. Head must be covered ( a lose scarf is fine).

"Children under 10" are not permitted.

Thee are some very fine tour companies in Muscat that can be hired for private tours. Try Zahara Tours. (Website ist the company name in one word dot com). Good service and they make sure to collect and bring you back in time. (and they know the secret handshakes to get you into places).

If you plan to do any souvenir shopping in Oman, I'd do that in Muscat.

Khasab is a provincial backwater with not a lot to show for, shopping wise.

Wow, what a great reply!

Thank you so much for the detail youve provided, really looking forward to our visit.