Kabayan! Please help.

No Problem dude.  Unfortunately, I do not have that much info for you since Im still here in Utah.  Although, from my past exp from my last deployment there in the lovely desert--the filipinos that I've encountered are really nicer.

Dre, salamat sa encouragement mo. I really did not have any idea about the high cost of living in Doha. I guess the positive about living in Qatar is less restrictive compared to Saudi when I used to work there. For me it's not a career move anymore since na veterano na ako sa position ko. It's all about $$$ and adventure. Do you know WorleyParsons in West Bay? That's where I will work if the compensation package will work out. Thanks all for your input, I think I will negotiate with the company to provide housing in lieu of allowance. Ingat lang igan.

Pre, maraming mababait na tao dito that are willing to give you concrete info.  I was also doing my research just less than a month ago at maraming tumulong.  Good luck! 

I heard the cost of living sa grocery is a little bit more expensiv than Cali kasi most everything is imported. 

By the way, is this a good career move for you? 

Thanks LupiN for your information.  Now I have a very good idea on the cost of living there..it's outragious!  If the company hiring me would provide my housing or an allowance of QR25,000, plus good base pay and other benefits then I may go.  I have lived in Saudi Aramco compound for 11 years and during the heated months we play tennis at night but still pretty hot.

A villa in a compound costs QR 15000 - 20000 that's really a big amount considering in the Philippines you could have your own condo for that figure.  Tennis Court?  I don't think you could enjoy that amenities if they have because of the temperature here, yesterday the temperature here is 39 C now its 34 C and dust haze the whole day.  Ooops don't think I'm spoiling you to go here anyway there are lot of kabayans here around 30000 not to be exact. 

Hi LupiN, thank you for comment. I am in the process of negotiating my total compensation package with this EPC company in West Bay and talking about housing allowance in addition to base pay plus other benefits. Knowing how costly housing is there, I think I'll shoot for at least QR20,000 TO QR35,000 for housing allowance only. I will be coming first as bachelor status, then with my wife when she decides she's ready after six months, so I maybe looking for a 2 br villa in a compound with tennis court and gym. Will the amount mentioned afford a nice furnished place?

Good evening there kabayan..

Just to confirm is that amount you've given your basic salary or the allowance itself for your accommodation, for us we're getting QR5000 ($1 = QR3.65) alone and it goes only for our flat rent a month. Are you a bachelor, how much you're getting now? If that's only your basic salary better go for company accommodation but not all company here giving a decent accommodation, ask your employer to detailed out what includes in their offer.

a fully furnish company housing. It is always a hassle here negotiating with the landlord. You never know what will happen next even if you have an active lease contract, he will find a way to raise your rental or kick you out of your flat if it pleases him:-(

"Fascinated with Supercars but can’t afford it yet, so I settle down for a humble Jeepney. Proud Noypi!"

Thanks abusami, wow! I did not realize how costly it is, knowing this I would have to negotiate with my potential employer to maybe they should pick up the cost of housing. What do you think is better... company housing or housing allowance?

for a house with your budget maybe you can get it but not to expect a good amenities or let say no amenities at all.

Dont you worry you will get use to it and by the way there are so many amenities in Qatar you just have to pay a few bucks for it.